Bryan

I'm looking for land upon which to grow perennial fruit and nut crops using agroecological methods.

Farming experience

6-10 years experience

Currently farming

No

Highest level of farming experience

Homesteading

Description of farming experience

I am in my sixth year of managing a third of an acre, converting sandy grass to an agroecological model of producing perennial fruits/nuts and annual vegetables. I use no-till methods and heavy mulching from on-farm inputs such as hay and leaves to preserve moisture to the extent that I do not need irrigation. I also have experience grafting fruit trees and supplying bareroot trees to a limited market.

Farming plans

Tenure arrangement desired

Collaborative model

Tenure arrangement description

I work best alone or in consultation with people whose skillset and work habits I know well. I am open to sale, lease, or a collaborative model, but because my desire is to work in perennials, especially nuts and fruits, I am looking for a long-term agreement. As noted above, I seek to grow in ways that do not demand irrigation or expensive infrastructure.

Planned farm enterprise: Primary

Perennials/Orchard

Planned farm enterprises: Others

Agroforestry, Perennials/Orchard

Written business plan

In progress

Business planning description

Currently, I supply friends, family, and neighbors with vegetables, fruits, and nuts. I also grow nursery stock, mostly apples, in a small plot to provide as bareroot trees. I currently have a full-time job as a teacher, therefore my business will not be my primary income. Meeting my costs plus a little profit on top is sufficient. I have completed the NOFA-VT Farm Beginnings program and, as noted above, I have six years of growing experience. Growing plums, pears, apples, chestnuts, and hazelnuts to maturity on standard rootstock is my goal to provide material for nursery stock and pick-you-own opportunities. Excess may be sold to cider-makers, to whom I already have several connections.

Farmer housing needed

No

Water source needed

No

Farm infrastructure needed

Barn/farm buildings

Description of infrastructure needed

Access to limited shed space on-site for hand tools, ladders, etc. would be helpful, but not necessary because I have a garage for storage at home.

Access to equipment needed

No

Additional information

I have grown up in Vermont and intend to stay here for the foreseeable future, therefore I am really looking to invest in a property for the long-term. I already have a house, therefore I do not need housing, but do need space to grow because I have overgrown just my third of an acre. My search radius is within Orleans County and eastern Franklin County.