“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth,
good morals, and happiness." - Thomas Jefferson
for farms for families for research
A CAMPAIGN TO CONSERVE
AN ORGANIC RESEARCH FARM TO BETTER OUR WORLD
We believe the land tells a story, because our own story begins with
the land. We’ve been citrus farmers for four generations. Nourishing
the soil and tending the trees is part of our history, and our future. In
1999, Matt McLean started Uncle Matt’s Organic in order to return to
the way our family used to farm: organically. Today, Uncle Matt’s
Organic is the largest and oldest organic citrus company in the U.S.,
on a mission to promote organic food and farming practices. But our
story, and our dream, only begins here.
THE DREAM: GROWING A HEALTHY GENERATION
Phase One: Conserving the land
It’s no secret that development of agricultural
and native forest habitats is on the rise. Recent
high density residential rezoning efforts have
increased development bordering two organic
citrus groves – farmed by Uncle Matt’s Organic –
Florida Scrub Jay
totaling 170 acres. Why are these groves so
important? In addition to the organic citrus produced, each shelters
and borders native forest with habitats for the endangered Gopher
Tortoise and Florida Scrub Jay. What’s more, these groves provide a
buffer to the impacts of development for Scrub Point Preserve, an
89-acre mixed-species habitat owned by Lake County Water
Authority that is part of 2,400-acre John’s Lake. Many bird, fish and
wildlife species call this area home.
The two organic groves we farm are part of land that is rich in family
history. The larger of the two groves, a 103-acre farm, is owned by
Mary Eddy, a third generation citrus grower now in her 80s. Her
dream and desired legacy is to have her land continue as an organic
grove. The adjacent 67-acre grove is wholly owned by the Uncle
Matt’s Organic family.
We want to protect these groves for future generations. To
do so, Uncle Matt’s Organic, in concert with Florida Organic
Growers, Inc. (FOG), must raise $2.04 million by March 2014 before a
purchase offer tied to the conservation easement expires. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture has agreed to provide $4,080,000 to
purchase the easement rights to keep this land from being developed,
but only if their purchase offer can be matched with $2,040,000 from
other sources. Acquiring conservation easement will allow these
groves to continue to produce organic fruit as well as preserve existing
native habitat, virgin forest, and a sanctuary for endangered species.
Phase Two: Creating an organic research farm unlike any other
We believe organic farming is the best way to farm, and the only way
to eat. It’s best for the environment, and healthiest for families. It’s
our dream to create a not-for-profit organic research farm for
education, community involvement, and public outreach. It will be
located within the protected organic groves, and will be one of the
largest organic research farms in the country.
THE FARM’S GOALS INCLUDE:
lowering the cost of organic food at retail;
finding organic solutions to citrus greening disease;
• preserving and growing the honeybee population;
• promoting organic education and university studies;
• improving farming and conservation practices;
• promoting environmental stewardship;
• promoting agri-tourism opportunities for the millions of
visitors who come to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and other
Florida attractions;
... and more.
•
•
The Organic Research Farm will include facilities for agri-tourism, an
area for locals to pick their own organic food (U-Pick), a Community
Supported Ag (CSA), with classrooms, a demonstration kitchen,
exhibit facilities and a variety of open garden areas where schools
and the public can learn about organic farming and protected
wildlife. It also will serve as a venue for scientists, agronomists and
cutting edge university research trials relating to sustainability and
organic food and farming practices.
.
THE PROJECT
Mary Eddy, 3rd generation grower
WE NEED YOUR HELP
PROJECT SUMMARY
The first steps for putting an agricultural conservation easement are
in place. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has accepted the property
for an easement under the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program
(FRPP). Once executed, the easement will be held and monitored by
the State of Florida.
PROTECT THE GROVES AND HABITAT THROUGH CONSERVATION
• Two organic citrus groves totaling 170 acres
• Bordering forest, home to endangered Florida Scrub Jay and Gopher Tortoise
• An 89-acre mixed species habitat
The Farm and Ranchland Protection Program will pay for half the
cost of preserving the organic groves and surrounding habitat. The
program requires a 50% cash match before closing can take place. The
State no longer has uncommitted funds for easement purchases, so
the $2,040,000 match must come from private donations.
PROMOTE ORGANIC & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
• Create a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art organic research farm that
offers education, university research and public awareness
• Support honeybee awareness and provide a CSA (Community Supported Ag)
Growing a healthy generation takes commitment from others who
believe that organic farming, sustainability and research practices are
better for our world. We’re asking for a financial commitment from
those who believe they can impact a bigger story to conserve the
organic farm. Because it’s not just our story now –– it’s yours, too.
PROVIDE: HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT
Help us raise $2,040,000 by March 2014. Your private donation will make
an impact in a story to better our world. The Farm & Ranchland Protection
Program will pay for half of the total cost of conserving the groves and
surrounding habitat.
Together... We can grow a healthy generation.
for farms for families for research
EXISTING
CONSERVATION
PROPOSED
CONSERVATION
UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
PENDING
CONSTRUCTION
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
For more information, contact:
Alex Howell
Uncle Matt’s Organic, Inc.
407.832.4077
[email protected]