The Farm at Eastman’s Corner is growing! Across the street from our farm store, an exciting expansion is under way. Two new greenhouses will provide us with our own tomatoes, grown by way of a hydroponic system developed by Hobbit Hill Farms in Wentworth, NH. A fifth greenhouse currently under construction will add an exciting new product to the local food scene: fresh, NH-grown ginger. A composting shed to be built later this year in collaboration with Mr. Fox Composting will give us an additional way to reduce waste and operate even more sustainably.
New life for a historic space
But the big feature is our Preservation Barn – a historic structure we’re lovingly restoring and converting into a powerful new resource for local farmers. The barn will contain two commercial kitchens – one large, and one smaller – stocked with the equipment needed to preserve and process fresh local produce, from flash freezing and canning to vacuum sealing. These spaces will be available to rent at affordable rates to both farmers and members of the public.
Exciting possibilities for farmers
The resources at the Preservation Barn will make it possible for our local farmer’s to turn their excess harvest into value-added products that increase the sustainability of their businesses throughout the year. Our staff will offer them guidance and training for every part of the process, from operating the equipment to licensing, marketing, and writing asset plans. The result will be less waste as well as new sources of revenue for local farmers – a win for everybody.
More to look forward to
With cooking classes, demonstrations, and a full slate of other events – including a few farm-to-table dinners – there will also be plenty to offer at the Preservation Barn for other members of the community. We’ll be opening soon, so stay tuned to keep up-to-date.
