Producer
Brookdale Fruit Farm
City: Hollis, NH,
About Us
Brookdale Fruit Farm was founded in 1847 by Edwin Hardy and used primarily for subsistence farming. The next generation changed the direction of the farm by increasing the number of milk cows and starting a delivery route to Nashua. Each generation made changes to the farm. Harold Hardy left his mark on the farm and the town. After he graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1910, he planted the rows of trees to begin the orchards as we know them today. He kept the cows and started selling the milk to a dairy in Nashua. He also built a storage cellar for the apples and built a packing room, where the farm office is currently located. Later in the early 1940’s, he put in the first cold storage room on the farm. He also started selling produce to individuals, especially on the weekends when families were out for a ride. He also raised peaches, pears, cherries, strawberries, and vegetables.
In 2000 Brookdale was chosen as one of 5 recipients of the Ag-Earth Partnership's Millenium Farm/Ranch Family Award. The Ag-Earth Partnership is a coalition of more than 70 agricultural organizations and agencies. It highlights ongoing stewardship efforts that are helping America's farmers and ranchers contribute to clean water and air, healthy soil, sustainable forestry, improved habitat and open space, and a quality environment for all. Brookdale Fruit Farm has been protected for future generations through the transfer of development rights under the state Land Conservation Investment Program. It was one of the first orchards in New Hampshire to adopt Integrated Pest Management strategies to reduce pesticide use and enhance environmental quality.
In 2000 Brookdale was chosen as one of 5 recipients of the Ag-Earth Partnership's Millenium Farm/Ranch Family Award. The Ag-Earth Partnership is a coalition of more than 70 agricultural organizations and agencies. It highlights ongoing stewardship efforts that are helping America's farmers and ranchers contribute to clean water and air, healthy soil, sustainable forestry, improved habitat and open space, and a quality environment for all. Brookdale Fruit Farm has been protected for future generations through the transfer of development rights under the state Land Conservation Investment Program. It was one of the first orchards in New Hampshire to adopt Integrated Pest Management strategies to reduce pesticide use and enhance environmental quality.
Practices
Brookdale was one of the first farms in New Hampshire to adopt Integrated Pest Management strategies to reduce pesticide use and improve environmental quality. By using the IPM Program we are applying the least amount of pesticides and fungicides to still ensure we provide you with an insect-free and disease-free product. Brookdale uses global positioning technology and precision farming principles that reduce reliance on purchased fertilizers. We have served as a laboratory for numerous production innovations that have enhanced competitiveness of fruit and vegetables throughout New England.