Tom Van Buren

Born and raised in Vermont, retiring from 30 year civil service career in watershed management and habitat conservation.

Farming experience

Less than 3 years experience

Currently farming

No

Highest level of farming experience

Worked on a farm

Description of farming experience

I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and served in the Republic of Niger Africa Food Systems Initiative, I have lived on a farm and restored farm buildings (and a chateau!) in southern France, and I am currently a (retiring) government practitioner serving municipal watershed management and habitat conservation initiatives. I love landscape gardening and designing and building human centered habitats for a sustainable environment.

Farming plans

Tenure arrangement desired

Collaborative model

Tenure arrangement description

Preferred option: Profit-Sharing Co-Venture Owner/Land Trust holds the land title and invests major capital (barn repair, equipment). The Farmer manages all day-to-day operations and provides the labor/expertise. Net profit is split (e.g., 70% Farmer, 30% Owner) until capital is repaid, then shifts to a 90/10 split.

Open to other options such as: Phased Enterprise Lease Separate leases for separate enterprises. Year 1: Hay Lease only (Farmer pays rent per ton harvested). Year 2: Add Maple Lease (Farmer pays rent per gallon produced). Year 3: Add Farmstead Lease (fixed monthly rent for quonsets/paddock).

Planned farm enterprise: Primary

Hay

Planned farm enterprises: Others

Maple, Perennials/Orchard

Farm enterprises description

Chelsea 124 acres

Enterprise 1: Regenerative Hay & Rotationally Grazed Livestock

Categories: Hay, Livestock, Perennials/Orchard
Model: Transition from conventional commodity hay to a premium-priced, high-quality product. Introduce rotational grazing of a small beef herd or sheep.

Enterprise 2: Climate-Resilient Maple & Agroforestry

Categories: Maple, Forest/Foraging, Agroforestry
Model: Reactivate syrup production, implement agroforestry practices to diversify income and strengthen ecosystem.

Enterprise 3: Specialty Cut Flowers & Value-Added Products

Categories: Cut Flowers, Perennials/Orchard, Homesteading
Model: Intensive cut-flower, fruits, and herb production, utilize CSA for consistent income

Written business plan

In progress

Business planning description

See critical review draft business plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DXOOi41MLr2rvTX7JOVFC5HLYR7nbGzM2CPH7plVvc/edit?usp=sharing

Executive Summary

This business plan proposes the establishment of a diversified farm enterprise on a 124-acre parcel in Chelsea, VT. The enterprise will focus on integrating livestock and hay production with maple syrup, agroforestry, and value added operations, aiming for both economic viability and ecological sustainability. We seek a farmer partner to co-create and manage this venture, ensuring alignment with our mission to strengthen the regional food system, enhance farm viability, and conserve the working landscape.

Farmer housing needed

No

Water source needed

No

Access to equipment needed

No

Additional information

Problem: This valuable 124-acre Chelsea farm, featuring 64 tillable acres, a mature maple stand, and essential infrastructure (barn/quonsets), has been dormant for two seasons. Without active management, the land’s productivity, soil health, and value to the community—as secured by VLT Conservation Easement—are diminishing. Furthermore, it is not contributing to Vermont’s critical need for climate-resilient food production and economic diversification.

Opportunity: By establishing a co-created partnership, this land can be immediately reactivated into a diversified, regenerative, and economically stable multi-enterprise operation focused on high value products and ecosystem health.