First, take a look at this informational Flyer about the program. 

1. What can you expect from us?

Access to land: Victory Acres Farm will enter into a signed agricultural rental agreementwith each partner farmer. Land contracts will be subject to the rules and commitments of the Growing Growers Program. Land contracts are renewable but not guaranteed for the future. Six days a week, Victory Acres will be open for work. Sundays are reserved for faith and family. All partner farmers must agree to refrain from Sunday work at Victory Acres.

Access to water: A water source will be made available in proximity to the growing area. Additional labor-saving resources (such as irrigation equipment and drip tape) can be purchased by the partner farmer but will not be provided by Victory Acres.

Access to tools: Victory Acres will provide tools for use including hoes, rakes, spades, shovels,and gloves free to the partner farmers. Tools like rototillers will be available on a limited basis (depending on their use by Victory Acres.) Partner farmers will be required to pay for or provide their own gas and oil and properly maintain the tiller while using it. Breakage caused by wear and tear will be covered by the farm, but breakage from misuse will not be covered. If you break it, you will fix it or pay for repair.

Training: Victory Acres will provide weekly training. The Agricultural Coach will provide education relating to production of crops and the Community Liaison will provide training and assistance in the area of marketing. Growers should plan to spend at least 20 hours per week working with the Ag Coach and/or Community Liaison.

Access to our established CSA base: Victory Acres will allow our partner farmers to market their produce at our weekly CSA distribution. They will be able to set their own prices and will receive all of the profits/proceeds from these sales. Victory Acres reserves the right to restrict the sale of certain items that could compete with the our CSA production. A separate area near our CSA distribution will be set up to market the partner farmer’s produce.

2. What do we expect from our partner farmers?

Willingness to abide by the contract: Any violation of the program agreement or land contract will constitute grounds for dismissal from the program and forfeiture of all growing crops, harvested or unharvested.

Commitment to the Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) principles of the farm: We expect our farmers to abide by the CNG principles. Any violation of the terms or our Certified Naturally Grown commitment including but not limited to: the use of chemicals not approved for organic production, the use of synthetic fertilizers, or the use of pesticides or herbicides are strictly forbidden. Violation will constitute grounds for dismissal from the program and termination of the land contract.

Time Commitment: While this is not a job, it will require a significant commitment of time and energy on the part of our partner farmers. We require at least 15 hours per week of working instruction with the agriculture coach working on Victory Acres Farm and CSA land and projects.While this time will be “learning time,” it is also your way to give back to the farm. 2.5 hours per week will be spent with the Community Liaison working on marketing. This time may include official classroom instruction, individual mentoring, or project development. 2.5 hours per week will be spent with the Agriculture Coach working on and dealing with issues specific to the partner farmer’s land. The total commitment to the program per week is 20 hours. Growers will need to work on their own growing production outside of the 15 hour program period designated for Victory Acres. The time needed for production will vary with the amount grown, but partner farmers should plan to spend at least 20 hours a week during peak production periods.

Participation: There are a few training and marketing events required for the grant. We will expect all partner farmers to participate in these events.

Reporting: All sales and production numbers are to be reported weekly to the Community Liaison. We need to track total production numbers for grant outcome reporting purposes.

3. How much does it cost?

There is no fee or direct cost for the program for selected partner farmers. The programis being paid for by a grant that is part of the ISDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant. There maybe costs for seed, irrigation equipment, plants, etc. related to the grower’s individual plan for production.

4. How do I apply?

Victory Acres is receiving proposals through January 31, 2012 for production for the 2012 season. Submit a proposal answering the following questions in three pages or less: What would you do with 1-4 acres of quality farm ground? Be as detailed as possible. What crops would you like to grow? What experience do you have with growing (none is required)? How would this opportunity fit into your life’s goal? Why are you the right person for this pilot program? Proposals should also include a resume and list of references. The deadline for submission of proposals is January 31, 2012.

Please submit your proposal to:

Eric Himelick, Victory Acres Farm

5275 S. 800 E.

Upland, IN 46989

Questions? Contact Eric at:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

317-331-0119