Type of opportunity:

Sale (Standard), Sale (Owner Financed), Lease with Option to Buy, Business Partnership. More info: This is a unique opportunity to weave sustainable, regenerative land-use practices with a larger mission: empowering children without guardians (orphans, foster), with a nurturing home, supportive community and expansive learning opportunities. We intend to steward land with intelligent design-relationship, in the indigenous way. We would use what is known as "permaculture" and homesteading practices, interweaving intensive, bio-diverse market gardening and raising of animals. This permaculture healing farm would be the platform to support a children's home and learning center, proactively providing care for the children, teachers and farm staff. Purchase agreement or devoted partnership.

Equipment & infrastructure:

Well / Pond / Other water source. More info: None of these things are absolutely necessary, only very helpful starting perks. We can build up from what we have, and continue to become self-sufficient and bio-diverse. A house to start in and greenhouse would be very helpful, as would barn and fencing, but again, I am prepared to begin this project humbly. I am devoted to this plan, and have a supportive network and strategy to help move it forward rather quickly, once land is accessed. We do need clean water, and prefer spring or good well source, as well as running water on the land, like creek or river.

Current production on farm:

Woodlot or forest products. More info: I am not selecting any of these, as I don't want to rule out an opportunity for land. If the landowner read my description of intention, we can go from there. However, my vision is to plant fruit trees, grow a diverse array of vegetables and herbs, annuals and perennials, a natural aquaculture environment (pond ecosystem) etc. I selected as a "must" forest, because I am seeking diversity in terrain potential. I will want a portion of the total acreage to have access to wild - forest, mountain area would be great to have amidst flatter parcels. We will be needing hiking and horse trail opportunities nearby, and neighboring woods/mountain is perfect.

Current farming practices:

Biodynamic, Certified organic, Transitioning to organic, Ecological production but not certified, None, the property is not being farmed. More info: My team will transition our property into an all-natural, bio-diverse, permaculture space. It is not necessary for the property to already be practicing any kind of farming at all, but I do want to exclude properties that have been used for industrial, or other potentially contaminating uses. I also need to exclude properties that are downstream from farms using roundup and other chemicals. This is for the safety of our children and natural operations.

Previous farming experience:

Volunteer, Employee

Number of years experience:

5

Other qualifications:

Incubator program, Farm business training, Academic degree in agriculture or related field. More info: I have over 7 years of social service and community building experience under my belt, from working with equity startups and community centers in poverty-affected New Orleans, to founding a nonprofit in Western North Carolina. I have been studying farming and related subjects over the past 6 years, since my organic farm business internship in 2012. My professional network is dense with permaculture workers, herbalists, wilderness experts and foragers, homesteaders and natural builders. I have been receiving business coaching from local business advising programs, have a solid living business plan and frequently seek counsel from related organizations.

Production goals:

Aquaculture, Field crops, Flowers, Hay or pasture, Herbs, Orchard, Poultry (Broiler/Layer), Sheep/Goat (Dairy/Meat), Vegetable production, Woodlot or forest products. More info: Our goal is to be incredibly bio-diverse, and not only provide for our nutrient-dense food, shelter and recreational needs, but create a productive learning platform for an earth-based school. We will launch aquaculture, regenerative crop growing, foresting, animal husbandry, fruit orchards and more. We will embrace a living model for permaculture, indigenous lifestyle, which fosters symbiotic relations and sustainable/organic environments for the humans, animals, insects and other wildlife that live there.

Personal experience and production goals summary:

My diverse experience with community building, entrepreneurship, natural health, indigenous communities, elders, and children (including refugees, the under-served and low-income), has led me on a path of deep devotion to creating a living community of abundance, whose primary function is to provide for children without guardians.

My research has led me to strongly believe that with the right design of environment and opportunities, even the most "at-risk" children can lead lives which help to heal them from past wounds, empower them with skills and confidence to move forward, develop healthy bonds with others and lead fulfilled, happy, resilient lives. 

I am deeply inspired by established orphanages and other kinds of communties throughout the world, which are already implementing permaculture farming in order to support themselves. The lifestyle itself is incredibly healing, and would serve to benefit not only the children, but all who live, visit and participate with us. 

We will serve our community directly, as well as Western North Carolina, by various market, outreach and community building programs and opportunities. We will enhance the natural well-being of the environment, promote greener, sustainable and more conscious practices, create jobs, grow organic food and promote a healthy culture, for now and the next generations. 

Production Goals: 

• organic food growing - intensive market gardens (multiple 1.5 acre plots)
• fruit orchards and food forests
• hands-on educational classes
• aquaponics system and natural ponds, fish-raising
• goats, chickens, bees, etc.
• horses, mules, eventually alpaca
• earthbag (rammed earth) building techniques, and other earthen smart-designs
• permaculture practices, biodynamic experimenting goals
• spiritual, compassion-based philosophical foundation