Seeking Lease: ~ 1/8 acre or less in Portland Metro area to grow organic vegetables
Land Seeker Description
Hi, my name is Bailey and I am a 23-year-old recent college graduate and former farm hand seeking to lease ~ 1/8 or 1/16 of an acre in the Portland metro area to grow some organic vegetable crops. I live in NE Portland but do not have adequate space in my yard to grow enough to sell.I worked as a farm hand on a small organic vegetable and poultry farm in Yamhill and studied sustainable agriculture in college. I’m looking to get my master’s in horticulture at Oregon State in the next few years, but in the meantime, I want to improve my knowledge and skills and grow some vegetables for a little CSA program. I will be licensed under the name Good Moon Farm. I intend to farm this plot for 1-3 years and will convert the plot back to what it before was as best as I can when I am finished.
I’m willing to lease the land for cash or negotiate a partnership where I can supply the land owner with vegetables, or provide them with labor.
Timeline: ASAP (I would like to sell what I grow on this plot next summer). I would ideally be able to prepare the soil and plant cover crops, and garlic, this Fall, and begin farming the land in early 2024.
Crops I’m expecting to grow: garlic, head lettuce, mesclun mix, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, green onion, ginger, peas, various herbs, and others. All ORGANIC practices, no spraying or chemical fertilizers will be used.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thank you!
What features of the property are essential?
Water access, arable land/soil, flat/lightly sloped, unshaded, access to land in early mornings/evenings/weekends
Describe your farming experience
I worked as a farm hand on Santos Family Farm, a small, organic vegetable and poultry farm in Yamhill, OR for two seasons. I studied agriculture in college through the lens of sustainability and anthropology and have intensely studied market gardening on my own time.
Are you currently farming?
No
What are your short term goals for the land
I intend to farm this piece of land for 1-3 years. After which I intend to go to Oregon State to pursue my M.S. in horticulture.
What are your long term goals
I do not intend to be farming on the piece of land I'm seeking for the long term.
Describe your housing needs
None. I'm already housed in NE Portland
What will you do as a farmer to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone on your farm and in your community?
I will offer volunteer opprtiuntites for people of Portland to come and learn the various aspects of vegetable growing. I also hope to offer my produce at an affordable rate to allow people from more diverse backgrounds to purchase organic, local food.
Additional Land Seeker Details
Regions interested in farming:
Portland Area
Acreage desired:
Less than 1 acre
Seeking land access by:
July 1, 2023
Interested in raising the following crops / livestock:
Herbs, Vegetables
Interested in these business arrangements:
Lease for cash, Lease for trade, Partnership
Interested in these growing practices:
Organic, Not Certified, Dry Farming
Date when this profile was last modified or created:
May 19, 2023
