Certified Farm Seeker
Farming full-time for income
Updated May 12, 2025
Seeking
- 0-5 Total acres
- 0-5 Acres of cropland or tillable land
Kelli Varon
Certified Farm Seeker
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Farming Couple Seeking 1-10 acres in WNC for seed production, regenerative ag, and educational outreach.
Plan
Currently operating a seed production business in Central Florida, Seed the Stars plans to transition to summer production in Western North Carolina to expand seed crops, implement regenerative practices, agroforestry, and develop educational programming. We focus on open-pollinated, regionally adapted seeds and aim to steward the land through soil-building, crop rotation, and conservation strategies. Seeking land through lease, purchase, or partnership.
Available starting in mid summer 2025 after our spring crops are seed saved in FL. @seedthestars on FB or Instagram
Desired infrastructure
Equipment and infrastructure details
Our preferred infrastructure includes a greenhouse or high tunnel for seed starting, propagation, and season extension, as well as storage space for seed drying, processing, and packaging. Well access for reliable irrigation infrastructure would be extremely helpful. We also value versatile outbuildings for workspace, tool storage, and educational workshops. Access to a tiller for initial bed prep, silage tarps, and a tractor with a bucket would be ideal for establishing operations efficiently. Ideally, we’d have space to park a travel trailer, RV, or tiny home during the transition phase. We can provide some equipment, including hand tools, seed processing equipment, & propagation supplies.
Preferred type of opportunity
Opportunity details
We’re actively seeking opportunities to purchase, lease, or partner on land, as we have successfully partnered with landowners for farm access in the past. We are open to living part-time in NC for the summer growing season and part-time in FL for the winter. We can provide our own living situation, such as an RV, camper, or tiny house. Ideally, we’re looking for a situation where we can establish long-term roots while contributing to the property’s agricultural and ecological value. We’re open to creative arrangements that align with our focus on sustainable, seed-focused agriculture.
Desired farming practices
Practices details
Our farming practices prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term land stewardship. We focus on regenerative agriculture techniques like cover cropping, crop rotation, composting, and low tillage to build soil fertility and minimize erosion. We aim to implement intercropping designs to maximize space efficiency and integrate diverse plantings that support pollinators and beneficial insects. Additionally, we prioritize open-pollinated, regionally adapted seed crops to foster regional seed sovereignty and climate resilience.
Production goals
Goals details
We aim to cultivate a diverse range of seed crops, prioritizing open-pollinated, regionally adapted varieties that strengthen local food systems and seed sovereignty. Our production plans include small-scale seed saving gardens structured like market gardens, a perennial food forest design, and soil-building practices such as cover cropping, deep mulching, and composting. Long-term, we seek to establish a demonstration site for sustainable seed production, host educational workshops, and partner with local farms to expand the regional seed network.
Farm experience
Years of experience
10 total years of experience
6 years employed as a worker (non-manager)
4 years as a manager
Education, training, and employment experience
Experience details
Seed the Stars is co-owned by Kelli and Ryan, who bring over a decade of combined experience in market gardening, food forest design, seed production, and greenhouse management. Ryan managed large-scale microgreens and was a cultivator for a medical cannabis company. He holds a BS in Conservation Biology-SUNY ESF. Kelli apprenticed on a 24-acre organic farm, is a Permaculture Designer, completed two seed saving courses, and worked at an edible plant nursery & tropical greenhouse. She holds a degree in Experiential Education-Brevard College. Both are self-employed through their farmer-direct, regionally based seed business, focusing on sustainable practices, seed trials, & education.