About our Farm
In 2017 we built our 2100 sq ft greenhouse in Cumming, Georgia on a 1/4 acre leased lot. As first-time farmers we had a lot to learn and we grew a lot (pun intended). For 3 years we have primarily grown lettuce & greens in aeroponic vertical towers.
This allows us to sustainably grow a significant amount of safe, nutrient-dense food year-round for our local community while conserving our natural resources. We also grow herbs and microgreens in a controlled environment. We grow enough to sell at 2 farmers markets and from our storefront at our greenhouse. This year we also added weekly CSA salad subscriptions.
We also grow seedlings for hydroponic/aeroponic gardeners. We sell seedlings online and ship to the eastern half of the U.S. through our subsidiary, ATL Urban Farms. In 2020 we began growing and selling seedlings for local soil gardeners too.
Reason for Fundraising
After 3 years of successful and profitable farming, we are ready to grow more! We have a pending lease on an established 22-acre farm in Ball Ground, Georgia. We are seeking your help to move our current greenhouse, build a 2nd greenhouse, and pay off a small loan to maximize cash flow. With the needed funds we will immediately prepare 2 acres to build a new greenhouse and move our existing greenhouse. This will allow us to minimize disruption to current customers and finish the transition before spring. Then we will move our current greenhouse to the new farm. Two greenhouses will allow us to separate our food production and seedling production to grow more of each.
We will also have 2 acres to grow vegetables and flowers in the ground. The fields have healthy organic soil with raised beds and irrigation that recently grew hemp just waiting for us to grow more fresh, nutritious food!
There are several reasons why now is the time to move:
- The demand for our fresh, local food has outpaced our ability to supply.
- Our current location has been a blessing as our "starter home" but it's small and we are not able to expand or easily host customers.
- Next year highway expansion at our current location will make our greenhouse difficult and even dangerous to access.
- We have been invited to join another farm family where we can double our results and half our expenses.
It's time to spread our wings, grow more safe, sustainable food, and bring families back to the table - back to the food, the farm, and the farmers.
Ultimately, our dream is to establish a farm venue where we grow food for people to eat, we teach people to grow their own food and we give people the opportunity to connect with the land, their food, and each other to feed their mind, body, and soul. Please join us through our Steward campaign and come see us at the farm!
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
We grow lettuce, greens & herbs in aeroponic vertical towers. Commercial Tower Gardens allow us to grow up to 44 full plants or 176 baby greens in 2 sq ft. Compared to traditional growing methods, we grow:
Up to 30% more food, 3 x faster, Using 10% of the land and Using 2% of the water
This allows us to sustainably grow a significant amount of safe, nutrient-dense food year-round for our local community while conserving our natural resources. Growing in CEA (controlled-environment agriculture) greenhouses allows us to grow year-round, with no digging, weeding, or watering allowing us to do more with fewer resources too. Learn more about Tower Farms here.
Steward Comments
Clint and Sheree both have a background in business and a passion for agriculture that shines through their work. We are excited to support Sweetwater Urban Farms as they move and expand their production capacity and continue to grow their farm business. The Steward Team had the chance to visit Sheree and Clint in Atlanta and to see firsthand the wonderful work they are doing in Georgia. We are excited to launch this project aimed at helping them grow to better serve their community!
