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Tenant farmer reports greenhouse expansion, higher organic matter and deeper ties to food‑insecurity programs
Summary
A Land Bank tenant farmer updated commissioners on year‑11 operations: two new greenhouses, a new well, expanded plots (4 acres), reduced use of plastic mulch, organic matter improvements (fields up to ~5% OM, tunnels 9–10%), two full‑time seasonal employees, and growing collaboration with food‑insecurity programs and local restaurants.
A tenant farmer gave a progress report to the commission on April 28, detailing farm expansion and operational changes that the Land Bank has supported.
The farmer said a well installed last year has improved irrigation capacity, two greenhouses (20 x 96) and additional tunnels will enable higher yields (he estimated getting up to five rows of tomatoes in one tunnel and approximately 300 tomato plants), and two full‑time seasonal employees support expanded production. He reported field organic‑matter increases (from about 2.5% to ~5%), tunnel organic matter of 9–10%, and a deliberate move away from ground plastic on many fields to reduce labor and environmental impacts.
Markets include about a dozen regular restaurant customers with three weekly deliveries, farmers market sales and a farm stand; the farm also provides produce to food‑insecurity programs via drop‑offs and collaborative CSA arrangements. The farmer described plans to trial removing plastic mulch from tomato and pepper production and to pursue potential grant partnerships for year‑round infrastructure.
Commissioners praised the farmer’s stewardship and the farm’s local food contributions; the update was informational and no formal action was requested.
