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Aunt Karen’s Farm is a 75-acre rural site located in Central NY about 1½ hours west of Albany, 2 hours east of Ithaca, 3½ hours northwest of NYC and 15 minutes from Cooperstown. Aunt Karen, now a retiree from Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is looking to begin an agricultural program while  expanding the arts and education residency program, which has been approved by the IRS as a not-for-profit cultural & environmental organization.This is a small land management opportunity with the potential for multiple crops and small livestock.Our aspirations are to form a long-term working relationship with someone(s) who will develop the land into a profitable business, while exploring the nexus of the word “culture” imbedded in the word agri -“culture”. We are flexible and look forward to working with you on your ideas. Additionally, you might find a way to integrate with the cultural mission, options ranging from an educational CSA to a workshop on field to table cooking.

There is a mixture of land types offering multiple options. The farm has been fallow for 27 years, with no chemicals used other than applying lime to the hay fields twice. Prior to the 1980s the land was used primarily to raise horses and dairy cows, with limited vegetable gardening. Land usage programs may be reinstated fall of 2015 or upon finalization of an agreement. The space is ideal for establishing an organic farm. Soil sample reports are available. Some possible farm opportunities include:

• 13 acres in two separate fields: hay for sale or to feed on-site livestock; grazing pastures for sheep, alpaca, goats, chickens, ducks.
• 2 acres in the lower field: wild blueberries, blackberries and raspberries currently on the property; apple trees located on the field perimeters; grapes do well in the area.
• 24 acres in woods [mostly young deciduous]: timber; perhaps sugar maple to tap; Cultivating mushrooms.
• 16 acres in wetlands: educational programs on delicate ecosystems; indicator of water supply.
• 5 acres of non specific area: 25’ x 100’ enclosed with fencing measuring 8’ above and 2’ below grade; possibility to expand; potential for vegetable and flower crops or additional fruit crops.
• 7 acres owned by an affiliated not-for-profit which has a mission for land preservation: cultural or sustainable programs available for shared use by the Farmer; pollinator garden.
• 8 acres are lawns [surrounding various houses]: converting exterior spaces into living galleries.

Please send a brief concept paper stating your personal aspirations and experience in organic, permaculture, forest management and/or environmentally sensitive projects in a climate comparable to Central New York;

Preference given to concepts which include land preservation & aesthetic values;

Traditional land leases / rental agreements are appropriate; Non-traditional arrangements such as
profit sharing, crop sharing, joint-venture or another creative approach will also be considered;

Your length of term expectations: Potential start-up subsidy considerations for an initial short-term to establish business; Long-term commitment will require fiscal sustainability;

Send concept paper to: Noelle A. Fogg, Farmland Matching Service Coordinator, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, noelle.fogg@tufts.edu. Finalists will be invited to develop an RFP.