Terra Madre Delegate Profile -
Mike Kanefer and Tony Norris
Urban Oaks Organic Farm, Connecticut

The site of the Urban Oaks Organic Farm originally housed a flower and produce stand established by Italian-born Odolfo Sandelli. Sandelli developed the business over many years and at its peak it consisted of seven green houses over 4 acres.

Although Sandelli's family tried to sustain the business after his death in 1977 (at age 88), their efforts failed and the property sat abandoned throughout the early 1980s. When Mike Kanefer and Tony Norris discovered the property they were determined to convert it into an urban oasis of organic farming and agricultural education. Mike and Tony brought a wealth of knowledge to the enterprise as they had been operating a similar farm in Bolton, CT.

The revitalized Sandelli property, designated the Urban Oaks Organic Farm, contains 250 varieties of quality produce, including tomato plants, basil, okra, salad greens, peppers, and specialty produce such as crone, a Chinese root vegetable. The farm sells its products to its visitors and to some of the region's restaurants, health food and grocery stores

In June of 2003 the city of New Britain was awarded an EPA grant of $60,000 to cleanup an adjacent property, which formerly housed a gas station and auto repair shop. The property is set to become a part of the farm as a year round retail outlet.

Written by Rachel Joynes