L.E.A.F. (Lewis Educational Agriculture Farm)

The Lewis family farm, an 8th generation farm, has been producing high-quality agricultural products for over 230 years in central Connecticut. The farm's roots trace back to 1632 when William Lewis and his family emigrated from England to Massachusetts, eventually settling in the Farmington Valley area of Connecticut. Nathan Lewis, William's great-grandson, founded the farm in the early 1700s. Over the centuries, the farm has evolved from raising hay, firewood, and livestock to cultivating corn, hay, alfalfa, and dairy cows. By the 1920s, the focus shifted to vegetable and fruit production, including apples, peaches, and pears. The farm has adapted to various challenges, including World War II demands and natural disasters, and expanded its operations to include greenhouses and a retail farm stand. Today, the farm is operated by Mark Ramsay, a 7th generation Lewis farmer.

The farm has made a conscious decision to move towards more sustainable farming practices, aiming to eliminate the use of synthetically produced pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers. The farm raises vegetables for nine months of the year, utilizing both fertile fields and greenhouses. The Lewis Educational Agriculture Farm (L.E.A.F.) emphasizes responsible stewardship of the land and educates the community about sustainable growing practices through its CSA programs and farmers markets.

The L.E.A.F. promotes education through agricultural experiences, connecting classroom subjects to hands-on farming practices that are socially and ecologically beneficial. The farm collaborates with local schools and community gardens to enhance community health and sustainability. Contributions to the L.E.A.F. support educational programs, school gardens, and agricultural education opportunities. The farm also hosts an annual plant sale, offering a variety of vegetable, herb, and flower plants directly from the grower.