A short overview:
We have a certified organic & cert. biodynamic farm,
permaculture style in south VA. We also have a garden center/organic grocery in the next town that purchases the bulk of production from the farm. We're also almost 60 and spread pretty thin.
We have had the pleasure (mostly pleasure) of incredible interns over the past many years, but it's time to explore other options.
I'm kicking around "leasing" a cottage & plenty of growing areas (acres) to someone or a couple. Hardscape is done, swales,
berms, terraces,
fruit trees & berry bushes etc.
The mechanics of such a "partnership" are nothing but endless possibilities. With the certifications, which are the farms certs, I would have to be involved to some degree of what is and isn't done. Obviously, the markets for the produce are in place & our reputation is solid. We're lucky enough to have a bigger demand than our current farm productivity. With my inability to be on the farm full time aka at the garden center, the farm is certainly not reaching it's potential.
My initial thoughts are along the line of the store buying from the leaser for it's current customers, we have established farmers' markets for them to continue selling to etc.
Endless possibilities....
Is anyone doing this? What is great & what would you like to change?
thanks for your thoughts and direction
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