SAgE FarmLand Access Program Applications Open!
The Foodshed Alliance, a nonprofit organization based in northwestern New Jersey, has opened applications for their innovative land access program, Sustainable Agriculture Enterprise (SAgE). The SAgE program offers long-term, 10-year, affordable leases to emerging and/or expanding farms that use organic/regenerative practices. The available land is located at their Sussex County property, on the borders of Newton, Andover, and Fredon Townships.
A total of nine (9) acres of land is available, which can be split into multiple parcels. Ideal candidates have:
- 3+ years farm management background experience (equivalent farm management coursework and education are also considered)
- 5+ years farm work experience
- Detailed Farm Business Plan, including; Farm Management, Marketing, Financials, and Production
- Cooperative spirit with an understanding of and ability to share resources and space with other entrepreneurs and community stakeholders
- Strong commitment to and understanding of organic and regenerative agriculture methods
This parcel is part of a plot that encompasses roughly 70 acres of farmable land, and is adjacent to the Muckshaw Ponds Preserve – bringing the property total to 333 acres. Currently, eight individual farm businesses are leasing land at this location.
An open house to tour the available land and learn more about the program will be held on Friday August 1 at 10am. Rain date Friday August 8.
The application timeline is as follows:
- June 20: Foodshed Alliance publicly announces available lands
- All application packet materials available on our website
- July: Open House event to tour the available open land parcels to be announced and held during this time.
- September 30: Deadline to submit final application
- October 1 – November 30: Committee review and applicant interviews
- Interview process will involve individual applicant presentation of farm business plan to SAgE Committee to answer questions.
- December 1: Direct correspondence with applicants of acceptance or refusal of Farm Businesses
- Promotional announcements of accepted Farm Businesses will be coordinated.
- January 1 (following year): New lease begins, payments are due.
More information about the SAgE program and the full application form can be found on their website: https://foodshedalliance.org/programs/sage/
Please direct any questions to SAgE@FoodshedAlliance.org
