Located in South Glastonbury, Ahlberg Grassroots Farm is a family-run farm that has been actively growing veggies, fruits and other crops since the 1980s. Peggy Ahlberg is the "jack of all trades" on the farm - planning, planting, weeding, harvesting and using the products to make saleable foods. Her husband and their 4 children have embraced this passion and help with all aspects of the family-run farm. She shared her connection to farming by adding, “Putting my hands in the soil and growing and selling healthy foods plays an integral part in participating in sustainability-near and dear to our beliefs. I feel connected to my uncle and aunt who built and created the farm and know that we are carrying on a family legacy that will live on forever.” She also has help from friendly volunteers who harvest and weed.

A Veteran of the Army, Peggy was commissioned in ROTC in 1983 and served in the Army/Army National Guard from 1983-1990 as a transportation officer. She was in the SMP program in college and worked with an MP unit in the Rhode Island Army Reserve National Guard as well. She also ran for the National Guard Marathon team and represented the ARMY in the 1987/88 Ironman world championships in Kona, Hawaii. When asked what it means to be a CT Veteran Farmer, she replied, “I have longed to make a connection with other farmers and when I met members of the CT Farmer coalition, I immediately felt akin to folks who had so much in common with me. Genuine, kind, helpful and understanding farmers and incredibly welcoming.”

AGF grows seasonable vegetables, flowers, herbs and fruits. They also sell seedlings for consumers to grow their own! “Our mission is to grow the farm and expand our current production with hopes of one day being able to sell our pesticide-free products at local farmers markets and within grocery stores,” shared Peggy.

You can support Ahlberg Grassroots Farm by visiting their roadside farmstand located at 16 Miller Road in Glastonbury on weekends in June through October. By purchasing their products, you are helping them grow and supply even more great food to the community in the future!