Mission Snapshot

Egremont Hill Farm, Inc. is a nonprofit organic fruit and vegetable farm in Egremont, Massachusetts. We deliver fresh, organic produce directly to local food pantries and community organizations throughout the Berkshires. With the help of friends, neighbors, and volunteers, we harvest apples, pears, vegetables, and more from our historic orchard and share the bounty with those who need it most. We also produce small‑batch baked goods and confections to raise awareness and support the planting and care of new trees. We are building a resilient, community‑rooted farm that honors its history while growing toward a sustainable future.

Quarter Highlights

This quarter marked major milestones in our transition from a family‑stewarded orchard to a fully incorporated nonprofit committed to food security, conservation, and community resilience. These foundational steps position us for long‑term growth, expanded programming, and deeper community impact.

• Egremont Hill Farm is officially incorporated as Egremont Hill Farm, Inc.

• Federal EIN secured: 41‑3048054

• Board of Directors and Executive Committee formally established

• First two grant proposals submitted:

  • SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education)

  • Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (submitted 1/20/2026)

• 12 new fruit trees purchased and planted at Ward’s Nursery (4/28/2025)

• Cottage Kitchen application submitted (6/5/2025)

• Website launched:www.EgremontHillFarm.com

• Investment of approximately $5,000 toward establishing 501(c)(3) status through Verrill Law in Boston

Impact & Operations Overview

Farm & Orchard Development

• Continued regeneration of the historic orchard, originally a dairy farmhouse and hayfield with several apple trees.

• Planted 12 new trees to expand future harvest capacity.

• Maintained and documented the 2025 harvest.

• Ongoing soil, tree health, and orchard rehabilitation planning.

Food Access & Community Support

• Produce deliveries continue to The People’s Pantry in Great Barrington, with additional partnerships in development.

• Active volunteer engagement with local food rescue and gleaning organizations, including Berkshire Bounty.

• Planning underway for farmers’ market presence in Summer 2026 to sell small‑batch baked goods and raise funds for orchard care.

Cottage Kitchen & Small‑Batch Products

Our Cottage Kitchen (license pending) will allow us to produce and sell seasonal goods made with organic ingredients. These products will support orchard maintenance, tree planting, and community food distribution. Approved items include:

• Organic apples (Cortland, Fuji, Honeycrisp), heritage crab apples, pears, peaches, grapes

• Organic vegetables (cucumbers, lettuces, gourds, sugar pumpkins)

• Baked goods & confections: apple pie, turnovers, applesauce cake, pumpkin pecan bread, seasonal muffins (including vegan), granola, maple fudge, and more

Organizational Development

Board of Directors - Executive Committee

• Susie Norris, President — Chef/Owner, Cookbook Author, Educator - brings 30+ years of stewardship of Egremont Hill Farm and deep experience in food, education, and fundraising.

• Natalie Epstein, MSW, Clerk — Social Worker, Therapist serving at‑risk youth - contributes clinical expertise, compassion, and a commitment to underserved communities.

• Charlotte Gordon, MBA, Treasurer — Marketing Executive & Project Manager - brings marketing, community‑building, and project management experience, along with ongoing MBA studies at UCLA.

Board of Directors - Additional Members

• Sam Epstein, MD — Critical Care Pulmonologist, University of Southern California

• Thomas Epstein, JD — Staff Attorney

Advisors Background

• Additional advisors include horticulturalists, arborists, designers, and agricultural experts from organizations such as Cornell University, UMass Amherst, Berkshire Grown, and the New York Cider Association.

Partnerships & Community Network

We are grateful for the growing network of partners supporting our mission. These relationships strengthen our technical capacity, community reach, and long‑term sustainability:

• People’s Pantry, Great Barrington

• Berkshire Bounty

• Berkshire Grown

• Great Barrington & Sheffield Farmers’ Markets

• Viridissima Horticulture & Garden Design

• Ward’s Nursery

• Race Mountain Tree Service & Konkapott Tree Service

• New York Cider Association

• Cornell University & UMass Amherst agricultural programs

• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA)

Financial Overview

Current Investments

• Approximately $3,400 invested in new trees and orchard maintenance

• Approximately $5,000 invested in establishing 501(c)(3) status and legal setup

Funding Goals

• Raise $25,000 to support start‑up costs and development of a five‑year Operating Plan

• Secure grants for soil science consultation, research and development, and harvest transportation

• Continue evaluating state programs such as MA 61A for agricultural/horticultural land use

Revenue Context

• Current regional apple pricing: $40–$55 per bushel (approx. $1/lb)

• Our 10 producing trees yield 2–3 bushels per tree per season

Programs & Planning

Grant Writing & Development

• Grant tracker established

• First proposals submitted (SARE, Fruit Tree Planting Foundation)

• Ongoing evaluation of additional grant opportunities

• Grant‑writing workshop attended (11/4/2025)

Upcoming Initiatives

• Attend the Maine Apple Festival in October 2026 for education and networking

• Finalize Cottage Kitchen licensing and water testing

• Launch farmers’ market presence in Summer 2026

• Continue orchard rehabilitation and expansion

• Develop five‑year Operating Plan (in progress)

Looking Ahead

Next quarter, Egremont Hill Farm will focus on:

• Advancing our Cottage Kitchen licensing

• Expanding volunteer engagement

• Strengthening partnerships with local food pantries and markets

• Continuing orchard care and planting

• Preparing for the 2026 harvest season

• Deepening our fundraising and grant‑seeking efforts

How to Get Involved

Egremont Hill Farm thrives because of community support. Together, we are cultivating nourishment, connection, and resilience in the Berkshires. You can help us grow by:

• Volunteer with harvests, events, or kitchen prep

• Donate to support orchard care and community food access

• Partner with us as a local business, school, or organization

• Follow our work on social media and share our mission

• Join us at farmers’ markets and community events in 2026