Historically, Little Compton has been a farming community since inhabited by the Sakonnet Native Americans and later settled in the late 17th century by Europeans. Although there were few surviving farms by the late 1900s, in recent years the number of farms has grown significantly and now provide an abundance of products sold locally or transported to urban markets. In addition to farming enterprises, LC residents sell their own eggs, garlic, vegetables, flowers, and berries from driveway stands. We are fortunate to have so many farmers as our neighbors and so many neighbors who support local farming.

Yet purchasing land and attaining housing for farm families and farm workers has been a challenge given the real estate market, zoning requirements, and limited housing stock in LC.  Young farmers, in particular, have a steep climb to access the capitol needed to buy or lease land, earn a livable wage, and find nearby affordable housing.

The local organization Keep the Farm in Farm Coast is driving attention to the challenges faced by next generation farmers. Join their initiative to actively support farmers in Little Compton.

Inquire at Town Hall about the Planning Board's vision and efforts by The Housing Trust and Agricultural Conservancy Trust to address issues faced by our farming community. You can support our farmers by making your voice heard by town officials!

View the Little Compton Historical Society's 2021 exhibit titled Everyone Was a Farmer. The Little Compton Historical Society publishes and sells books on local history, much of it focused on aspects of the town's origins as a farming community.