ATTENTION ORGANIC OR SUSTAINABLE FARMERS
By Robert Karp

Friends,
Robert Karp, former executive director of Practical Farmers of Iowa, has continued his work with sustainable agriculture in his new home of East Troy, WI, through his company New Ventures, LLC. Please note the exciting opportunity he announces below, and share with anyone you feel would be interested.
 
I am launching a new program designed to help farmers committed to organic and sustainable agriculture start, maintain and grow their operations by linking them with socially motivated investors who will purchase the farmland they need and lease it to them on long-term, renewable leases with an option to buy. I am sending out this Call for Pre-Applications because I have an initial investor who has asked me to help them invest $3 million in this way in 2008.  I will seek out other investors as well based on the opportunities that come forward.

What: A program designed for experienced organic and sustainable farmers who need additional land, or need help maintaining their existing land base. I will help farmers who meet the criteria link up with ethical investors who will purchase the land they need and lease it to them on long-term (up to fifteen year), renewable leases. The leases will include an option to buy at a fair market value if the investor ever wants to sell the land. A conservation easement may also be put on the land. The program is being piloted in 2008 through this Call for Pre-Applications.

Who: Farmers may apply who can demonstrate a commitment to the core principles of organic/sustainable agriculture; have stable markets, and have been in business at least five years. Farmers should be able to offer, at minimum, a starting rental rate that is 4% of the land cost.

Where: The Call for Pre-Applications is being widely distributed in six states: Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Farmers in other locations are welcome to apply as well.

How: Send in a short letter by June 15, 2008 describing your farm and the investment you are proposing.

For more information contact:
Robert Karp
New Spirit Ventures, LLC
W2811 Friemoth Road
East Troy, WI 53120
orgfarminvest@centurytel.net
414-477-1170