Transform Your Unused Land into a Valuable Asset

The Local Food Heroes Land Partnership Program

Are you a landowner with underutilized acreage? Turn your vacant land into a significant asset while supporting veteran farmers through our innovative 5-year partnership program.

"We Build Value. You Keep the Improvements."

Our unique proposition is simple: Provide us with a 5-year lease at no cost, and we’ll transform your land with permanent agricultural improvements that become your property.

How It Works

Year 1: Foundation

Year 2: Infrastructure

Year 3: Housing Development

Year 4: Agricultural Expansion

Year 5: Optimization & Transition

Your Benefits as a Landowner

Financial Advantages

Land Improvement

Community Impact

Limited Availability

We select only 2-3 new properties annually for this program. Schedule your property assessment today to see if your land qualifies.

NRCS Programs We Can Access For Your Property

We have specific experience implementing these valuable NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) programs that can bring permanent improvements to your land:

High Tunnel System Initiative

Pollinator Habitat Program

Conservation Cover Program

Composting Facilities Program

Mulch Systems and Cover Cropping

Irrigation Efficiency Program

Fencing Assistance (EQIP)

Silvopasture Development

Additional programs may be available depending on your specific property characteristics. We handle all application processes, implementation, and reporting requirements.

What We're Looking For

Hear From Our Partners

"I had 2 acres sitting unused for years. The Local Food Heroes program not only put it to good use, but I now have a high tunnel and improved soil that's increased my property value substantially. The veterans working the land bring a special energy to the place."
James R.
Warren County
"The transformation of my field has been remarkable. From unused space to productive gardens with infrastructure I could never have afforded on my own. And knowing it's helping veterans makes it even more worthwhile."
Sarah T.
Hunterdon County

The Local Food Heroes Difference

While these agricultural programs are available to many, navigating the application process and successfully implementing them requires expertise. Our non-profit brings:

Proven Track Record

Established agricultural program at Veterans Haven North

Grant Experience

Successful history securing NRCS and other agricultural funding

Technical Expertise

Professional agricultural training and implementation

Veteran Focus

Unique mission combining veteran rehabilitation with sustainable agriculture

Full-Service Approach

We handle every aspect from application to implementation

Partnership Extension Options

After the initial 5-year development period, we offer several options:

All agreed-upon permanent improvements remain with the property according to our detailed agreement, while we maintain ownership of the agricultural business we've created.

Frequently Asked Questions

At the 5-year mark, you have full flexibility as the landowner. If you wish to take over operations yourself, we provide a 1-year transition period with paid mentorship to ensure you're fully comfortable managing the agricultural systems we've established. If you prefer us to continue operating, we can discuss new terms that work for both parties. This 5-year milestone is important because it allows us to access new rounds of funding for additional improvements if we continue the partnership.

The agreement requires a full 5-year commitment to ensure we can complete the planned improvements and establish viable agricultural systems. Early termination options exist only for specific circumstances outlined in the agreement and include appropriate compensation for investments made and future crop values. We structure our agreements to protect both parties while ensuring the program's agricultural mission can be fulfilled

Our agreements include protections for both parties in the unlikely event of early termination. In case of early termination, we retain the right to remove all non-permanent structures and equipment, including high tunnels which are designed to be dismantled and relocated. We also retain harvest rights for all planted crops and receive fair compensation for soil improvements and other investments we've made. Most importantly, we maintain ownership of the business we've created, including customer relationships, market channels, and operational systems. Early termination fees are structured to ensure we can relocate our operations and honor our commitments to the veterans in our program.

The program is designed to minimize landowner costs. You provide the land, and we cover operational expenses, including seeds, equipment, labor, and maintenance. Property taxes remain your responsibility, though many partners qualify for agricultural assessment reductions that significantly lower tax burden.

As a landowner, you maintain ownership of the land throughout the partnership. Our agreement clearly outlines which portions of your property are included in the operation and which remain solely under your control. You'll receive regular updates on the farm's progress and are welcome to visit the operations by appointment. While we manage the day-to-day operations, major infrastructure changes will be discussed with you in advance. If you decide to sell your property during the lease period, our agreement includes a first right of refusal provision giving us the opportunity to purchase the property before it's offered to outside buyers.

Our agreement clearly distinguishes ownership throughout the partnership:

We Own:

  • The agricultural business itself, including all customer relationships and market channels
  • All crops planted and growing on the property
  • All movable equipment and non-permanent structures
  • High tunnels and similar structures (which are designed to be dismantled and relocated)
  • Intellectual property related to the farming operation

You Own:

  • The land itself
  • Permanent in-ground improvements like drainage systems
  • Fixed structures that cannot be reasonably removed (as specified in our agreement)
  • Other permanent improvements as specifically outlined in our detailed agreement

This clear distinction protects both parties' investments while ensuring transparent expectations.

This is entirely up to you. Some landowners prefer a hands-off approach, leaving operations entirely to our team. Others enjoy learning and participating in various aspects of the farm. We welcome your involvement at whatever level you prefer.

We conduct a thorough assessment of your specific property characteristics to identify which programs offer the best combination of benefits. Factors we consider include soil type, water access, topography, existing vegetation, and your long-term goals for the property.

Housing development occurs only with explicit landowner permission and is specifically outlined in our agreement. Any housing structures (such as barndominiums) follow all local codes and regulations and are designed to enhance your property value. These structures remain with the property at the end of our partnership unless otherwise specified and can be repurposed for agricultural storage or other uses. For early termination scenarios, our agreement includes specific provisions regarding any housing structures that balance both parties' investments and needs.

Veterans working with our program gain valuable agricultural training, meaningful employment, and the opportunity to transition to civilian careers in sustainable agriculture. Your participation directly supports our mission of creating pathways for veterans to establish agricultural businesses and find healing through connection with the land.

Limited Availability

We select only 2-3 new properties annually for this program. Schedule your property assessment today to see if your land qualifies.