Haverhill Farm Plans Apple, Peach Orchard with State Grant

Marlene Stasinos works the field at Silsby’s farm, 436 Salem St. (Courtesy photograph.)

A Haverhill farm is on the list to receive a $50,000 state grant for a new apple and peach orchard.

Marlene and Chris Stasinos, owner-operators of Chris’ Farm Stand, at Silsby’s farm, 436 Salem St., were named Friday to receive money from the state’s APR Improvement Program. The grant “helps sustain active commercial farming on land that has already been protected through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resource’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program,” according to the state.

“There’s nothing guaranteed on this grant,” Marlene Stasinos told WHAV. She explained the family must complete the project first. She said the farm has been operating 200 years, but her family’s history there is a bit more recent.

Chris Stasinos is a third-generation farmer. He started Chris’ Farm Stand in 1970 when he was only nine years old and began growing corn naturally on his grandfather’s pig farm.

“We’re a sustainable farm and we grow things naturally,” she said. Through a community-supported agriculture program, residents may buy a membership and become eligible to visit the farm stand one day a week during harvest season for a bag of fresh-picked vegetables. Those who want to learn more may visit a website at www.chrisfarmstand.com.

“Massachusetts’ agricultural industry provides important jobs within local communities and produces farm fresh products,” said Gov. Charlie Baker Friday. “Our administration remains committed to supporting the Commonwealth’s farms, and I congratulate the AIP Grant Program recipients on today’s grants and on their commitment to agriculture and the environment.”