An intentional community in formation is looking for a compatible organic vegetable/livestock farmer to work approximately 4 acres of field located at 87 Reservoir Rd. in Chepachet, RI. The community is seeking members and in process of forming a housing co-operative. Co-op shares, for living and/or farming, will begin to be sold upon launch of the co-op, estimated to be in November. Early birds are welcome to help in the co-operative design.
Both living and farming space are currently for rent with the potential to purchase a residential and/or farming share in the cooperative after a trial period. The market farm trial period would be one year, with land tenure upon cooperative acceptance and share purchase. Right to farm the land would be for a designated portion of the currently arable land.
At least 6 acres of the 32-acre property had been cleared, plowed and planted with Christmas trees and pumpkins by the previous owner of 30 years. Some Christmas trees remain and we hope to sell those this winter, and cut or move most of the remainder, leaving some for permaculture guilds or shade groves and wind breaks, as appropriate. About 3-4 acres of the 6 acres had been farmed before 1980 as a berry and vegetable farm. The arable land has been previously plowed and mowed, and most large rocks have been removed. Soil test data from UMass from three sites is available and shows good soil. The garden that we put in this summer is flourishing.
A large irrigation pond has a working pump in a pumphouse and underground plumbing to three sites including the barn. It still has plenty of clear water as of August 13 this year.
Composted horse manure is on the land; adjacent farm is a source of more horse manure. Deer fencing is needed.
This is our first year of conversion to organic farming. Beyond the market farm, the coop members hope to develop permaculture perennial and forest gardens, large scale vermiculture, small animals.
Our estimate of housing share prices are currently $40,000 per adult. Farm share would be additional and is negotiable. In addition to the share purchase, coop members would pay a monthly fee (like a condo fee) for insurance, taxes, utilities, and short-term and long-term maintenance.
Rent-to-own scenarios, e.g. financing of share purchase, are also possible and currently in process of development.
Farm share would include right to farm the allotted land, right to use the tractor, barn, and some shared tools, build or retrofit needed outbuildings.
Email Karina Lutz at karinalutz@hotmail.com or call 401-497-5968 to arrange a meeting.
Listening Tree Cooperative 