Passionate Horticulturist Seeking Land (5-20 acres) for Regenerative Flower Farming in the Mid-Willamette Valley


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Land Seeker Description

Introduction: Hello! I am a dedicated horticulturist with a deep commitment to regenerative agriculture, looking to lease or partner for land use in the Mid-Willamette Valley. My dream is to cultivate a vibrant array of flowers and food, contributing to the local ecosystem and community through sustainable and organic practices.

Land Requirements:

  • Size: Seeking 5 to 20 acres, offering ample space for diverse flower and food cultivation.
  • Irrigation and Water Rights: Preference for land with established irrigation systems and legitimate water rights to ensure consistent and sustainable watering solutions.
  • Soil Quality: Looking for land with healthy soil, preferably untouched by chemicals or sprays in recent years, to support organic farming principles.
  • Infrastructure: Ideal properties would include a greenhouse, cold storage, and covered workspaces near the fields. Access to a bathroom is also important.
  • Flexibility: While I recognize that finding a location with all these features might be challenging, I am open to developing these aspects over time. My background and skills are well-suited to improving land infrastructure.

Background and Experience:

  • Education: I hold a degree in Horticulture, with minors in Organic Farming and Plant Health Management.
  • Experience: Over 10 years of experience in agricultural production, emphasizing organic and sustainable practices.
  • Vision: Committed to enhancing land health through regenerative practices, focusing on organic methods without the use of chemicals or sprays.

Partnership Goals: I am looking for a landowner who shares a vision for sustainable agriculture and is open to a collaborative relationship. My goal is not only to cultivate flowers and food but also to enrich the land, making it more fertile and biodiverse through my work.

Contact Information: Nikita Vincent | twig.bloomflowerfarm@gmail.com


What features of the property are essential?

Water rights, ensuring a sustainable and legal source of water for irrigation.
High-quality soil, indicative of fertile land for diverse crop cultivation.
An on-site private well, providing a reliable and controlled water supply.
Open fields, offering ample space for a variety of agricultural activities.
Land with a history of careful treatment, specifically free from pesticides and herbicides, to maintain organic farming standards.
On-site sewer facilities, for operational efficiency and environmental compliance.
Existing irrigation infrastructure, to facilitate efficient water management.
A barn structure, which would serve dual purposes for both event hosting and workshops.
Cold storage facilities, although not a deal-breaker, would be highly advantageous for produce preservation.


Describe your farming experience

I have been passionate about gardening since childhood, nurturing a lifelong interest in cultivating food crops. This early exposure led me to professional roles as a propagation manager in the recreational cannabis industry. My commitment to agriculture deepened in 2020 when I embarked on a formal education in horticulture, specializing in organic farming and plant health management, culminating in my degree in 2022. Concurrently, I launched my own micro-farm and initiated a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. This venture has not only honed my farming skills but also taught me the importance of building sustainable market relationships and understanding the community's needs.


Are you currently farming?

Yes

What are your short term goals for the land

In the first year, my primary goal is to establish a robust irrigation system and lay the foundational infrastructure necessary for efficient farm operations. For the second year, I aim to expand into additional markets and diversify the farm by planting perennial crops, alongside beginning to hire staff to support the growing operations. By the third year, I envision the farm thriving in various markets with a strong team of employees. Looking ahead to the fifth year, my goal is to develop the farm further into a space that encourages and supports new farmers, offering them opportunities to gain hands-on farming experience.


What are your long term goals

In the long term, I envision the farm operating at full capacity, utilizing all 20 acres, with a dedicated and skilled team of employees. A significant part of this vision includes establishing an educational space, fostering learning and growth for aspiring farmers. Additionally, I aim to create a dedicated area for emerging small-scale farmers, particularly focusing on those interested in flower cultivation. This initiative will not only support the growth of flower farmers but also provide a vibrant hub for florists in the Mid-Willamette Valley, contributing to a flourishing local floral industry.


Describe your housing needs

No residential housing is required, as I am self-sufficient in that regard. However, access to cold storage facilities would be highly beneficial for crop preservation and operational efficiency. Additionally, having a barn or similar structure on the property would be ideal for hosting educational events and workshops, aligning with my commitment to community engagement and knowledge sharing in sustainable farming practices.


What will you do as a farmer to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone on your farm and in your community?

As a multicultural woman deeply connected to my heritage, I am committed to fostering inclusivity and providing access to farming opportunities for underserved communities. My approach involves creating a welcoming space where individuals can connect with the land in a meaningful way, echoing the respect and care our ancestors had for the earth. I plan to facilitate this by organizing educational programs, hands-on workshops, and mentorship opportunities that are specifically designed to empower and uplift those who have traditionally had limited access to agricultural resources and knowledge.

Additional Land Seeker Details

Regions interested in farming:
5

Acreage desired:
5 - 10 acres, 11 - 20 acres

Seeking land access by:
April 1, 2024

Interested in raising the following crops / livestock:
Flowers, Orchard/Fruit, Vegetables

Interested in these business arrangements:
Lease-to-own, Lease with option to purchase, Lease for cash, Lease for trade, Partnership

Interested in these growing practices:
Certified Organic, Organic, Not Certified, Season Extension

Date when this profile was last modified or created:
February 26, 2024



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