0299-GCG-FoothillsConservancy ESG24-FINALb (1) - Flipbook - Page 26
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
The problem isn’t just a shortage of suitable land,
however. Many would-be farmers lack the knowledge
and skills to fully engage in community-supported
agriculture. FCNC dreamed up a way to address both,
all while increasing access for new and 昀椀nancially
disadvantaged farmers: the Oak Hill Community Farm.
Set to launch in 2025, it will feature an incubator
program to support farmers, provide access to land
and markets, and promote farm careers.
The Oak Hill Community Farm will also maintain “an
accessible orchard and garden to educate people of
all ages and abilities, including people with cognitive
and physical limitations, about the bene昀椀ts of local
food,” Sparks continues. “Unique crops, like Asian rice
and heirloom produce, will be grown and featured
through workshops to teach others how to grow and
prepare their own food to promote healthy habits.”
Incubator program participants are expected to “have
a professional farming background or education and
Oak Hill Community Farm
should already be engaged in the business of farming,
no matter how big or how small,” he says. They will
be given half an acre each for food production, with
yearly renewals until they can lease or purchase
agricultural land elsewhere. Participants must also
abide by sustainable farming practices. That means
avoiding synthetic herbicides and pesticides, using
cover crops, and composting and mulching to
improve soil quality.
Certainly, the incubator program will enable the
Lees to expand their food production operations, in
addition to their acreage elsewhere in Burke, Catawba,
Caldwell, and McDowell counties, but they’re keeping
the long-term perspective front of mind as well. They
want to encourage young people to embrace farming
and the joy that comes from “working the ground
Currently leasing land at Oak Hill Park, the Lees
with their hands,” Tou says, hoping it will help them
the incubator program. From their knowledge of
land is always available to feed the local community.
have committed to mentoring those involved in
understand the importance of ensuring agricultural
growing food using only natural inputs to their deep
“With so many farms being lost to commercial
understanding of local markets and produce outlets,
they will be able to impart lessons learned from years
of operating a successful farm business.
developers and large companies or groups buying up
farmland and not allowing farming to occur, our idea
is to make sure the community is on the farmer’s side
“The Lees will provide valuable insight, guidance, and
and to be their strongest advocate for keeping land
making their farm dreams a reality,” Sparks says.
lost, we also lose the bene昀椀ts of healthy local food and
encouragement as the participants work towards
available for local farmers. Once our local farms are
the power that comes with it, and our families and
community will suffer.”
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