Type of opportunity:

Lease (5+ Years), Lease with Option to Buy, Business Partnership. More info: Hello. We are a woman-owned, sustainable, zero-waste farming partnership of three people. We are looking for an opportunity to start or work an organic farm (certified or uncertified) growing fruit, vegetables, and flowers. We have several years' experience and are excited to start our operation in North Carolina.

Equipment & infrastructure:

More info: We currently own a 300 square foot tiny and a yurt which we would need to place on the property.

Current production on farm:

Field crops, Flowers, Herbs, Orchard, Vegetable production. More info: Though we are not actively farming at this time due to a relocation from Texas, we are anxious to get our hands back in the dirt.

Current farming practices:

Transitioning to organic. More info: If the land is not certified, we would want to transition to organic and then look to certify organic over the next 5 years.

Previous farming experience:

Volunteer, Employee, Manager

Number of years experience:

10

Production goals:

Field crops, Flowers, Hemp, Herbs, Vegetable production.

Personal experience and production goals summary:

Zilch Farms is planned as a diversified vegetable farm and agritourism operation owned and operated by Angee Costa, Michaela Linde, and Nikki Hinson. Zilch Farms is a new partnership between these operators. The intent is to operate the farm on leased land in West Virginia. This business plan will serve as an operating guide for Zilch Farms. Both Nikki and Michaela will work full-time on the farm. Angee will split her time between the farm and working as a book editor and ghostwriter with a minimum of 6 hours per day on the farm. Why Zilch? We named the farm Zilch to indicate our philosophy around food and farming. It represents: • Zero waste • Zero pesticides/herbicides • Zero processing of animal products other than manure for fertilization. Zero Waste Zero waste is a method of sustainable farming that is growing in popularity. The reasons are simple. Using natural products results in “waste” that can be used elsewhere on the farm. Everything on the farm helps everything else. And since nothing is contaminated with pollutants, chemicals, or toxic fertilizers, it is safe to use again or transform into another use. Plant waste can be composted. Compost is used to bolster the soil to help grow the vegetables. Chickens fertilize the soil and consume scraps. Composting worms produce rich castings that skyrocket growth, flavor, and nutrition. Herbs and ladybugs keep pests at bay. Chickens eat nuisance insects. Cows provide a continuous source of manure which is easily composted. ZILCH 3 We farm with the Five R’s concept: refuse (we don’t bring plastics and other waste to the farm unless absolutely necessary); reduce; reuse; recycle; and rot (or compost). Nothing is wasted. It is a rich, clean, and highly functional ecosystem that is environmentally friendly. The most important element to never waste is water. So, we prefer well water or rain catchment which are the best sources of moisture for the garden. Municipal water contains chlorine which prevents plants from efficiently gathering nutrients. Rainwater is also naturally pH balanced so that plants get exactly what they need for the sweetest taste. Why Organic? Zilch is committed to providing organic produce to consumers, restaurants, and retail outlets. Organic foods are packed with taste. Their complex flavor profiles are deep and intense. The difference is discernible from the very first bite. Healthy sugars infuse well-grown produce in ways chemical fertilization cannot match. But that’s not the most important part. Organic foods offer beneficial micronutrients like vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that promote health and vitality. Additionally, organic foods help keep the environment free of harmful pesticides that contain chemicals and metals linked to a variety of diseases. Organic is just better in every way. Plants grow strong and sweet. Their seeds are healthy and viable for saving and planting in subsequent seasons making Zilch a sustainable project for many years to come.

 

Angee Costa Angee is the proud mother of four amazing children. She works as a book editor and ghostwriter publishing over 100 titles per year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and English and has worked as a senior executive for Ford Motor Company, senior manager for State Farm Insurance Company, and site supervisor for Westinghouse. This proposal represents her move toward achieving her dream to operate an organic farm. Michaela Linde Michaela has relocated from Dallas to work on the farm. Her background is as a production manager in Graphics Installation, but she is an ardent animal lover and farm girl. She is passionate about maintaining an eco-friendly environment on the farm with a commitment to leaving the land better than she found it. She currently works as the assistant supervisor at a COVID learning hub. Nikki Hinson Nikki worked at Highland Orchard and Farm in West Chester, PA but is excited to put her knowledge and skills to work full-time with Zilch. Nikki currently works two jobs. She is a video editor, social media manager and a COVID learning hub supervisor. She is the resident vegan expert and chef. Nikki is an avid musician and singer. Angee’s two young children, KC & Isaiah will be joining her. 

Resume:

Zilch Proposal 30116.docx