Rep. Jensen Tours Naugatuck’s Sunset Farm

During a tour of Naugatuck’s Sunset Farm, State Rep. Arnold Jensen talked with owners Kaitlyn Kimball and her husband Larry Passeck about their farm, its 3 locations in the state, access to farmland, legislation affecting farmers, and much more. Rep. Jensen serves as a member of the legislature’s Environment Committee.
The 3-acre Naugatuck location on Andrew Mountain Road is one of three parcels being utilized by Sunset Farm, and according to Kimball is the only farm in the borough. The farm leases the land from the town, and also leases farmland elsewhere, including 10 acres in Milford. As part of their commitment to the community, they provide food for both Naugatuck and Watertown public schools, operate a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and sell products at local farmer’s markets.
Kimball said that this is their 7th year operating the USDA certified organic farm, one of only two in New Haven county, and that they operate year round and employ 10 workers during the main season. Talking with Rep. Jensen, she shared her concerns about potential federal program funding cuts and their impact on Connecticut’s small farmers. She said that the legislature is currently debating several bills to assist farmers, including one to regulate agricultural land purchases. She noted there are also proposals regarding access to farmland.
They are currently growing arugula, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, and more.
More information can be found online at https://www.sunsetfarmct.com/




