Luna Bleu Farm has been our livelihood and life for almost 35 years and we are not quite ready to leave farming completely. Suzanne, at 62, is still in good health and still very active on the farm, at farmers’ markets and collaborating with other farmers. She sees quite a few more years ahead of her actively farming, and working alongside the next generation. Initially as mentor, then as support staff or in other roles to compliment the work of the new farmer(s) as the business evolves. Tim, at 71, is more ready to pull back from full farming days and focus more on specific farm areas: such as greenhouse tomatoes, compost and fertility management, general repair and maintenance and/or tractor work and just taking more time to go fishing.

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We envision a gradual transfer of business management and assets over the next 3 to 5 years depending on the experience and readiness of new farmer(s). This will give the new farmer(s) a chance to learn about the farm, the land, the community and markets and time to build equity and experience to successfully take over the farm business. We are also committed to finding a way to make this farm transition affordable, and support as best we can the future viability of the next emerging farmers.

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Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years work experience on a commercial vegetable farm

• Some management experience

• Technical crop growing knowledge gained through education and/or experience

• Desire to be a land steward and manage your own farm business

 

Other Useful Skills

• Tractor and farm machinery experience

• Some business/financial/budgeting knowledge and experience

• Conversational Spanish

 

To Apply

Send us a Letter of Interest by email to mailto:suzanne@lunableufarm.org  Include:

• Your resume or an outline of your experience, particularly as it pertains to the above requirements/skills.

• Your current situation.

• Brief description of your vision for a farm business.

• Brief statement as to why this opportunity is of interest to you.

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Timeline

Here is an outline of the transition process as we envision it. In the near term it is more specific and becomes more general as time goes on, reflecting the idea that old and new generations will shape it as time progresses. In the end this has to work for all.

 

We are accepting applications for this growing season, but recognize that this listing is late in the planning season, so we are happy to also begin a conversation with people interested in beginning winter/spring 2025

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• We will interview a pool of prospective candidates.

• We will explore details of a potential succession plan with a smaller pool of likely candidates.

• We will pick a candidate with a strong potential as a farm successor. Possibly as soon as spring 2024

• You will work one season as an employee, in a role as assistant farm manager. During this time we will share with you details of our current farm systems, marketing and finances. We will take the opportunity to share ideas of system improvements and potentials for changes or expansions based on your interests.

• At the end of the first season, with the help of service providers trained in farm transfer, we will assess potentials and next steps and create a timeline toward a transition of management and ownership. First steps could include simply increased responsibility and management, implementing new enterprises that reflect your interests and skills and/or forming a more formal business partnership. We imagine that these discussions will take shape based on farm experience, skills and interests as well as financial and other resources. We are committed to exploring ways to make the farming and stewardship transition of this land affordable for the parties involved.

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First Year Compensation:

• $18-20/hour to start, depending on experience

• Housing

• Vegetables and eggs from the farm, and discount on farm-raised chicken

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Luna Bleu Farm is is an equal opportunity employer and values diverse representation in Vermont's farm community. People of all backgrounds, genders, and identities are encouraged to apply.

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