our land, your mission

 
 

Now Accepting Proposals for Low-Cost Access to Farmland & Equipment

Martin's Garden has served the community for over ten years through organic farming, CSA memberships, farm stands, and local restaurant partnerships. Throughout its history, our mission has remained constant: to strengthen our community by supporting sustainable agriculture, increasing access to healthy food, and demonstrating responsible stewardship of the land.

As the Martins contemplate retirement and transitioning away from supporting daily farm operations, our greatest hope is to see this land continue to flourish under new leadership. We are seeking an experienced organization(s)) that is prepared to independently operate the property, bring its own vision and expertise, and responsibly steward the land and facilities in a manner consistent with its mission while honoring the principles of sustainable agriculture.

Because our objective is continued community impact—not financial return—we envision an arrangement in which the selected organization(s) have access to the land and existing infrastructure with little or no traditional land cost. Any financial contribution would be intended solely to offset the actual costs of maintaining the property's infrastructure, equipment, utilities, insurance, and long-term sustainability, ensuring these assets remain available for future community use.

Organizations are encouraged to propose the model that best advances their mission, whether focused on community food production, farm-to-table agriculture, education, charitable programs, or other compatible agricultural or community-serving uses.

 Who Should Apply?

We welcome proposals from organizations that share our commitment to agriculture, education, environmental stewardship, and healthy communities.

Potential applicants may include:

  • Experienced vegetable or flower farmers seeking to establish or expand a small, specialty farming operation within the thriving Roswell community.

  • Restaurants interested in expanding farm-to-table production.

  • Nonprofit organizations producing food for food banks or community meal programs.

  • Schools, universities, or educational organizations developing teaching gardens.

  • Youth organizations offering agricultural education.

  • Organizations serving veterans or immigrants.

  • Agricultural entrepreneurs with strong community partnerships.

  • Existing community gardens seeking additional growing space.

  • Other innovative organizations whose ideas align with the mission and values of Martin's Garden.

 We intentionally encourage creative proposals. Some of the best ideas may be the ones we have not yet imagined.

 Property and Available Assets

Martin's Garden invites qualified organizations to submit proposals describing how they would utilize all or a portion of the property and available resources to advance their mission while contributing to the long-term vision for the property.

Key assets include:

  • One-acre fenced growing area within a seven-acre mixed-use property, plus

  • 28' × 72' climate-controlled greenhouse

  • Vegetable Wash Station

  • 10' × 10' refrigerated storage

  • Irrigation infrastructure

  • Farm equipment, tools and storage, including a BCS walk-behind tractor, Jang seeder, broad forks, and Polaris UTV

  • Established compost piles

 

Organizations invited to Phase 2 will be asked to identify which assets they anticipate using and explain how those resources will support their proposed operation.

The selected organization will ultimately be expected to preserve and enhance Martin's Garden by employing environmentally responsible growing practices that protect or improve soil health and by submitting an annual cultivation/land stewardship and repair and maintenance plan.

Shared Use and Operating Considerations

  • Martin's Garden is a mixed-use property—including an Airbnb, additional buildings, and farm animals that will continue to be used for and tended by the owners.  The selected operator will be expected to maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing operation.

  • Selected operator(s) will be asked to submit a preliminary safety and/or risk management plan.

  • Selected organization(s) will work with the owners to establish reasonable operating expectations, including typical working hours, anticipated staffing levels, visitor activity, parking needs, and access to shared areas.

Priority Considerations

Preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate:

  • Unified stewardship of the property under a single organization or clearly defined leadership structure. While multiple organizations may be considered, Martin's Garden strongly prefers a single organization—or as few organizations as practical—to ensure clear accountability, cohesive land management, simplified administration, and long-term sustainability.

  • Expansion of an established and successful program rather than the creation of a speculative new initiative (i.e. Martin’s Garden operating as a satellite location to an existing operation).

  • A charitable, educational, or healthy food mission that provides measurable community benefit.

  • Experienced leadership with demonstrated agricultural and operational success.

  • A thoughtful long-term vision for maintaining and enhancing the property's value and community impact.

  • Financial and organizational stability.

 

How to Express Interest

To keep the process straightforward for applicants, Martin's Garden will use a two-phase selection process.

Phase 1 – Initial Expression of Interest

Organizations interested in this opportunity should email MartinsGardenACF@gmail.com with the subject line: Initial Interest in Use of Martin's Garden Land

Please include a brief narrative (800 words or less) describing:

  • Your organization's mission.

  • Your vision for utilizing the property.

  • A high-level overview of your proposed operation.

  • Why your organization is well suited for this opportunity.

  • Any previous experience relevant to operating an agricultural, educational, charitable, or community-based program.

Initial Expressions of Interest should be received by midnight, July 21, 2026.

Phase 2 – Invitation to Submit a Full Proposal

After reviewing the Initial Expressions of Interest, Martin's Garden will invite a limited number of organizations to submit a more detailed proposal which may request information, including:

  • A detailed operating and implementation plan.

  • Proposed use and maintenance of the land, greenhouse, equipment, and other assets.

  • Annual cultivation and land stewardship plan.

  • Safety and liability management plan.

  • Proposed operating hours and anticipated staffing, volunteer, visitor, and parking needs.

  • Organizational background and financial stability.

  • Relevant agricultural or program experience.

  • Résumés or biographies of key leaders.

  • References and any additional supporting information requested.