Let's Get Shrimpin'! Click Here to Pre-Order!
February is Shrimp Month #2---Join Us As We Help Our NH Fishermen!
NHIAF has been asked to kick the mud off our farmin' boots and help our seagoing compadres sell the best of their shrimp catch direct and statewide through our NH Farm Fresh delivery service! Celebrate winter right with fresh, local, shrimp!
"When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization" ---Daniel Webster
We are our state's first hands-on professional association, training ground, and on-site consulting organization for farmers and foresters.
Our mission is to break down the barriers to entering and succeeding in the critically important careers of producing our food and preserving our woodlands.
Our goal is to help transform our state to one that sustainably produces most of its own food and improves our environment by using 100 % renewable energy. That's an example for our country, our world...and a gift to our children.
Please explore our web site and find out what we are doing to affect big changes. We are partnering with the best minds and companies in the state to put land, tools, materials, and information where it belongs: in the hands of our farmers and foresters.
Become a charter member or sponsor of NHIAF today!
Member
Sponsor
Incubator
Projects
Education
Leadership
We're Hiring!
Agriculture and Forestry Business Incubator
What is an incubator and why does New Hampshire need one?
Business incubators in general offer a common location to develop a new venture, taking advantage of resources and sharing capital-intensive costs. Incubators are typically sponsored by a non-profit funding organization or a venture capital entity in order to keep expenses low for start-ups. When they are operationally and financially ready, the businesses are "spun off" from the incubator, operating on their own, and their space at the incubator replaced with a new start-up venture.
NHIAF specifically serves the agriculture and forestry industries of New Hampshire, where high land prices and other start-up costs make for an uphill climb for the aspiring farmer or forester. Our programs are similar to agricultural incubators in other areas of the country, with the exception that NHIAF will be the first to operate on 100% renewable energy.
How does the incubator work?
Aspiring farmers and foresters compete for the opportunity to join us at our large farm, which we subdivide into 2-5 acre resident farms. These farmers receive extensive consultation from business planning through harvesting and selling their products. They also receive supplies, tools, starter livestock, etc. and share larger equipment with their fellow resident farmers. The incubator farmers own 100% of their operations and lease the land at low or no cost, depending on need. When they have developed their ventures to a level where they can thrive on their own, NHIAF assist farmers in transitioning to their own permanent farm locations.
Foresters who have completed their state licensing requirements receive business consultation to develop their entrepreneurial skills and network with members of target markets. The goal with our licensed foresters is to strengthen their business plans, increase their exposure and clientele, help them network, and thus broaden the effect of their environmental efforts.
Where is the incubator be located?
The incubator is located in North Conway, on 45 acres of fertile fields on the Saco River and 15 acres of woodlands and wetlands. We chose this Mount Washington Valley location for its land availability and affordability relative to other areas of New Hampshire, as well as its soil quality, access to irrigation, and field sizes in excess of 50 arable acres per parcel.
Our desired flagship location is the existing Eastern Slope Farm (see photos below!), a landmark dairy farm and historical icon of the Mount Washington Valley. The North Conway Scenic railroad also passes through the fields, allowing visitors from all over the world the opportunity to see our farmers at work. We are working diligently to secure funding for the lease/purchase of this farm, with the goal of placing its more than 200 acres into permanent conservation. Please help us save this farm from development and grow NH's next generation of farmers on it with a donation or corporate sponsorship today.
At this time, we are planning other incubators placed around the state, and we are open to established farmers who would like to host a resident farmer and/or serve as mentors.
Who participates, both in mentoring and residency?
We engage an experienced staff of business, farming, and forestry professionals who advise, guide, and advocate for our farmers and foresters as they build their businesses. We also bring in subject matter experts and coordinate with UNH Extension and other professionals in New England to present a robust hands-on educational program.
Our resident farmers are chosen for farmerships based on the results of a rigorous application process, designed to select hard-working individuals, families, or other partnerships that can embrace and implement sound and progressive business and cultivation practices. Every farmer needs to demonstrate a dedication to farming sustainably with a spirit of continuing the NHIAF culture of giving back.
Have operations begun?
Yes! We currently provide on-farm consultations around the state and border towns, as well as substantial benefits for Institute members. We also conduct four-season operations with as many qualified resident farmers as our land and finances can support. Please contact us if you feel we can assist you and your farm goals.
How can I get involved?
Become a member or donor today! Let us know if you are interested in our incubator residency, or if you are willing to support our mission in some other way. We will be happy to provide you complete information and answer all your questions.
How can I purchase products from incubator farmers?
One of our major projects is helping solidify direct and profitable relationships between our farmers and foresters and their prospective customers. We look forward to working with restaurants, schools, hospitals, bed-and breakfasts, and other institutional buyers and purchasing agents. Please contact us, and we will help set up a customized, hassle-free solution for you.
Mouse Over to Change Photo
Major Projects
Farm Profitability
Four-Season Growing
Renewable Energy Initiatives
Distribution Solutions:
"NH Farm Fresh Delivery"
Bulk Purchasing
Grant Assistance
NH Farmland Fund
Value-Added Products and Commercial Kitchens
Special Projects
Grains Grown Here
New Hampshire Swords-to-Plowshares
NH Wine NH Grapes
Small-Scale Hops Harvesting
Granite State Fish and Lobster
Animal Processing Solutions
Please check back soon for courses and seminars offered by NHIAF and our partner organizations!
Suzanne Brown, MBA
Executive Director
Suzanne Brown founded and leads The New Hampshire Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (NHIAF). Suzanne began her career as a Marine Corps officer and has spent more than 20 years working in technology, real estate development, marketing, and sales consulting. The non-profit NHIAF implements programs to help aspiring farmers and foresters overcome the barriers to entry and leverage innovations in cultivation, renewable energy, distribution, and marketing.
Suzanne graduated from Pinkerton Academy and the United States Naval Academy and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University. She also formerly taught Entrepreneurship, Small Business Management, and Organizational Leadership at Southern New Hampshire University. Suzanne resides in Conway with her spouse and 9-year-old son.
Employment
Please contact us for positions opening in 2012
Farmers/Foresters
Associates
Discounts/Deals
Please click above to tell us who you are, and we'll tell you what Institute membership can do for you!
(Hint: it's the kind of help and power those of us in the New Hampshire woods and fields have needed for a long time!)
Why should you become a member of NHIAF? For only $50 per year:
1. As a farmer or forester, you become a vital part of the buying power we need to make our operations and careers more profitable and fulfilling.
2. Discounts on equipment, tools, supplies, and services. Show your card or mention your membership and save!
3. Free basic business advice, including how to find farmland, marketing, human resources, accounting, technology, compliance, etc.
4. Free referrals to specialists statewide who can assist you with advanced business and technical issues. Find answers fast!
5. Opportunity to apply for a "farmership", long-term specialized asstance for your farm operation.
6. Discounts on seminars, classes, and professional meetings.
7. Listing with full contact information on this website, optimized for Google's search engine.
8. An opportunity to be the "featured member" on this web site, including a visit from NHIAF to take photos and hear your story!
Join Today!
Associate members are vital to the success of any farmer or forester.
You’re the ones who offer the right tools and materials to make sure we can grow our businesses. You keep us legal, make us look good, cover us in case of emergencies, and add value to our products.
So how can NHIAF help your business? For only $100 per year:
1. You are listed here on this web site, as well as in the welcome package we send to our new members. Along with your contact information, we will list any specials or discounts you offer.
2. Plus, we know that you can use discounts, too. Some of you are even part-time growers and woodsmen. So show your card to your fellow members and save!
3. When farmers and foresters contact us for assistance, we will recommend your products and services to them when appropriate. A great networking and lead generating opportunity!
4. Our staff participates in and attends trade shows, seminars, and demonstrations. We showcase our associates in our booths, literature, and digital media. We want to leverage your exposure to agriculture and forestry professionals.
5. Exposure at our incubator site. Resident farmers and foresters, as well as visitors will have the opportunity to see your brand.
6. All sponsorships include an associate membership. So for even greater exposure, please consider becoming a sponsor!
Members please call for discount code!
Member discount for farm animals
Please be as generous as possible to support our non-profit organization and programs.
We will put your dollars to work as an investment in New Hampshire's farms, forests, food supply, and environment.
If you have donated in the past, we thank you!
Donate Here!
The New Hampshire Institute of Agriculture and Forestry is a 501(c)3 organization, and your donation is tax-deductible.
Please note: The link above will allow you to donate using your credit card or PayPal. You do not have to have a PayPal account to make an online donation.
We are also happy to securely process your credit card by phone or accept a check made payable to NHIAF.
Farmers
Foresters
Below are our members, their contact information, products and services. The strength of our institute depends upon your loyalty to these members. Please do your part to buy local!
Apple Haven Farm (Mentor Farm)
Owner: Patricia Craig
829 Piper Hill Rd.
Stewartstown, NH 03576
Candia Vineyards
Owner: Robert Dabrowski
702 High St., Candia, NH 03034-2040
(603) 867-9751
Bob_CandiaVineyards.com
www.CandiaVineyards.com
Crow Till Farm
Owner: Kim Knollenberg (Currently Farm Manager at The Community School, Tamworth, NH)
2425 West Side Rd.
North Conway, NH 03860
Glen Ellis Farm
Owner: Ryan Classen (Resident Farmer)
Granite Spirit Farms and Forests (Mentor Farm)
Owners: The Brown Family
1857 White Mountain Highway
P.O. Box 5002-166
North Conway, Carroll County, NH 03860
(603) 969-9896
info_granitespirit.com
www.granitespirit.com
Haynes Homestead
Harvey Swell Rd.
Colebrook, NH 03576
Higgins Family Farm (Mentor Farm)
Locke Falls Farm
MiVida Gardens (Mentor Farm)
274 Savary Rd.
Silver Lake, NH 03875
New Earth Organic Farm (Mentor Farm)
120 Angels Rd.
Foresters coming soon!
Mt. Washington
Mt. Adams
Mt. Jefferson
Partners
NH Sustainable Lodging and Restaurant Program
Carroll County United
Become a Sponsor
NHIAF to Lead "Grow Tuttle's Farm" Initiative
Dover, NH February 7, 2011 The owners of America's oldest family farm have asked the New Hampshire Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (NHIAF) to assist them in outlining a strategy and identifying a successor for the farm's "next 375 years of growth" according to Lucy Tuttle, who along with brother Bill operates the Tuttle Farm and Red Barn retail store. More...
NHIAF Launches 2012 Recruiting Campaign
January 10, 2012
The New Hampshire Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (NHIAF) is pleased to announce 2012 open and rolling acceptance of applications for:
1. Internships (typically college or high school students desiring agriculture experience; includes cultivation/husbandry and marketing/sales/logistics)
2. Apprenticeships (growers with some cultivation/business experience; aspiring, yet not quite ready for independent farm ownership)
3. Farm/forestry incubator residencies we call "farmerships" and "foresterships" (somewhat experienced professionals who lack land/capital and desire commercial farm and forestry ownership)
4. Beginner farmers, foresters, and food artisans (new farmers/foresters with land and food producers who need business and cultivation coaching/development/support)
5. Mentor farmers and foresters (experienced organic/biodynamic and sustainable agricultural/forestry/food professionals to support and train new farmers; compensation arrangements available)
6. Land owners with underutilized farm and forest land who would like to see their property placed in sustainable production
Any aspiring or established ag/forestry/food professional from New Hampshire (or any other part of the United States) is encouraged to apply for customized operational consultation/planning, career coaching, and other support. Using innovative strategies and practical solutions, NHIAF advocates and facilitates fast-track preparation for new farmers and foresters leading to independent farm operations and land ownership.
Services and support for qualified applicants will be delivered at no charge by experienced staff. There is an extensive interview process for farmership and forestership residencies, typically located on NHIAF incubator and mentor sites in several locations throughout New Hampshire and border towns. Incubator residents own their operations on borrowed/leased land for an average duration of 2-3 years, with NHIAF transition assistance to permanent sites when ready.
For both established and new producers, as well as fishermen and food artisans, NHIAF also offers marketing solutions through "NH Farm Fresh", a statewide developing distribution system and contract-growing of organically/sustainably produced products.
All NHIAF programs and services are designed to increase the viability and profitability of independent family farms, as well as increase high-quality, affordable food security and independence for residents of New Hampshire, our border towns, and the greater New England region. We place special emphasis on organic practices, environmental stewardship, use of renewable resources, ingenuity and thrift.
We invite all interested participants to visit our web site at www.nhiaf.org and email inquiries, including resume/CV for program applicants: info_nhiaf.org
(Due to high response volumes, please refrain from calling, thanks.)
Programs for New Hampshire's North Country generously supported in part by The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (USDA Rural Development). Donations and sponsorships welcome and appreciated.
The New Hampshire Institute of Agriculture and Forestry is a NH charitable and IRS tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. NHIAF welcomes all applicants, who are evaluated only on the basis of their potential.
NHIAF's NH Farm Fresh Delivery Joins Our Fishermen for 2012!
January is shrimp month, so click here to order the freshest, tastiest local seafood available!
NHIAF 2010: The Year in Pictures
Click here!
Check Out Our Informational Film!
"Back to Our Roots...Farming for the Future"
NH Institute of Agriculture and Forestry to Guide Future of Tuttle Farm
Dover, NH- February 7, 2011 The owners of America's oldest family farm have asked the New Hampshire Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (NHIAF) to assist them in outlining a strategy and identifying a successor for the farm's "next 375 years of growth" according to Lucy Tuttle, who along with brother Bill operates the Tuttle Farm and Red Barn retail store.
Tuttle Farm on Dover Point Road raised national attention recently when the property was placed on the market by the Tuttle family. The farm was noted in nationwide media as an example of an overall decline of family farming, an end to the normal succession of farms from one generation to the next, and the inability of family farms to compete with large agribusiness.
However, according to Suzanne Brown, Executive Director of NHIAF, “What we see is actually a strong resurgence in farming, with established farmers looking at new methods of passing on their farms and new farmers eager to meet the rapidly-increasing demand for local food. With double-digit growth in the organic sector and the huge success of farmers’ markets, we are more than optimistic.”
Accordingly, NHIAF is assisting the Tuttle family and their broker with finding a purchaser that will keep their farm in productive agriculture and serve the Seacoast community. Bill Tuttle, 11th generation owner said, “Inasmuch as we are ready to sell the farm, we want to find the right buyer who will honor its history and the 379 years of stewardship that has marked our family’s work and dedication here.”
“Ideally the next owner of the Tuttle Farm will help us transform this national landmark into a agricultural center that enables our organization to train new farmers, diversify the on-site retail center with more locally grown and value-added products, and establish community services like local deliveries and a community kitchen,” said Brown. “It’s important for our country to see the evolution of the oldest farm in America as the torch is passed to an inspired new generation of farmers and other food providers.”
About Tuttle Farm:
The Tuttle Farm of Dover, New Hampshire, is the oldest continually-operating family farm in the United States, having passed down through 11 generations from father to son since the early 1600’s, when John Tuttle arrived in the New World bearing a land grant from King Charles II. Today, Tuttle Farm grows quality fruits and vegetables, and the Tuttle’s Red Barn retail center sells fresh produce and gourmet products from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
About The New Hampshire Institute of Agriculture and Forestry:
The New Hampshire Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (NHIAF) is a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization that through business incubation provides land, resources, and education to aspiring farmers and foresters, enabling them to provide the highest quality affordable food and natural resources for the citizens of New Hampshire. NHIAF also provides consultation and training to existing farmers and foresters, assisting them with building more profitable and sustainable businesses.
For information or to donate: www.nhiaf.org
Contact: info_nhiaf.org
Phone: 603-969-9896 BACK
There is a wealth of information and support here for New Hampshire farmers and foresters, and many organizations have chapters, departments, and offices specific to counties and towns.
Members, feel free to contact us first for a recommendation on the best place(s) to start. We can quickly make introductions to the people who can best assist you, saving you time and frustration.
If you know of a resource not listed here, please tell us!
Agricultural Marketing Resource Center
www.agmrc.org
Agricultural Marketing Service http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/
American Farmland Trust (New Hampshire) http://www.farmland.org/programs/states/nh/default.asp
Eastern States Exhibition (The Big E)
www.thebige.com
Future Farmers of America
www.ffa.org
Grants.gov
Land & Community Heritage Investment Program www.lchip.org
Land For Good
www.landforgood.org
MicroCredit-NH
www.microcreditnh.org
National Ag Safety Database http://www.nasdonline.org/document/2125/d000101/agsafe-agricultural-safety-training-materials.html
National Agricultural Statistics Service: New England http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/New_England/index.asp
New England Small Farm Institute www.growingnewfarmers.org
New Hampshire 4-H
http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4H.htm
New Hampshire Board of Foresters http://www.nh.gov/jtboard/fr.htm
New Hampshire Business Resource Center www.nheconomy.com
New Hampshire Christmas Tree Promotion Board http://nhchristmastrees.com/
New Hampshire Dairy Promotion Board www.nhdairypromo.org
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food http://www.nh.gov/agric/
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services http://des.nh.gov/index.htm
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/DHHS_SITE/default.htm
New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development http://www.dred.state.nh.us/index.htm
New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands http://www.nhdfl.org/
New Hampshire Fairs and Expositions
www.nhfairs.com
New Hampshire Farm and Forest Expo www.nhfarmandforestexpo.org
New Hampshire Farm Bureau
www.nhfarmbureau.org
New Hampshire Farm Service Agency http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/stateoffapp?mystate=nh&area=home&subject=landing&topic=landin
New Hampshire Farm to Restaurant Connection www.nhfarmtorestaurant.com
New Hampshire Farm to School Program www.nhfarmtoschool.org
New Hampshire Farmers Market Association http://nhfma.org/
New Hampshire Farms Network www.newhampshirefarms.net
New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association www.nhfruitgrowers.org
New Hampshire Horse Council http://www.nhhorsecouncil.com/
New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association http://www.nhlra.com/
New Hampshire Made
www.nhmade.com
New Hampshire Maple Producers www.nhmapleproducers.com
New Hampshire Natural Resources Conservation Service http://www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/
New Hampshire Online Farmers Market
www.nhfarms.com
New Hampshire Resource Conservation & Development Area Councils
www.nhrcd.net
New Hampshire State Grange
www.nhgrange.org
New Hampshire Sustainable Lodging and Restaurant Program
www.nhslrp.org
New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association http://www.nhtoa.org/
Northeast Deer and Elk Farmers
http://www.ndef.org/
Northeast Organic Farming Association, New Hampshire Chapter
http://www.nofanh.org/
Small and Beginner Farmers of New Hampshire www.beginnerfarmers.org
Society for the Protection of New Hampshires Forest www.spnhf.org
SPACE: New Hampshires Current Use Coalition http://nhspace.org/index.shtml
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education http://www.sare.org/
United States Department of Agriculture
www.usda.gov
United States Small Business Administration
www.sba.gov
University of New Hampshire College of Life Sciences and Agriculture
http://www.colsa.unh.edu/
University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension http://extension.unh.edu/
USDA Rural Development, Vermont/New Hampshire http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/VT/
Contact Form
Contact Info
FAQ's
Please feel free to contact us any time! Stay in touch with email updates! We thrive on feedback, and we are always looking for new ideas and innovations.
Have a question? Check our FAQ's or ask here.
Interested in farming or forestry as a career? Have the right stuff? Let us know---we are looking for tomorrow's professionals!
Address:
P.O.Box 5002-166
Telephone:
Email:
info_NHIAF.org
1. Are you part of the Department of Agriculture, Division of Lands, or UNH Extension?
No, but we work very closely with the above and all other farming and forestry organizations to ensure we are supporting their work while developing solutions for our agriculture and forestry professionals. We are part of the NH Coalition for Sustaining Agriculture, comprised of all the state's major agricultural organizations and leadership.
2. Are you a state-wide organization?
Yes, we are. We are based in Conway, and we offer services throughout New Hampshire and our border towns in Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Quebec.
3. What is a business incubator?
An incubator offers a common location to develop a new venture, taking advantage of resources and sharing capital- intensive items. Incubators are typically sponsored by a non-profit funding organization or venture capital group in order to keep expenses low for start-ups. When they are operationally and financially ready, the businesses are "spun off" from the incubator, operating on their own, and replaced with a new start-up venture.
4. What do I have to do to become an incubator farmer or a forester?
![logo[1]](http://static.wix.com/media/f038c7b67472d0e89979724b24394970.wix_mp_128)
