Stamford's Fairgate Farm Receives Federal Grant From USDA

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford's Fairgate Farm has received an Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grant worth $283,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for an important project.

The funds will be put towards the farm's "Expand Stamford Urban Farming Impact," which will implement year-round crop production with a new greenhouse and hydroponic farm, along with a new transport/cargo van to expand educational, volunteering, and community-building opportunities.

The investment will increase food equity and expand affordable access to fresh produce to more Stamford residents, especially those in lower-income and underserved communities, Fairgate Farm noted in a news release.

Located at 129 Stillwater Ave.m, in the West Side neighborhood of Stamford, Fairgate Farm is among only 25 grantees of this grant and was selected from more than 300 applicants across all 50 states, Washington D. C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Fairgate Farm team collaborated with the city of Stamford in preparing this winning application.

"Obtaining this generous capital grant means that Fairgate Farm will expand affordable access to healthy, fresh food that is grown right here in Stamford," said Vincent Tufo, Chief Executive Officer of Charter Oak Communities, which is a sponsor of Fairgate Farm.

“The City of Stamford is fortunate to have a thriving, urban farm located in the heart of the city where residents can connect to the local food system while building valuable social and community connections," added Mayor Caroline Simmons in a news release.

Fairgate Farm is a volunteer-powered, organic urban farm that is part of the nationally recognized Vita Health & Wellness District.

In recent years, the number of volunteers and visitors to the farm has doubled with corporations, schools, and individuals logging in over 3,000 volunteer hours working on the farm, including through its full schedule of community events and celebrations, gardening workshops, composting classes, cooking demos, and annual festivals.

Volunteers also help grow and harvest fresh produce which they can enjoy themselves, share with their families, and distribute through the onsite farm stand.

The Farm Market (open from May to October) provides a retail option where patrons may purchase fresh produce at reduced prices from Fairgate Farm along with additional produce sourced from farms throughout Connecticut.

The remaining portion of the harvest is shared among local food banks and soup kitchens and with other community members in need. Additionally, in 2021, the farm’s ever-expanding composting initiative diverted over 30 tons of food waste from local landfills.

For additional details about Fairgate Farm or more information about volunteer opportunities and annual events, contact Farm Manager Pete Novajosky at FairgateFarm.com or email FairgateFarm@gmail.com.