If you follow interstate 93 out of Boston to its Northern terminus in St Johnsbury, VT you will pass under some high ledges just before the final highway bridge over the Passumpsic river. On the gentle slope above those ledges you will find River Road Orchard, a newly established heirloom apple orchard, nursery and vegetable farm.
The farm is owned by Joseph Ferris, an avid cider maker and fruit appreciator who was a core member of the Farmers To You crew before leaving to pursue a career as an arborist.
The first acre of trees were put in the ground in the spring of 2015 and will begin bearing classic apple varieties between 2018 and 2021 for hard cider production, fresh eating and a selection of value added orchard products. In the in-between years the orchard ground is providing delicious vegetables including filet beans, peas, garlic, potatoes, and herbs. Though the farm is not yet certified organic, Joseph grows his produce with a devoted ecological consciousness and an exceptional standard of quality.
