New Beginnings

For close to seventy years this farm has served our family well. Although it is only ten acres of the original 100+ acres, it is a vital dissection that will now take on a new beginning.
The name New View Farm, stems from a fresh perspective on the way we will grow things. Over the last year, I started reading about permaculture practices and we have developed a plan for our farm that will utilize permaculture techniques to optimize fertility of the soil and honor the philosophy, “Earth care, People care…Return of Surplus”. Over the summer we took an intensive Permaculture Design Course, through the Permaculture Design Institute, and we became certified Permaculture instructors/designers. While it will be a while before we incorporate seminars and training into our farm offerings, the principles and techniques will be a part of our daily work, in honoring the land.
Aquaponics will also be a key element in how we grow nutritious and delicious produce as part of our business. With a passive solar greenhouse, that uses the thermal mass of water to grow food items in a raft-based system, we will be able to grow on a year round basis. Aquaponics will be a key factor in our planet’s ability to grow enough food to feed everyone with the growing scarcity of water. Aquaponics uses 2% of the water that typical soil-based farming requires.
It amazes me to think how “full circle” my life has come, when 40 years ago I helped my parents grow fresh produce on this farm and sold it at a roadside stand near our house. Being able to see the enjoyment on people’s faces and hear the comments from repeat customers, about how good our products were, made a profound impression on me as a youngster. The majority of my life has been spent in the food business and I have seen a disturbing change in policies and processes that have drastically impacted the quality and nutritional quality of food products available to consumers. I have been encouraged, by the local food movement, and in working with area farmers over the years, and I know that we can create positive change even if in small steps. 
New View Farm is about making new memories of fresh vegetables that are juicy and flavorful, produce that is dense with nutrients and food that fills us up. There’s no reason that all of these things should be a distant, fond memory. It’s about bringing back those flavors and tastes that we cherish.  It’s about growing heirloom and organic vegetables that are grown to support the needs of our local community. It’s about education, collaboration and participation to provide great food choices. We invite you along on this journey as we make it happen. Welcome to New View Farm !

 LiveJournal Tags: permaculture,Permaculture Design Institute,aquaponics,farm,produce,vegetables