Bristol’s Working on Securing New Farmer

Plans are in motion to continue the agricultural tradition at Bristol’s Farm, hopefully in time for next season, David A. Bristol Sr. said Friday.

“We’re still working on it but haven’t signed a lease yet,” said Bristol, a member of Bristol’s Farm, LLC.

Since 2004, Wild Carrot Farm had leased approximately 10 acres at the farm, which is situated along Route 44 near the Farmington River. Earlier this year, Wild Carrot farmers Mark Palladino and Joanie Guglielmino announced they were moving to operation to a new location in Bantam for 2013 but would continue to sell at the Collinsville Farmer’s Market.

Palladino and Guglielmino could not be immediately reached Friday but sent this message to customers earlier this year: “We, along with our dedicated employees (past and present), thank-you for your support over the last 9 growing seasons and hope to see you often in the months and years to come.”

Last week, Bristol said it looked as if a new tenant would keep the farm organic but the management committee for the farm was still deciding among a couple of potential tenants. Friday he said there was still no final agreement. 

"We're hoping this is in place for this coming season," Bristol said. 

Bristol said the property has been in the family since 1884 and was farmed even earlier.