Massaro Community Farm Recognized for Agricultural Innovation and Environmental Stewardship

Massaro Community Farm is proud to announce a trio of recent honors that highlight the farm’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

First, Executive Director Steve Munno and Massaro Community Farm were awarded the 2025 Norma O’Leary Award for Excellence in Agriculture Innovation by the Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. (CT RC&D). The award recognizes outstanding efforts in advancing climate-smart farming practices. Massaro was celebrated for its innovative use of permanent raised beds with living pathways—a no-till method that improves soil health, boosts crop resilience, and reduces environmental impact.

In addition to this agricultural recognition, Massaro has earned two prestigious ecological designations:

• Certified Firefly Habitat by Firefly Conservation and Research, acknowledging the farm’s efforts to create and maintain dark, chemical-free, firefly-friendly environments.
• Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, recognizing Massaro’s commitment to providing food, water, cover, and space for local wildlife to thrive.

“These accolades reflect our commitment to not only growing food sustainably, but also ensuring our farm is a sanctuary for wildlife and a model for regenerative land use,” said Steve Munno. “We’re honored to carry forward a vision that blends ecological stewardship with community service.”

Massaro Community Farm operates as a nonprofit, certified organic farm on 57 acres of protected land in Woodbridge, CT. In addition to growing vegetables and flowers, the farm donates at least 10% of its annual harvest to local hunger relief organizations, hosts environmental education programs, and welcomes the public to its trails and events.

Together, these honors celebrate Massaro’s core mission: Keep Farming, Feed People, Build Community—while protecting the land and life it supports for generations to come.