Every farm has land access concerns
If you are in an urban area – unless you have independent wealth – you are likely to find yourself farming on someone else’s land.
In his book, The Urban Farmer, Curtis Stone celebrates the virtues of farming on borrowed land. We think this is the way to go for urban farmers. It’s important that we (and anyone pursuing urban farming on borrowed land) think about the value of doing what’s right on someone else’s land. For example, a blueberry bush will take a few years to produce. By that time, the land may have changed hands multiple times. It would be really special if you cultivated strong and long-lasting relationships so that you can be there even if the land does change owners.
In my opinion, good stewardship always makes sense. It is up to us to mitigate any damage and begin to restore the land whether we own it or not. In the end, even if you do not get to taste that blueberry, if you see a perfect spot for an orchard, you should plant it. You never know how things will turn out. Regarding daily access to the land, be ready for anything. In the coming years, I hope to have multiple small plots in operation and other plots in development. When and if we lose one, we will hopefully be prepared to start another. All the while, we will do our best to help restore those lands whenever possible.
– Jason Schmidt, Farm Manager