Farm operation available – possible succession opportunity – eastern Connecticut

Notice: Looking for a Farmer

A well-established, small certified-organic farm in eastern CT is looking for a farmer to take over the growing operation and expand it. The total property, including woodlot and wetlands, is 32 acres, with 2-4 acres of cleared land, some already in cultivation, all protected by a conservation easement. It includes a small seed-starting greenhouse, small orchard, established grape vines, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and blackcurrants, a small barn with hay loft, chicken coop to house up to 28 hens, and 2 drilled wells plus a shallow well.

On-site housing for a new farmer is a 40′ fully furnished one-bedroom trailer in a private setting with electricity, water, septic system and well equipped kitchen (financial terms to be negotiated).

The current owners plan to stay in their house, which they have owned since 1996. The new farmer would own and operate the growing/sales operation and also receive part-time employment assisting the homeowners with property maintenance (hours and pay to be negotiated). This arrangement would work for an individual or (ideally) a couple, combining a conventional job and benefits with raising and marketing farm products. The current growing operation does not provide the equivalent of a living wage, but there is room to expand and the owners are willing to continue their investment in the farm’s infrastructure to help make it a viable business. This is a farm succession situation, with the current owners hoping to age in place, turning the farm business and ultimately the entire property over to a responsible grower with a passion for the lifestyle.

CONTACT: melindafieldshampton@gmail.com or turtleledge@charter.net