To create more opportunities for farmers interested in growing fresh fruits and/ or vegetables wholesale, the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust announces a lease program at NWALT Farms-Berryville.

The program offers qualified farmers a sublease agreement for one of three 15-acre tracts of farmland on a 100acre property in Berryville. Interested farmers should complete an application that includes a farm business plan and other details about their operation. More information, including an introductory video and application, are available at the NWALT Farms website, nwafarmlink. org.

“Access to land for new and beginning farmers is a barrier across the U.S. and in our area due to increasing land prices. NWALT Farms-Berryville is a step toward ensuring farmers affordability and stability so they can focus on growing their dreams, and local food for the community,” said Grady Spann, NWALT executive director and chief executive officer.

NWALT has more than 6,700 acres in protection including some historic and working farms.This new NWALT Farms-Berryville property is expected to serve three farmer subtenants. NWALT will lead the program’s enrollment, provide access to training and resources for the farmers as well as stewardship of the property. Shared infrastructure including a pack shed with a wash line and coolers for postproduction harvest is under construction. Participant farmers also will have access to water for irrigation, electric utilities and shared equipment including tractors and common implements used in production of fruits and/or vegetables for wholesale. Areas for temporary housing are available on the site for farmers and or farm workers who wish to live on the property during the growing season or yearround.

The program is offering participants an initial fiveyear lease term with the potential to renew. Each tract is available for lease at $60 per acre annually. A complete list of rates, available infrastructure and equipment is available at the application webpage.