Red Fire Farm Begins Building New Barn Following Blaze 

Community Appeal

Ryan Voiland says Red Fire Farm cannot remain financially sustainable without a new barn and farm store.

Red Fire Farm, a cornerstone of local organic farming and sustainable food production in Western Mass. and across the state, announced last month that construction has begun on its new barn and that a GoFundMe has been launched to raise funds and galvanize community support.

After the loss of its historic 100-year-old barn to a fire in February 2024, Red Fired Farm was left without the space to sell or distribute food to thousands of customers. Over the past 19 months, generous donations and help from local supporters have allowed Red Fire Farm to stay open and maintain its farm store in a temporary location, ensuring continued access to fresh produce for customers.

Last month, the farm announced the construction of a new barn on the farm’s existing property at 34 Carver St. in Granby, MA, situated on 25 acres of farmland. The farm has hired a general contractor, secured plan approvals, and poured the foundation for the new building. However, the total cost of construction is estimated to be $1.2 million. With funding from a state grant, the small amount of insurance, and the farm’s own investment, there remains a shortfall of more than $400,00 due to increased building costs. The farm hopes to raise $200,000 of that total via donations as, without this new barn and farm store, Red Fire Farm cannot remain financially sustainable.

“We are launching a community barn raiser to help us make this barn a reality,” farm co-owner Ryan Voiland said. “It will be the heartbeat for the future of the farm, enabling the farm to continue serving the community and feeding thousands of people throughout the state.”

“We are launching a community barn raiser to help us make this barn a reality. It will be the heartbeat for the future of the farm, enabling the farm to continue serving the community and feeding thousands of people throughout the state.”

Just over $58,000 had been raised at press time. Gifts of all sizes are welcomed. Supporters of the campaign can donate at www.gofundme.com/f/help-build-the-barn-the-new-heart-of-red-fire-farm.

“Despite the immense financial challenges, we are committed to building the barn because we know that this farm is vital to our community,” co-owner Sarah Voiland said. “We are a living example of what it takes to feed people locally and regionally, and we continue to farm against the odds of climate change and a broken food system that benefits large, corporate farms thousands of miles away. Our mission is to provide the most nutritious food to everyone, regardless of income, while supporting over 80 local jobs.”

Red Fire Farm is the second-largest CSA (community-supported agriculture) farm in Western Mass. and among the 10 largest CSA farms in the state. Through CSA pickups, farmers markets and the Granby store, food relief, and local wholesale, the farm serves more than 7,000 people with fresh produce weekly in locations from Western Mass. to Worcester to the Boston area.

The Voilands say the farm avoids harmful chemicals and genetically engineered seeds, instead prioritizing soil health and long-term environmental sustainability. Each year, the farm donates tens of thousands of pounds of produce to food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens.

“Thanks to Red Fire Farm I have fed my family healthy, local food, as have my neighbors and friends throughout the state,” said Andrea Wong, a CSA farm share member. “I am excited that we have a chance to be part of this barn building to create the future for the farm and our own food supply.”