Autumn Harvest Orchards, located in Norfolk CT, is a Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) farm and apiary. CNG is different from organic, as Joanne explains, “Certified Naturally Grown and USDA Organic are both standards for food production that prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals including treated seeds and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, CNG does not allow hydroponics, radiated food, or long storage of produce.”

Joanne has been improving the soil and water condition of her orchard since she acquired the abandoned pasture in 2000. For over 20 years, Joanne has been growing healthy fruits and vegetables that are packed with nutrition and flavor that don’t have pesticides or herbicides on them.

With over 29 years of military service, Joanne has held many positions. She initially was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force, working as an Avionic Navigational Radar Specialist in Europe, United States and Panama. Years later she was commissioned in the Navy as an Aviation Maintenance Officer and completed numerous aviation assignments at Patuxent River NAS and Lakehurst NAES and retired as a Commander. “Farming is hard work but a lot less stressful than aviation,” she added.

When asked what it means to be a CT Veteran Farmer, Joanne replied, “As a CT Veteran farmer, we are growing CT Certified Naturally Grown produce that will help young children and adults to be healthy and achieve their goals in life. Healthy fruits and vegetables produce healthy children who will one day be able to serve our nation as doctors, first responders, Military Service men and women. Ask your schools to select CNG apples, pears and berries as part of their National School Lunch Program and Put Local on Your Tray.”

Autumn Harvest Orchard grows only CNG apples, pears, blueberries, blackberries, chestnuts, potatoes and other summer vegetables and harvests honey. The apiary is also CNG and all the bee supplements medications are OMRI approved.

You can support Joanne at Autumn Harvest Orchard by joining her CSA or by picking apples on-site from late July-October.