11/09/2025
Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Spotlight on CT's Certified Organic Growers:
"Each month, we will introduce you to the people behind the certified CT Grown organic label. We’ll share real voices from Connecticut’s certified organic producers—short, honest reflections on why they farm, what the CT Grown Certified Organic mark means to them, and how your support makes a difference.
Their stories bring the mark to life — for their families, their communities, and the people they feed.
Introducing: Joanne Charon of Autumn Harvest Orchard in Norfolk.
Like many farmers today, Joanne did not grow up on a farm. Instead, her love for farming originated from working in the family garden, and positive experiences visiting farms in her youth which left her with a feeling that one day she would own an orchard.
After graduating college, Joanne served for over 25 years in the military. Upon retirement, she cemented her future in agriculture and made her childhood visions a reality by purchasing the land that is now called Autumn Harvest Orchard in 2000. At the time, the land was an abandoned cow pasture, and it took many years of land and soil restoration to establish the diversified, productive orchard. Today, the orchard consists of over 400 apple, pear, chestnut, and nectarine trees, as well as over 300 blueberry bushes.
In addition to producing organic fruits and nuts, Autumn Harvest Orchard also harvests a wide variety of organic vegetables and honey from their apiary of 10-12 hives. The presence of beehives ensures their orchard and fields are well-pollinated, while also providing the honeybees with a wide variety of organic trees and plants to collect pollen and produce honey.
Enhancing the ecosystem of the land is one of Joanne’s priorities, and she says, “As farmers we are committed to sustainable farming practices and to leave the land in a better state than what we found it in. Not only are we stewards of the land, we must work in harmony with nature and wildlife around us. This land continues to be cultivated and improved every year, and I am committed to finding natural practices to control pests and diseases, with the end goal of producing a great tasting and looking organic product.”
Did you know? Chestnuts are a nutritious CT Grown organic product that offer a variety of health benefits.
* High in fiber: Supports gut health and regulates blood sugar levels.
* Good source of protein: Essential for muscle growth and repair.
* Rich in vitamins and minerals: Including vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
* Antioxidant properties: May help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Search for “chestnuts” on the CT Grown Organic directory to find an organic producer near you."
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