About Farmsteads for Farmers

Berkshire Community Land Trust's Farmsteads for Farmers initiative was launched after local farmer Molly Comstock lost her handshake lease, home to her thriving CSA - Colfax Farm. It was a reminder of how fragile farming is when the land isn't secure. Off the Shelf Farm faced the same uncertainty, and the search for a permanent home led to River Run Farm.

Jane Iredale purchased the farm, restored the meadowlands by carefully removing invasives, and held it for BCLT to place in trust. She also invited Off the Shelf to start farming before closing.

With support from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Great Barrington voters through the Community Preservation Act, the Myrin Institute, the Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust, and many generous donors, BCLT closed on the farm in June 2025.

We're now raising the final $480,000 to pay off the mortgage. Join us to celebrate what we've done and help us finish the job!

Brunch Celebration of River Run Farm, the home of Off the Shelf Farm