From our farm to your family.
Four generations of fresh food, shared traditions & community
Idylwilde brings together authentic roots, immigrant heritage, and an unwavering commitment to quality—growing not just exceptional food, but a lasting connection between our farm and your family.
Our Story
A brief history of our fourth-generation, family-owned farm and market begins in the late 1800s with Italian immigrants settling in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Starting out, the Napoli family sold produce from a pushcart around Harvard Square, a humble beginning that grew through hard work and a deep respect for good food.
In 1925, the Napolis bought 30 acres in Lexington to begin farming, raising vegetables and building a reputation for fresh poultry—including turkeys and chickens—and farmstand shopping that drew customers from the city. They also made regular trips into Boston markets, building relationships and learning what quality looked like at every level.
After the unexpected loss of Thomas Napoli Sr. in 1964, the family faced a turning point, and in 1969 relocated to Acton, purchasing what was then a small, four-acre property and opening the business there. Over time, they expanded the farm to more than 100 acres, including additional acreage in Boxborough.
In 1983, the Napoli family built the iconic post-and-beam market that still defines the Idylwilde experience today.
The tradition continues as the fourth generation of the Napoli family leads a thriving local institution.
OUR PEOPLE —
Idylwilde Farm is deeply shaped by its long-standing relationship with the Cambodian community, which today represents a vital part of its workforce and culture. Many Cambodian employees are descendants of refugees who fled the Khmer Rouge genocide in the late 1970s and resettled in the United States through word-of-mouth networks.
In the mid-1980s, the first Cambodian workers found opportunity at Idylwilde, beginning a multi-generation connection that continues today, with three generations now represented and more than 50 Cambodian employees on staff.
Coming from agrarian backgrounds, Cambodian workers brought natural expertise in farming, produce handling, and presentation—skills that align seamlessly with Idylwilde’s commitment to quality. In return, Idylwilde offers steady employment, flexibility for family and cultural needs, and a supportive environment where language barriers are respected.
Warm, humorous, and deeply interconnected—our workplace culture is built on cooperation, respect, and resilience. Together, Idylwilde and its Cambodian community represent a powerful story of survival, contribution, and shared commitment to excellence.
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
From first jobs to first chances, Idylwilde Farm has
always believed in investing in our community.
GROWING FUTURES —
We’re proud to hire local kids, helping them learn responsibility, teamwork, and confidence—often at their very first job. Through our scholarship program, we’re honored to support their journeys beyond the farm.
GIVING BACK —
We partner with the Acton Lions Club and the Acton Food Pantry, support local teams and causes, and proudly serve as a home base for Best Buddies bike rides.
Our community has supported Idylwilde Farm for generations, and we’re grateful to return that support in meaningful ways. Have questions or want to submit an inquiry? Email info@idylwildefarm.com.