newton community farm, inc. 2012 business...

Newton Community Farm, Inc. 2012 Business Plan

Submitted by: Newton Community Farm, Inc. 303 Nahanton Street Newton, MA 02459 Submitted to: Newton Farm Commission City Hall 1000 Commonwealth Avenue Newton, MA 02459 February 2, 2012

Table of Contents Page

Executive Summary ............................................................................................. 4

Farm Operations .................................................................................................. 5

Research and Development ................................................................................ 7

Education ............................................................................................................. 7

Events and Outreach ........................................................................................... 8

Preservation....................................................................................................... 10

Administration: Communications, Board Affairs, Fundraising ......................... 11

2012 Budget Summary ...................................................................................... 13

2012 Budget....................................................................................................... 15

Newton Community Farm: A place to dig, learn, and grow.

About Newton Community Farm, Inc. In 2005 the City of Newton’s Community Preservation Committee and Board of Aldermen voted to acquire the historic Angino farmstead, the final working farm in Newton, for use as a community-supported agricultural farm. Newton Community Farm, Inc. (NCF) operates the farm under a license from the City and with the guidance of the city’s Farm Commission. As a non-profit entity, NCF strives to benefit the community by:

Providing locally-grown produce to residents through a variety of programs including our seasonal CSA offerings, our on-site farm stand, donations to the Newton Food Pantry, and our weekly attendance at the California Street farmer’s market;

Educating the public about the sustainable use of land and other natural resources through hands-on classes, workshops, and drop-in farm volunteer hours;

Preserving Newton’s last working farm as a historic site and valuable open space; and Connecting gardening enthusiasts through events and networking opportunities.

Board Members President* Peter Barrer Treasurer* Anne Ryder Clerk* Richard Dinjian Member Jennifer Craddock Member Sam Fogel Member Dede Vittori Member Jerry Regosin Member Eugene Finkelstein Farm Staff† Greg Maslowe, Megan Talley

Committees (Chair) Board Affairs Richard Dinjian Buildings Peter Barrer Communications Dede Vittori Education Jennifer Craddock Events Peter Barrer Farm Operations Greg Maslowe Finance Anne Ryder Fundraising Jerry Regosin

* Executive Committee Member

† Non-voting

Newton Community Farm, Inc. 2012 Budget and Business Plan of 14

Executive Summary

The farm enjoyed a remarkable year financially and operationally in 2011. Although we had projected budget losses, we now believe that we will end the year at breakeven. This is significant in that we had major investments in 2011 in a new hoophouse, farmhouse improvements, and staffing and labor. Offsetting these increased costs were strong revenue numbers yielded by farm operations, the seedling sale, and fundraising (all coming in at or around budget) with decreased expenses in almost all categories. Some highlights in 2011 included:

- Our third annual Seedling Sale in May was highly successful. Increased foot traffic and extending the sale to both Saturday and Sunday resulted in a successful event despite rainy weather on the second day of the sale.

- Our Fall Festival was also a tremendous success. The beautiful weather and grounds encouraged approximately 1,000 people to visit the farm that day. Some participated in the many activities, some enjoyed the music and dancing with other families, some enjoyed food from Chipotle, the expanded farm stand, or our generously donated bake sale items, while others came just to walk around and learn more about the farm.

- Despite turnover in the Farm Education Coordinator (“FEC”) position in August, the education committee was able to develop a variety of new program offerings in 2011, including the very well attended Garden City Rollers program. The committee has also developed a highly lucrative program targeted at professional development which they intend to expand in 2012.

- Our Evening on the Farm event was reduced this year from a multi-course dinner to a lighter wine and cheese event due to conflicts with the caterer’s schedule. However, this lighter fare seemed to invite a different group of supporters to the farm thanks to the lower price point. It was well attended and all enjoyed local food and wine provided by Blue Hills Brewery, Formagio, and Vino DiVino.

- In 2011, we completed several improvements to the farmhouse including replacing the rear screen door and replacing the oven and dishwasher in the kitchen. We also were fortunate to receive a donation of a second pick-up truck, which is a welcomed addition to the aging fleet of farm equipment.

- A “moveable” hoophouse was assembled late in the year. This hoophouse, purchased with partial funding from a federal grant, should extend the growing season and provide space for the continued growth of highly profitable crops such as lettuces.


Our significant challenges in 2012 are twofold. The first challenge we will face will be the temporary departure of our Farm Manager, Greg Maslowe, and his family. Greg and his family will begin their adventure in December 2011 and return in November 2012. However, as part of his careful planning, Greg has arranged for NCF’s Assistant Farmer, Megan Talley and her partner, Joshua Faller, to assume the reigns in his absence. Having been with the farm for the prior two years, Megan is well qualified and already has strong ties to our community and volunteers. Joshua also has extensive experience and will be a great complement to Megan. Although this will be a significant challenge to all in 2012, the Board is confident that Greg, Megan, and Joshua have carefully planned for his departure. We look forward to supporting all three of them in their new endeavors. The second significant challenge we face is associated with Phase 2 of the barn renovation. Due to changes in the scope and budget, the construction will be delayed into 2013, which will affect planned programming for the barn space. Also, the Board will be fundraising for parts of the renovation that will not be covered by the CPC grant. In addition to these challenges, the Board will be looking to further develop our educational programming in 2012 and to increase our pool of volunteers. We have hired a new FEC and we will be hiring a new Administrative staff person, who will be training throughout the early part of 2012 and implementing their ideas in later months. All of these items will make 2012 a busy year for Newton Community Farm and we look forward to the challenges and opportunities. Farm Operations Farm operations will be in good hands next year during Mr. Maslowe’s leave. Megan Talley, the assistant from the 2010 and 2011 seasons will remain as a co-manager with her partner, Joshua Faller, an experienced CSA manager. The labor budget for the farm manager and assistant farmer will be added together and divided equally between the two. Our first order of business for the 2012 season will be to spread 35 yards of compost over the entire field. Given our small acreage and intensive growing methods, composting is essential to keeping the land healthy and in production. Although we are a small farm, spreading compost by hand can be a daunting task. It will be made much easier thanks to the donation of a “new” dump truck. The farm is in good working order and we don’t plan on making any major changes to operations during Greg’s absence,


although we will continue to trial new varieties and respond to suggestions from the CSA survey. This fall we completed construction on a movable hoophouse funded in part by a grant from the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The structure will increase our ability to extend our season, and we anticipate increased yields of high value crops. We will be monitoring yields closely in order to report changes in value at season’s end. With the increasing interest in local food, more markets are opening up to sell produce all year long and we believe the movable hoophouse presents an opportunity to begin providing produce in all four seasons. To this end we have already planted spinach and lettuce in the new hoophouse and have kale, turnips, radishes, asparagus, rhubarb, and scallions in the field which we will be able to sell early in the spring, directly increasing our ability to provide fresh produce to the community throughout the year.

In addition to groups of regular volunteers and high school interns, we are organizing a volunteer internship position for a person who will be working closely with the farmers this season. We look forward to the opportunity to mentor a new grower entering the field of organic farming. We also intend to continue NCF’s work to extend the network of small scale sustainable farming, and act as a resource for organizations hoping to build their own community farms.

Sadly, we experienced a high instance of theft at the farm stand in 2011. So to prevent future losses we plan to create a customer service position in 2012. We will use this as an opportunity to provide paid work and an opportunity for advancement to one or more of our most dedicated youth volunteers. Theft was regularly exceeding 50% of daily value by the end of the season (a season’s total of over $10,000), and at an allotted $4,500 for the season, we anticipate this position to more than pay for itself in sales. There were a number of high school students who spent many hours volunteering last season who would be ideal candidates for the job. If for any reason we cannot hire internally, we will advertise through our mailing list. We intend to fill any gaps in coverage with volunteer help, as members less able to fulfill their volunteer obligations with rigorous farm work will be able to direct some of their hours to helping at the farm stand. This is a great opportunity for Megan and Joshua and during Greg’s leave of absence they will work hard to ensure that the services of NCF continue to run smoothly and without


interruption. The Board is fully confident in the capabilities and looks forward to what the two will develop in 2012. Research and Development In 2007, a small apple orchard was planted on the Nahanton Street property abutting Newton Community Farm (east of the driveway) for the purpose of evaluating methods of growing apples in Newton and to further demonstrate NCF’s model for sustainable agriculture. At the time, the orchard consisted of 20 dwarf apple trees. Both biological and chemical methods for control of fungi and insects are being evaluated in the orchard. Last year, plastic red apples coated with pheromone attractants were used to control flies which lay eggs under the apple skin. This approach seemed to be successful, as there was little surface damage to the apples. This year, we used chickens to control apple pest insect larvae and pupae which develop in the soil under the leaf mulch. The chickens scratched the litter aside and ate the grubs. However, they also flew into the trees to roost and pecked at the flavorful Honeycrisp apples. From this we have concluded that chickens should be used only before apple development and after harvest. Seven new disease-resistant trees were added in the spring of 2011, and two more will be planted in the spring of 2012. The apple tree variety selected for the 2012 planting is Crimson Topaz. The fruit is medium in size, crisp, and juicy with good flavor. Although not producing fruit for sale or public distribution, the orchard is a valuable asset at NCF and is another tool for modeling sustainable agriculture for the community.

Education In 2011, the volunteer-based education committee celebrated the expansion of program offerings and the hiring of a new part-time Farm Educator/Coordinator (FEC), Alison Wilson. An experienced educator and Newton resident, Alison brings her expertise and vision to the role with a focus on developing long range planning to grow the educational programming and connect with the Newton community. The expansion of the FEC role, an investment in the


future educational programming at the farm, has required the funding of the position with coverage of income from educational offerings along with supplements from other farm operations.

The education committee’s goal is to offer programming that reflects the full cycle of sustainable food production from soil health and growing plants, shrubs, and trees to food processing and cooking to composting. Our intent is to enable Newton citizens of all ages to learn sustainable gardening, to create a variety of items from the fruits of their own labor, and to reconnect with their natural environment, all while also encouraging a more ‘sustainable lifestyle.’ In 2012 the education committee’s main focus will be on the evaluation of all programming, using data collected from past offerings, and

investigation of any required licensing and insurance, in order to establish a base of programming and uncover directions for expansion. Specifically, the committee plans to develop the following six distinct areas of education offerings and outreach: 1. Community farm experiences for young families through Farm Sprouts, Get Growing,

and Ready, Set, Grow, as well as the Halloween and Strawberry Solstice events; and for youth through Budding Chefs and other programs for middle school and elementary ages.

2. Develop opportunities for reconnection with the natural environment to encourage participants to foster a ‘sustainable lifestyle’ by offering programs such as Walking in a Winter Wonderland, and ‘art’ based classes, whether painting, drawing or digital photography for both youngsters and adults.

3. Outreach and support to projects in local public and private schools as well as classroom/group visits at the farm.

4. Professional development programming for educators in the Boston area. 5. The development of program structures, systems, and materials to educate and train

farm educational volunteers. 6. Promotion of farm educational offerings through both print and social media networks,

including the farm web site. In sum, the education committee continues to build its repertoire of offerings to the Newton community and schools in the coming year, while also strengthening its role internally to support the vision of the farm.


Events and Outreach The main objective of holding events at the farm is to foster community involvement. In 2012 we plan to build on past experiences and attract high numbers of participants to the farm’s four primary events. The fourth annual Seedling Sale, held on two weekend days in May, is planned to bring hundreds of home gardeners to the farm. In the past we have sold thousands of seedlings on just one weekend. In addition to purchasing seedlings, attendees will be exposed to the farm community including the space itself as well as opportunities to learn more about our Educational offerings and to become Friends of the Farm. The event is also a significant source of income in the farm’s operations.

The Strawberry Solstice event in the spring and the Halloween on the Farm event in the fall bring new faces and young families to the farm. We expect that the families enjoying these events will look forward to participating in other ways in future years as they mature. Although these events are coordinated by the education committee, the Board sees these events as a way to invite the community to the farm, enjoy the open space and activities, and learn more about what the farm has to offer. The Fall Festival, our largest single annual event, attracts nearly 1,000 people to the farm, where individuals and families can enjoy bluegrass music, food, children’s activities, pumpkin decorating, and tours of farming operations. Similar to the Strawberry Solstice and Halloween events, the Fall Festival may not be our most profitable event in terms of fundraising, but it does bring tremendous traffic to the property and is once again, an opportunity to share our message with the community and invite them to be Friends of the Farm.


We also encourage many new visitors to the farm through joint programs with other organizations. In the past these events have included a lecture on canning at the Newton library, Farm Aid’s Tour de Farms (bicycle tour of Boston farms), and a detailed display on the farm's history at the Newton History Museum and at the public library. Other smaller scale events and drop-in hours for farming volunteers provide additional ways for Newton residents to enjoy the farm. In 2012, we hope to strengthen our efforts to recruit and engage volunteers with the farm, particularly in the areas of communications, events, and fundraising. Preservation The primary Preservation project continues to be Phase 2 of the barn renovation, working closely with the City, the Farm Commission, and the Architect, CSS Associates. The CPC-funded project includes conversion of the main floor into handicapped-accessible community and workshop space with bathrooms and a demonstration kitchen. Plumbing and heating systems will be installed and connected to site utilities. CSA and farming service areas on the ground floor will be improved with a new concrete floor, produce washing station, and permanent lighting. Site regrading and landscaping around the barn will assure handicapped access to both levels. As the design developed over the summer of 2011 it became clear that the CPC-approved budget was not sufficient to cover unexpected costs for lower level structural improvements, sprinkler systems, and fire alarm, despite considerable efforts to reduce the estimated construction cost and scope. This budget problem delayed the completion of the construction drawings. The project team is considering requesting additional funds from the CPC, for which the approval process may entail additional delays into the summer of 2012 and perhaps beyond. We are anticipating raising private funds to support the project, for kitchen appliances


and a produce cooler. Completion of the project will be in early or the middle of 2013, or possibly even later. In other Preservation activities in 2012, we plan to add more plants to the terraced beds near Winchester Street entrance. The 2012 budget also includes an allowance for unanticipated maintenance and repair events in the farmhouse and barn. Completion of the pullet shed is planned for 2013 after Greg Maslowe’s return, to take advantage of his perspectives and advice. Administration Communications In 2011, we corresponded with those on our email list regularly through email updates on farm events and seven monthly e-newsletters during our growing season. The monthly newsletter included many interesting and informative articles and was consistently read by more than 400 recipients. We publicized farm classes, programs, and events at the library, Newton farmer’s markets, community events, local institutions, and on the sidewalks and roadways through the use of lawn signs. We also included event information in local newspapers, our website, and newsletters of other environmental organizations. We were fortunate to receive prominent, positive coverage of our Seedling Sale and Fall Festival in the Newton Patch and in the Mayor’s Office Newton Tab column. This year we also expanded our communication and marketing efforts through Facebook, Twitter, PTO newsletters, and parent blogs. This effort seemed to attract more families with young children to farm programs. We also enhanced our existing website by adding online payment and registration as well as expanding the information about gardening, recipes, and farming in the Shared Harvest Wiki section

Next year, we will continue with our on-going communication efforts including the e-newsletter, email updates, Facebook page, website, Twitter, blogs, signs, and media notices. We will continue to increase our online presence on Facebook and blogs and will build on efforts to use the Farm’s website to provide useful information to the farm community. We also hope to engage local media in publicizing the new hoophouse and our other events.


Board Affairs In 2011, the Board of Directors was faced with the daunting task of replacing long-time Board Member Gene Rubin, who had served the Board since the Farm’s inception. Board Affairs, with the help of Mr. Rubin, was able to nominate and add as a Board Member fellow Ledgebrook resident Eugene Finkelstein, an accomplished scientist and businessman. Although Gene could never be entirely replaced, the addition of Mr. Finkelstein will continue the Board’s important connection to its closest neighbor. Dede Vittori, who joined the Board in December of 2010, was added to the Board Affairs committee and immediately helped focus the committee in 2011. Going forward in 2012, the committee plans to address important topics such as improving the internal committee structures. Board Affairs also completed a revision of the Farm’s bylaws early in 2011.

The Board’s fall workshop focused on an evaluation of how the CSA program fits within the Farm’s mission. This retreat helped to reinforce the essential role the CSA program plays in both the finances and greater mission of the Farm while identifying both the CSA’s strengths and limitations. Also at this retreat, the board reviewed a list of key priorities and goals for future years, mapping those priorities to specific activities to achieve those goals and a working timeline for completion. Although it seems like a lengthy list of objectives, this exercise proved a valuable experience to align the priorities of the board. We are confident that it will keep us on task and heading in the right direction in the coming years.

Our Board Affairs goals for 2012 are to continue to recruit new board members and critical volunteers with strengths in fundraising, events, and communications, as well as to develop and implement improved committee structures to help achieve these recruitment goals. Fundraising In 2012 we plan to repeat several events and appeals that have proven successful in generating donations to NCF. Those events include a formal dinner at Lumiere in the fall which brings together approximately 80 guests for a multi-course meal prepared by Chef Leviton using some ingredients direct from the farm. In addition, we plan to continue to host a less formal dinner on the farm. In 2011, we limited this event to a cocktails and a light dinner under the stars. It was well attended and enjoyed by approximately 75 guests. At minimum, we plan to host a similar event at the farm in 2012 with the potential to make it a more formal dinner. Both of


the events require the purchase of a ticket in advance. After covering the costs of the event, the remainder is a tax deductible donation to the farm. The Board has found that this Evening on the Farm event invites a different demographic than the Lumiere event and therefore allows more of the community to experience and learn about the farm. In addition to events, we solicit donations twice a year, in April and November, by mail and email. In 2011, we began to accept contributors online through PayPal and we have seen consistent use of this tool. In 2012 we plan to continue accepting donations in this manner.

2012 Budget Summary

The 2011 fiscal year ended well ahead of budget (at around breakeven) due to most revenue items achieving their budgeted amounts while expenses in several budget categories were less than anticipated. Educational programming was strong, but attendance and income was lower than budgeted. Public support continued to be strong through donations, the Friends of the Farm program, and special events. All of the above combined with successful farming operations resulted in a net income of approximately $18,500 before depreciation or $700 after a noncash depreciation expense. The charts below represent our revenue distribution for the year-ended December 31, 2011 and for our budgeted revenue for the same period in 2012 as well as further breaking down farm operations revenue for the same periods:

Fundraising 27%

Education 5%

Events 13%

Other 1%

CSA 32%

Food Pantry 2%

Farmstand 14%

Farmer's Market

4%

Wholesale 2%

Farm Operations

55%

Total 2011 Revenue


For 2012, we project a slight surplus in the operating budget, (with a deficit after a noncash depreciation charge) highlighted by increased farm stand revenue and expanded fundraising. These increases will be slightly offset by higher labor costs as we plan to staff the farm stand (to dissuade theft) and fully develop an administrative support role.

Fundraising 27%

Education 5%

Events 13%

Other 1%

CSA 31%

Food Pantry 1%

Farmstand 16%

Farmer's Market 4%

Wholesale 2%

Farm Operations

54%

Budgeted 2012 Revenue

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