Farming status:

Full time

Description of farming status, plans, and practices:

I am the owner and operator of an edible plant nursery Mandala Farm - www.mandala.farm.  Mandala Farm is a local regenerative agriculture plant nursery offering a wide variety of edible fruits, nuts, herbs, and vegetables, with over 15 different types of berries and other resilient plants and fun foods.  

Mandala Farm is a unique provider of specialty perennial edible and medicinal plants for progressive gardeners, farmers, homesteaders, and organizations. 

We are located in Staten Island, New York with satellite locations in Hopewell, New Jersey, in the Hudson Valley in Ellenville, NY and in the Finger Lakes in Wilseyville, NY. I am in partnership with 3 local landowners which support its operations, establishing perennial systems with fruit and nut crops.

In my agricultural efforts, I integrate support species, pollinator attractants, forageable bird crops, native plants, annual crops, and other short-term yielding crops while the longer-term establishment of the perennial system is developing.

While farming practices is a complex topic, I have always practiced organic or better
standards. My farming practices integrate techniques prioritizing water storage in the
landscape and efficient use thereof, breeding for resilient and desirable genetics,
appropriate species selection, etc. I integrate designs in perennial polycultures and practice holistic biological orchard management.

Description of marketing method:

B to B and B to C - farmers, landscapers, designers, land owners, consumers, etc.

Does this farmer have a business plan?

In progress

Preferred location:

Southeast, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster, Westchester

Desired acreage:

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

Primary crops:

Vegetables, Fruits, Other Crops

Description of livestock/crops:

Perennial fruit, nut, vegetable, herbaceous, and floral crops. Annual herbaceous, floral, etc support crops.

Tenure options desired:

Partnership, For Sale, Other Tenure Agreement

Description of tenure options desired:

Thank you for taking the time to read my description here.  I am looking for land for long-term development as perennial-based, multi-storied, polyculture cropping systems. I am open to working with an already-established farmer, in transition of ownership of the land.  This situation might be the ideal, actually.

I am definitely interested in land options which are suited towards developing on-site educational and agritourism so as to integrate with the surrounding community and increase awareness, accessibility. Would be helpful to have a commercial kitchen.

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

Yes

Experience & education:

Formal agricultural education, Farm management, Farm employee, Farm internship/apprenticeship

Experience description:

I am the owner and operator of an edible plant nursery Mandala Farm - www.mandala.farm.  Mandala Farm is a local regenerative agriculture plant nursery offering a wide variety of edible fruits, nuts, herbs, and vegetables, with over 15 different types of berries and other resilient plants and fun foods.  

Mandala Farm is a unique provider of specialty perennial edible and medicinal plants for progressive gardeners, farmers, homesteaders, and organizations. 

We are located in Staten Island, New York with satellite locations in Hopewell, New Jersey, in the Hudson Valley in Ellenville, NY and in the Finger Lakes in Wilseyville, NY. I am in partnership with 3 local landowners which support its operations, establishing perennial systems with fruit and nut crops.

I am a consultant for farm, land design, natural building, and landscaping projects and have helped to design and install projects in the Northeast. 

I breed certain species of edible plants for desirable characteristics and have served as a Program Leader and Board Member for 2 local non-profit environmental groups, educating people on ecosystems, flora, and fauna in our local ecosystems.

I owned and operated my own farm to table catering business for over 7 years and
developed positive relationships with many local farmers in my area.

In my agricultural efforts, I integrate support species, pollinator attractants, forageable bird crops, native plants, annual crops, and other short-term yielding crops while the longer-term establishment of the perennial system is developing.

While farming practices is a complex topic, I have always practiced organic or better
standards. My farming practices integrate techniques prioritizing water storage in the
landscape and efficient use thereof, breeding for resilient and desirable genetics,
appropriate species selection, etc. I integrate designs in perennial polycultures and practice holistic biological orchard management.

More information is available here:
https://www.mandala.farm/about.html