General degree - 2 permaculture design certificates
Other experience/agricultural/business training - sole-prop Permaculture design and implementation business - 4 years
Do you have a business plan?
No - pivoting with my original landscape design business plan
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
No - Developing a pitch deck to attract investors in future phases of implementation
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - A small business loan or possibly a grant to start, then pitch to investors to build out subsequent phases of the plan
Project
Farm Name
Project Joy
Farm Project Description
Looking for 2 - 5 acres, partially wooded or close to a natural forest, to create a food forest and teaching garden in a homestead setting. The demonstration garden is a place for homeschool groups and curious families to gather, learn and grow together. With three young children in tow, we are ideally looking for somewhere we can live and build on, to maximize the time spent growing the project. Rooted in principles of permaculture, with a Waldorf approach to education, we will offer programs to the community and sell the products grown. In the next phase, we would add a few unique elements creating a rentable micro cabin for short-term stays to increase cash flow and re-invest in the project.
Preferred Arrangement
Other - Open to whatever option makes the most sense
Duration of the desired agreement
3-5 years, option to extend or purchase based on outcome
Ideal date to obtain land by
September 2024
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
2-5 acres
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes - or with forest nearby
Cultivable Area (acres)
2+ acres
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - if extending the agreement, possibility to expand food forest
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Pasture, orchard or production garden area. Ideally ready to plant fall crops and fruit & nut trees, huge bonus if perennials or fruit & nuts already growing.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - Open to any situation that aligns with the project outcome.
Need farm buildings
Yes - Bonus if there is a tool shed, workshop or greenhouse.
Need fenced land
Yes - Bonus if already fenced but can also work it into the financials
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
About 20,000 gallons per week in the dry season, but also designing water catchment and storage system off available structures and planning earthworks to sink and store rainfall leading to a significant reduction of water use in subsequent years. Initially run an irrigation setup. Would start with 1/2 acre in phase 1.
Need on-site housing
Yes - We have three kids under 7 and want to shift to homeschooling through a Waldorf and forest school approach. This family integration is central to the business plan.
Production type
Vegetable - perennial vegetables
Poultry - Layers - Integrated into phase 1 with a chicken tractor for pest management and eggs
Orchard/Fruit - in subsequent years, especially year 3 onward, large variety of fruit, nuts and native berries - specialty cultivars
Mushroom - mushrooms logs integrated into the forest garden especially as tree canopy establishes more shady zones
Type of agriculture
Other - primarily organic, heirloom seed and experimenting with biodynamic practices
Soil needs
soil building will happen rapidly but starting with dark, loamy garden soil would be a blessing.
Will acquire commercial insurance
Yes - Farm insurance to cover both parties, in the event of an unforeseen disaster or any mishap.
