Westport's long-beloved Berry Hill Farm will live on under new ownership, after the Westport Land Conservation Trust and its new owners finalized a $1.3 million deal earlier this month.

Carissa and Adam Davenport, the owners of Town Farm Tonics, were the successful bidders during an RFP process conducted by the trust. They plan to incorporate the 42-acre farm's three acres of established blueberry shrubs and will utilize the remaining farmland to grow a variety of perennial plants, elderberry shrubs and medicinal herbs. The berries, herbs, and produce grown on the farm will replace outsourced ingredients used in their herbal products. They’ll be sold at the farmstand, in retail shops, and to other small business owners.

The Berry Hill Farm Conservation Project was a $1.3 million endeavor. The Town of Westport partnered with the trust, approving a $350,000 Community Preservation Act grant. Under the deal, similar to other farm projects coordinated by the trust, the town and trust will co-own a conservation restriction which preserves this farm, forest and wetlands in perpetuity. Additional funding was provided by a $350,000 grant from a local foundation, and many donors also contributed an additional $300,000 in donations to the trust during its 50th anniversary financial campaign.

Three generations of the Pierce family operated the farm for more than 40 years, and the deal ensures that its historic use will continue.

The new owners said they are excited to begin, and an open house will be held in August. 

“Our goal has always been to create delicious products with bioregional plants that connect people to the environment around them," Adam Davenport said. "Blueberries are an exciting addition to our farming operation.”

The deal is a great step forward for Westport, added the trust's executive director, Ross Moran.

“Affordable farmland is a critical need and the preservation of Berry Hill Farm also conserves key water resources flowing to the East Branch," he said. The trust is thrilled to partner with the town, and the community in supporting the next generation of farm stewards in Westport.”