How does the 'New Farm" work?

We envision a New Farm where the owners partcipate in the decision making process.  Below is our concept, but final plans will be made with your input.

Land Development

The fully functioning “New CSA Farm” will require 2-3 years of building. We will build and grow with no interruption in your CSA shares.  Upon collective purchase of the property, improvements will start with pastures, cover crops, orchard trees and irrigation. The next tier will include digging a pond,  building the pavillion, and developing recreational spaces. The third tier includes construction of greenhouses for year round production, plus expanding the pavillion uses for food processing and hosting special events for owners.

Financing

Think of the co-op model, like Bloomingfoods.  Owners contribute a one-time fee of $485 for their 'share' of the farm. The fees are used for capital investments including the purchase of the property, pond/well construction, pavilion with facilities, fencing, and initial seed for pasture, green space, and beneficial insect habitat, etc. One payment will facilitate the most rapid development of the project; however, payment can be made over two years.Member-Owners will also pay the yearly CSA fee.  The yearly payment covers ongoing expenses of food production, including seed, labor, delivery, etc. All production belongs to the owners.  The Member-Owned Farm needs 125 owners before we can start the project.  Currently we are taking pledges from potential owners.  When the owners collectively committ to purchase 125 'shares' we'll begin collecting funds and implementing the "New Farm".

Food production/distribution

The “New Farm” will be designed for 500 member-owners. The CSA share choices will remain very similar, with a produce share and options for eggs, meat and specialty items.  Owners will receive the full bounty of the farm from a variety field crops, orchard and berry plantings. Any additional food will be donated in Central/South Central Indiana at owners request, but none will be sold at Farmers Markets or Wholesale.  We will accept “Food-Only” members until all ownership positions are filled. These members will receive our normal shares based on the weekly fee system we use now. (This will still be a great deal at 20-25% savings on the price of local organic foods but not as good as an owner share.)   CSA shares will be distributed as they are today with options for free pick-up sites or personal delivery in Indy and Bloomington.

Management

Operations and development of the “New Farm” will be managed by Jeff Evard of LIFE Farm.  Member care, day to day operations, food distribution, bookkeeping/accounting, and future planning will be carried out just as they are now by your folks at LIFE Certified Organic Farm. A board comprised of owners is planned to help advise the 'New Farm' and incorporate the owners desires. 

Property Transfers

Your continual patronage of the farm’s CSA is of course welcomed and needed.  If you need to leave the CSA program as an owner, we propose two options.  One, you can retain your ownership and its privileges, but we recruit a new family to utilize the ‘food share’.  Two, you can transfer your full ownership to a new owner for the original ownership price.  Either way, should you want to return, we will prioritize your request by immediately restarting service or, if the CSA is full, by putting your membership at the top of a waiting list.

Full details of the business plan, including legal structure will be finalized as we understand the needs of the farm and the member/owners.  Please contact us for more details.