History and Philosophy:
The UMass Cold Spring Orchard is a research facility of UMass Amherst, is a place to buy delicious fruit, and is a great spot to enjoy a spectacular view of the Holyoke Mountain Range.
Located at the site of the spring that gave Belchertown its original name-Cold Spring-the orchard is on property that was once Hanifin Farm/Bay State Dairy Farm. When the University of Massachusetts looked to the research orchard on the Amherst campus as a site for new dormitories, the fruit growers of Massachusetts began looking for a new site for this important research. On December 28, 1961, the Massachusetts Fruit Growers' Association, Inc. completed the purchase of the Hanifin Farm. In June of 1962, the farm was donated to the University free and clear. J.W. Lederle, then president of the University, called the gift "a positive demonstration of faith on the part of the fruit industry, and confidence in further important scientific contributions."
Since that time, much research has been conducted, many students have learned fruit-growing practices, and many commercial orchardists have observed and adopted state-of-the-art management systems. The focus of the research from the beginning to the present, has been to find better ways to grow fruit in Massachusetts, including the testing of new varieties, the evaluation of more efficient horticultural techniques, and the development of more environmentally friendly management approaches.
