At Sunset Farm in Amherst, owners Connie and Bill Gillen have integrated the social fabric of community into the core of their farming operations. Located conveniently within walking and biking distance from the University of Massachusetts campus, this 10-acre farm specializes in vegetables and flowers, fostering a unique pick-your-own model that invites neighbors, students, and visitors to engage directly with the land.
The Gillens, who ventured into farming over five decades ago alongside their respective careers in psychology and architecture, draw upon a rich family history of farming dating back to the 1860s in Brooklyn, New York. Today, Sunset Farm is not only a testament to agricultural resilience but also a living museum showcasing functional farming history through its vintage tractor collection, including a Ford 9N from 1937 and a blue 8N from 1948.
Sunset Farm's unconventional approach extends to its crop management and visitor experience. With 100 labeled rows of crops and a golf cart for easy navigation, the farm encourages self-harvesting, supported by daily email updates from "The Gillen Collaborative" that blend agricultural education with social commentary. This communication strategy not only informs but also builds a sense of community among the farm's followers.
While the farm's produce range is extensive, with 800-1,000 tomato plants among other vegetables, it notably excludes common pick-your-own fruits like blueberries, focusing instead on watermelons and cantaloupes. This choice reflects the Gillens' commitment to offering crops that resonate with the diverse backgrounds of their visitors, including unique varieties that appeal to international communities in Amherst.
The social interactions fostered by Sunset Farm extend beyond the picking seasons, with events like the annual chestnut harvest becoming community traditions. Bill Gillen's philosophy that "nature has a schedule" underscores the farm's alignment with the natural rhythms of the land, inviting the community to partake in the bounty at its peak.
Aside from the pick-your-own experience, Sunset Farm maintains a presence at the Amherst Farmers Market, where it has been a staple for over 50 years, and operates a 24/7 farm stand known for its vibrant yellow hue and historic significance to Amherst's town common.
Read the full article on Amherst Bulletin.