Community Rallies To Keep Beloved Greenwich Farm Alive

GREENWICH, CT — For Bruce Tretter, Augustine's Farm in Greenwich represents more than just a place where people can go and get fresh produce. It's a sanctuary away from the busy streets of downtown Greenwich and the traffic on the Merritt Parkway or I-95.

So after John Augustin - known as "Farmer John" - suddenly died last November at 81, his wife, Kathy, and a foreman were left with the tall task of handling all the farm duties.

A native of Westchester County, Tretter now lives in Hickory, NC. His late father and stepmother frequently went to the farm at 1332 King St., and Tretter first went there in the 1970s.

"Right after John died, and my stepmom found out about it, I went to visit Kathy at the farm and told her, 'We've got your back,'" Tretter told Patch this week. "My stepmom then called me and told me, 'Hey Bruce, can you help put a GoFundMe page together?"

The community is now rallying to keep the Greenwich staple alive.

As of Friday morning, the fundraiser garnered $10,300 out of a $30,000 goal.

"John 'Farmer John' Augustin, along with his wife, Kathy, spent more than 70 years tending the land at Augustine’s Farm and sharing the harvest with the Greenwich community he loved," the fundraiser's description says. "John’s recent passing has left Kathy with overwhelming responsibilities — keeping the farm running, managing expenses, and trying to stabilize during a time of deep loss. Your donations will help Kathy continue to run the farm in John’s memory."

As Greenwich's only working farm, it was founded in 1952 by John Augustin's parents.

The farm and store offer fresh-picked produce in season, fresh eggs and pure honey year-round, as well as pumpkins, cornstalks, apples and fresh cider during the fall.

In the winter, residents can find fresh-cut trees, handmade wreaths and poinsettias for the holidays.

"I think what the farm brings is reality — a change of pace that transports [residents] to a different environment and a frame of mind. As soon as you go from the residential area onto the farm property, you're really transported to a different environment," Tretter said.

"I think people really enjoy that, it's something people yearn for, and they get satisfied when they go there. They get fresh produce, they know who's growing it, and they know what goes into that. They see it, and I think it's a very fulfilling experience," Tretter added. "On top of it, you get some delicious food to eat when you get home."

Tretter said Kathy is "pulling the full weight right now" with handling farm duties.

"When a third of your support team is gone, that's a big leap," Tretter said.

Tretter noted this experience has forged a friendship with Kathy, as the two now speak regularly and exchange emails.

Another friend of Kathy's, Juan Benitez of Juan's Table, a Greenwich-based chef, has offered to help, too. Tretter and Benitez are currently in the planning stages of organizing a spring fundraising dinner at the farm.

"Personally, I think the farm is too important a resource for Greenwich to just let go. I think people agree," Tretter added. "People in Greenwich like to rally around people who need help, so we're giving them a good reason to do that."

To view the GoFundMe fundraiser, click here.

For more on Augustine's Farm, check out their Facebook page.