Farming status:

Full time

Description of farming status, plans, and practices:

We are looking for a location to grow food for Ganas, an intentional community in Staten Island that has been around for over 30 yrs.  http://www.ganas.org/   I have 15 years experience with no-till organic growing, Permaculture,  and Regenerative farming methods,  having started and managed three CSA's over that time. The ideal location would need some of the basics for production: enough acreage, good water source, etc., but even more important is the "social ecology". What this means is we hope to find a landowner who can see the value in supporting and being part of cooperative and community-based economic ventures in these changing times. The ideal situation would be a longterm partnership, or lease-to-own with a farm in transition, but we are open to a standard short or long-term lease in the right situation.

Description of marketing method:

We will be distributing the food thru Ganas community, thru a CSA, cafe, and other cooperative ventures.

Does this farmer have a business plan?

Yes

Preferred location:

Southeast, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester

Desired acreage:

1-5, 6-10, 11-20, 21-50, 51-100, >100

Infrastructure required:

Water access

Primary crops:

Vegetables, Fruits, Ornamentals, Other Crops

Primary Livestock:

Other livestock

Description of livestock/crops:

Primarily vegetables to start, but hopefully with the acreage we can expand into fruits, other perennials and various livestock.

Tenure options desired:

For Lease, Partnership, For Sale, Other Tenure Agreement

Description of tenure options desired:

Of course a long term lease, or lease-to-own is ideal, but we open to a more temporary lease to begin, if the intention is to consider a more long term arrangement if all parties feel good about it.

Will this farmer's operation qualify an eligible landowner for an Agricultural Assessment?

Yes

Experience & education:

Formal agricultural education, Farm owner, Farm management

Experience description:

I have started three different no-till CSA's over the past 15 yrs, two of which are still in operation with other growers.