MariMark Farm
Mark Wilson and Mari Princiotta didn’t set out to become farmers. Mark spent his career as a production manager in the oil and gas industry, and Mari worked as an engineer and commercial manager in telecommunications. But after years in their respective fields, they began to ask a deeper question: What do we want our future to look like?
“Farming seemed like a good fit—idealistic, maybe—but full of purpose,” Mark recalls. “So we retired… to farm.”
After living in Oklahoma, where quality produce often meant an hour-long drive, they sought a place where they could live more sustainably and closer to family. They landed in Tilton, New Hampshire—close to amenities and to some of their grandchildren. “We found a property with potential, something we could afford to buy and renovate,” Mari says.
What started as a small garden quickly became a way of life. “We were pretty green in the beginning,” Mari admits. “But after seven and a half years, we’ve learned a lot. The farm spans eleven acres, though only four are currently cultivated.”
Today, MariMark Farm is a USDA Certified Organic farm dedicated to growing sustainable food and building connections within the community. Mark and Mari don’t just grow vegetables—they grow understanding, participation, and appreciation for organic farming.
“We grow a wide range of fruits and vegetables,” Mari says. “Honestly, we haven’t met a vegetable we don’t like. But if I had to choose a favorite for versatility, it would be eggplant. It’s used in every major cuisine, and you can grill it, stuff it, stir-fry it, or even use it as a meat substitute.”
Tomatoes are another staple at MariMark Farm. “We grow heirloom Amish Paste tomatoes,” Mari explains. “They’re great for slicing or sauces. But for making sauce, we actually prefer a strain of San Marzano—it’s less watery and delivers a richer flavor.”
In addition to produce, the farm offers pasture-raised eggs, local honey, and small-batch jams made from their own fruit. Products are available directly from the farm at 125 Winter Street in Tilton and at the Bristol Open Air Market every Saturday.
“Farming gives us purpose,” Mark says. “We nourish our family, serve our neighbors, and care for the land. We’re persistent—some might call it stubborn—but we believe in the work we’re doing.”
That belief is rooted in a clear-eyed understanding of agriculture. “Living in the Midwest, we saw the effects of monocultures and conventional farming up close,” Mari shares. “Organic farming is about stewardship—caring for the living soil, the plants, the animals, the insects, and ourselves.”
What’s more, they’re lifelong learners. “We love learning—whether it's improving our farming methods, picking up a new language for travel, or diving into a new hobby,” Mari says. “We’re comfortable with change—seasonal change, life change, even learning from failure. It’s all part of growth.”
At MariMark Farm, Mark and Mari are cultivating more than food. They’re building a legacy—one rooted in sustainability, education, and community.