OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

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1 OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION About Kinsman Farm The Kinsman Farm is a cooperatively managed urban farm where new farmers can begin their agricultural businesses to grow food and develop farm products for market. On this site farmers may utilize our infrastructure and education while also working with other farmers to build sustainable businesses. Here we are learning to: 1. Provide land and resources for new farms on the Kinsman Farm site. 2. Maintain a high-quality demonstration farm on site that will serve as a learning model for new farmers. 3. Provide access to and continuous improvements in services and infrastructure offered to farmers. 4. Create a strong network of urban agriculture enterprises that share resources, infrastructure, ideas and innovation as they develop their businesses, products, and markets. What resources are available onsite? 2017 is the sixth full growing season for the Kinsman Farm. OSU Extension, West Creek Conservancy, and its community partners are continuing in the process of developing the land and intend to do so in a way that will foster long-term success. For this reason, member farmers will be asked to be patient with services and infrastructure on site; this is a learning process for all. In addition, the management process for the site is being developed, and farmers will be strongly encouraged to participate in the cooperative management team. No grants are provided by OSU Extension to the participants of the Kinsman Farm. Land Plots available are approximately ¼ of an acre. The first license agreement will be for the duration of 1 year, with the option to renew. The site is fenced around the perimeter of the larger farm. Individual plots are not fenced. Approximately 3 square feet per farm will be available for indoor storage. The farmer may develop additional storage space on their site. West Creek Conservancy has the option to renew or revoke your license. Fees All fees* are based on a ¼ acre plot for the duration of the season. Fees will be announced at the time off acceptance and leasing. Below are the fees to expect at the site. Maintenance Fee (mowing tree-lawn area) $ per year Water Fee Currently included in the land maintenance fee Equipment Use Large equipment will be available to rent. Costs for all equipment is currently $10.00/hr. * Fees are subject to change based on revisions/changes to City fee structures and other variables. All efforts will be undertaken to keep costs as reasonable as possible. Educational Opportunities Throughout the year farmers will be encouraged to take advantage of educational opportunities through OSU Extension. These opportunities will include workshops, print resources, and newsletters. OSUE also maintains a demonstration site at the Kinsman Farm. Page 1 of 8

2 Application Procedure The applications will open February 1 st with a deadline of 5:00 p.m. on February 28th. An information session will be held on January 19 th. If after the information sessions you have questions while filling out the application or the program itself, please contact: Elizabeth Roche: ext. 217 // roche.62@osu.edu. Final submissions of the application can be mailed, faxed, or hand delivered. Submit application to: OSU Extension ATTN: Elizabeth Roche 5320 Standard Ave. Cleveland, OH Fax: Farmer Eligibility: 1. Kinsman is a place to exercise learning. Preference will be given to projects where at least one of the partners listed on this application has completed the Ohio State University Extension Market Gardener Training Program (MGTP) or other relevant training program, and demonstrates knowledge and a capacity for success in urban agriculture projects. 2. Submit a complete farm business or project plan along with this application (15 page limit). Business plans are required for those who will grow products to sell at market*, and the following subjects must be included: Executive Summary (1 page) Mission of Your Enterprise or Project (1 page) Ownership of Your Enterprise or Project (1-2 pages) Partners (individuals involved, youth, community members, organizations, etc.) (1-3 pages) Scope of Products &/or Services (1-2 pages) Analysis of Markets (3-5 pages, if applicable **) Management Plan (1-2 pages) Financial Plan (1-3 pages, if applicable**) A ¼ acre site plan (1 page) * Business plans will require Analysis of Markets and Financial Plans. Project plans will not require Analysis of Markets and Financial Plans. 3. All farmers must sign the agreement sheet to be returned with this application. (Additional forms will require signatures upon acceptance into the program.) Page 2 of 8

3 Land Committee: 1. Once the application is submitted and the above eligibility criteria has been met, the application will be reviewed by the Land Committee, the governing body for the Kinsman Farm which consists of staff affiliated with Ohio State University Extension, The West Creek Conservancy, Burten, Bell, Carr Development Corporation and farmers at Kinsman Farm. Other stakeholders may participate as needed. 2. After initial review, final candidates will be contacted for a formal presentation to the Land Committee. In this presentation, farmers will provide a comprehensive overview of their business or project plan and will answer questions from the committee. Acceptance: 1. The Land Committee will review the application, business or project plan, and presentation and make the final decision. If the applicant is approved, the Land Committee will assign a plot. Your requests will be taken into consideration. 2. The West Creek Conservancy will prepare contracts and a License Agreement. 3. It is expected that farmers will have access to their site beginning in April Initial license agreements with the Kinsman Farm will be for 1 year. Renewal of this license is contingent upon the maintenance of the assigned plot and timely payment of maintenance fees. Location of Kinsman Farm Below is the location of Kinsman Farm in the Kinsman Neighborhood of Cleveland. It is encouraged that you visit the site prior to application to have a better understanding of the location. Page 3 of 8

Supporting Partner Agencies of the Kinsman Farm: Kinsman Farm Application Please fill this application

A completed business or project plan, as outlined in the application procedure, must be submitted along

Names of All Farmers: Indicate those that have completed or plan to complete the Market Gardener Training

Provide documentation and the year of completion. Name Role (Marketing, farm manager, book keeper, etc.

4 Supporting Partner Agencies of the Kinsman Farm: Kinsman Farm Application Please fill this application out in its entirety. A completed business or project plan, as outlined in the application procedure, must be submitted along with this application. Names of All Farmers: Indicate those that have completed or plan to complete the Market Gardener Training Program (MGTP) with Ohio State University Extension or a similar training program. Provide documentation and the year of completion. Name Role (Marketing, farm manager, book keeper, etc.) Completed the MGTP? (Yes or No) Year Completing the MGTP (If applicable) Business Name (if applicable): Have you registered the name of your business with the State of Ohio? Yes No Have your registered your business as a legal entity in the State of Ohio? (i.e. LLC, Partnership) Yes No Page 4 of 8

5 Primary contact person: (* Required) Name*: Mailing Address*: Daytime phone*: Evening Phone: Please answer the following questions fully. Do not leave any details out; the Land Committee will use the information you provide about your experience, the vision for your business and your farm project in their decision making process. Please feel free to use additional paper if more space is needed. 1. What is the vision for your farm business or project? 2. What do you intend to produce or raise for market on site? (Check all that apply, specific details should be outlined in your business plan in the Scope of Products & Services section) Herbs Flowers Chickens N/A Bees Vegetables Fruits Other 3. What is your farming experience (individually or as a group)? Page 5 of 8

6 4. If you are selected for a plot with in the Kinsman Farm, where do you see your farm business or project in 3 to 5 years? 5. Due to the cooperative nature of the Kinsman Farm, it is important that the farmers that participate be dedicated to collaboration and the development of effective and productive partnerships. Are you willing to attend meetings, work cooperatively with other farmers and community partners, and contribute time outside of your business or project related to the management of this site(inclusive of mowing and maintaining common areas, corner beds, and interior fence lines, etc.)? 6. Please provide us with any additional information you think would be helpful for the Land Committee to consider when reviewing your application. You may also attach any additional supporting materials. Page 6 of 8

7 PLEASE READ AND SIGN BELOW If I am chosen as a farmer of the Kinsman Farm, I will: Pay in advance or on time with West Creek Conservancy's license fee, invoices for perimeter maintenance, portable toilet rental, and any material, delivery, or equipment rental fees I incur. Attend training sessions, workshops, farm meetings and participate in cooperative volunteer activities. Participate in general site management required for upkeep of the entrances, paths, vacant lots, and common greenspace (estimate man-hours per year, per farm). Demonstrate active production and outcomes (participation rates, crop production, expense, and sales records) as fits the nature of my project, and market my products as a business (as applicable). Keep accurate farm records in regard to the above activities. I understand I may be required to share them with the Land Committee upon request. Adhere to the rules and regulations with regard to pest control, fertilizer application, and weed control methods at Kinsman Farm (if not organic, ask first). Strive to keep my plot free of weeds and debris at all times. I have read the above agreement, understand my responsibilities and will abide by them. I understand that failure to fulfill my responsibilities will jeopardize my participation with the Kinsman Farm. (All named farm partners must sign) 1. Signature of Applicant Date Please Print Your Name 2. Signature of Applicant Date Please Print Your Name 3. Signature of Applicant Date Please Print Your Name 4. Signature of Applicant Date Please Print Your Name Cuyahoga County Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. This statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA. Roger Rennekamp, Associate Dean, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences; Director, Ohio State University Extension. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing, please contact Cuyahoga County Extension using your preferred communication ( , relay services, or video relay services). Phone between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Inform the operator to dial Page 7 of 8

8 2017 Application Timeline for the Kinsman Farm Event/Session Date and Time Place and Location 1 Information Session 2 Application Released 4 Applications Due January 19th 5:30-6:30 pm February 1st February 28 th by 5:00 pm OSU Extension Office 5320 Stanard Ave. Cleveland, OH Via and website at The application can be mailed, faxed, or hand delivered. Submit application to: OSU Extension ATTN: Elizabeth Roche 5320 Stanard Ave. Cleveland, OH Fax: Application Review March 1 st -3 rd 6 Applicants will notified March 3rd 7 Formal Presentation and Interview March 6 th OSU Extension (5320 Stanard Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103) 8 Accepted applicants will be notified March 15 th 9 Leasing with West Creek & Access to the land April 1st Page 8 of 8

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION. Many blessings to each of you on this lovely new year.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION ROOT OF THE MATTER Agricultural and Natural Resource NEWS in Jefferson County http://www.jefferson.osu.edu December 2015 IN THIS ISSUE: Tri-County Agronomy Day... 1 Pesticide