For 30 years I was the Extension Fruit Specialist with the Plant Science Dept. at the University of Connecticut. I worked primarily with commercial fruit growers, serving as information provider, but without a research assignment. Since retirement from the University, I have continued and expanded research I had begun in my “spare time” (Kollas Orchard) to augment my competence as Fruit Specialist.

Janet is a retired elementary school teacher from the Hartford, CT. area, who “always wanted to live on a farm.”

How does one go about making orcharding easy and successful? Our method is to identify specific factors that can contribute to success or failure; and then to make trial adjustments to currently accepted practices. Does the change produce the desired improvement?

We have three overarching goals:

• To be known for fruit with remarkably good taste.
• To identify improved production and marketing methods appropriate especially for a retail farming business on which the family itself conducts all, or nearly all, management and labor activities.
• To demonstrate that retail apple orcharding in New England could be a reasonable occupational choice for well-prepared men and women who appreciate the benefits to self and others that this occupation offers.