We are thrilled to share that Autumn Harvest Orchard, LLC was recently featured in CT NOFA’s “Organic Transitions” series, spotlighting farms making the shift to certified organic. CT NOFA
As a veteran-owned orchard farm in Norfolk, CT, our journey toward full organic certification has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. The feature underscores our commitment to growing a large variety of apples, pears, chestnut, and nectarines, along with blueberries, vegetables, and more.
Our Roots & Early Practices
Autumn Harvest Orchard was founded in 2000, on land that had contractual restrictions against pesticide and herbicide use. From the start, we were drawn to ecologically responsible growing methods, leading us to adopt Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) practices for many years.
However, over time we recognized that CNG — though meaningful — lacked the recognition and structural advantages of USDA Certified Organic. It sometimes put us at a disadvantage, especially when customers and markets increasingly requested certified organic produce.
Transitioning via CT NOFA & TOPP
Through CT NOFA’s TOPP (Transition to Organic Partnership Program), we received essential mentorship, technical assistance, help with field acreage reporting, and support through the application process.
The path hasn’t been easy. In the Northeast, organic fruit growing brings extra challenges:
- High humidity and frequent rainfall
- Pests like plum curculio, which are more common in this region
- Diseases such as fire blight that affect apples and pears
But we persisted. The reward is not only certification — it’s being able to offer our community locally grown, fully certified organic produce — something that, as we see it, is profoundly different than conventional supermarket fare.
What It Means For You (Our Community & Customers)
By becoming certified organic, we’re able to:
- Offer assurance that our fruits, berries, vegetables, and more are grown under rigorous standards
- Support soil health and ecological biodiversity
- Provide a choice: truly local, organic, nutrient-dense produce
We hope that our journey encourages others — farmers, gardeners, consumers — to embrace sustainable, regenerative practices.
With Gratitude
A special thanks to CT NOFA, TOPP mentors, supporters, and you — our customers and community — for believing in us. This milestone isn’t ours alone; it belongs to the many hands, hearts, and minds that have supported Autumn Harvest.
What’s Next?
We look forward to continuing to grow, learn, and share. Please visit us (in season), join our CSA program (June–August), and stay connected through our website and blog. We invite you to read the full CT NOFA feature here: Organic Transitions: Joanne Charon and Autumn Harvest Orchard. CT NOFA
Thank you for your support as we move forward on this organic journey.
