Farmer Profile for Sydonia Axis

Please describe your past and/or present farming experience

I started farming nine years ago with a desire to learn about sustainability and self-reliance. I spent eight summers working on Greenview Farm in Wakefield, Rhode Island where I learned about proper USDA organic protocols, field preparation, greenhouse management, pest control, field maintenance, proper harvesting, washing and bunching for market-ready produce, gained experience building greenhouses and hoop houses, setting up and using irrigation, and experience setting up and working CSA market stands and farmer’s markets. For years I have been making my own personal body and home care products. Using natural ingredients, I created my own recipes that were simple and effective. I started my herbal farm business Seaside Botanicals three years ago as a collection of all-natural herbal home and body care products. Over the past year the focus has shifted towards a collection of herbal medicines. I grow all the herbs I use in my products, and dry and package them in small batches in my farm studio. I have been selling at farmer's markets for the past three years, and this past year ran a successful herbal CSA.

Are you currently farming?

Yes

Are you interested in connecting with other farmers to explore collocation or collaborative farm ideas?

Yes

Counties being considered

Washington

What is the primary agricultural enterprise you are considering?

Herbs

What other enterprises are you considering?

Flowers
Greenhouse
Row Crops

Total Acres Desired

1.0

Organic

Yes

Farm Structures Needed

Greenhouses
Other Housing

Farmhouse Needed

Yes

Equipment Needed

A wheelbarrow or cart and a water source

Which of the following arrangements are you considering?

Long-Term Lease
Short-Term Lease
Work to Own (Gradual Transfer of Responsibility & Farm Assets)

Are you interested in conserved farms?

Yes

Do you have a business plan? Please write an informative description of your vision & goals for your farming future.

I am moving to Vermont to do a three year program at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism starting this year. I am looking for a two bedroom farm apartment in (or as close to) Montpellier where I can live and run my business, with an accompanying plot of land to grow my herbs. I currently farm on just under an acre, and have a few tools I will bring with me. I have a growing herbal farm business with a strong following. I have a website for direct sales and a handful of wholesale accounts, and I plan to sell at the Capital City Farmer's Market and start an herbal CSA program within the Montpellier community. I also plan to get more wholesale accounts in and around Montpellier.