Farming part-time for income
Updated Feb 3, 2025
Seeking
- 0-5 Total acres
- 0-5 Acres of cropland or tillable land
Desired locations
I am an experienced ag researcher looking to expand my tomato and other vegetable breeding efforts.
Plan
I currently lease a small plot at Good Hope Farm in Cary where organic practices are more or less followed (farm is not certified). On my plot I select proprietary tomato breeding lines I have created that show disease tolerance and ability to produce exceptional fruit under the challenging conditions in NC. I use traditional plant breeding methods combined with genetic analysis of germplasm in my home based laboratory to select high quality tomato lines.
The end goal is to release new open pollinated and hybrid varieties via a seed company, that are adapted for our area and the southeast US.
Desired infrastructure
Equipment and infrastructure details
Fencing for deer exclusion is desirable. Walk behind tractor and attachments such as rotary plow and rototiller would also be desirable but not mandatory. A heated greenhouse is also desirable for early plant production and off season growing to continue selection of desirable plants. Ability to install drip irrigation is necessary.
Preferred type of opportunity
Desired farming practices
Practices details
Low input practices are currently used to aid in selection of varieties that will perform under conditions of limited or no pesticide applications.
Production goals
Goals details
My main business goal is not market production, since I am primarily a plant breeder. That being said, if an opportunity to sell at market was to present itself I would explore that possibility, especially in collaboration with another farmer.
A full business plan and description of my long term goals can be made available.
Farm experience
Years of experience
5 total years of experience
3 years employed as a worker (non-manager)
2 years as a manager
Education, training, and employment experience
Experience details
I have worked for over 20 years as a molecular scientist in applied plant science research and as a group leader at a major agricultural seed and chemicals company. I have designed and overseen large scale field trials of corn and canola.
My BS is in Biology with an emphasis on plant science. My PhD is in plant physiology, biochemistry, and genetics.