County farm launches online fund-raising effort
Contributed photo
BRIDGEWATER’S WOOD PRAIRIE FARM, a small family farm specializing in raising certified organic seed potatoes, has initiated an Indiegogo Project in which support is being solicited from the public to help them build a seed equipment repair shop. Farm owners Jim and Megan Gerritsen are hoping to raise $32,000 by July 24. The money would be used to purchase the needed building supplies, and the Gerritsens plan to construct the repair shop themselves. Here, Caleb Gerritsen, left, and his father, Jim, line out the shop location.
BRIDGEWATER — Bridgewater’s Wood Prairie Farm, a small family farm specializing in raising certified organic seed potatoes, is turning to the public to help raise $32,000 to help them build a seed equipment repair shop.
Farm owners Jim and Megan Gerritsen have initiated an Indiegogo Project, and together with their children, will construct the actual repair shop themselves. They are seeking crowdfunding contributions for the purchase of the needed building materials.
“The organic seed and food crops we grow require plenty of specialized older equipment. As farmers we spend lots of time repairing farm equipment, keeping our tractors running and fabricating new machines,” said Jim. “From growing up around and working on the farm equipment, Peter and Caleb, our oldest children, are accomplished mechanics and have earned the responsibility of doing most of our equipment repairs.
“We need a place out of the rain and snow to keep our tractors and equipment maintained and repaired. This 30 foot by 70 foot metal building with wood-fired radiant floor heat is what we’ve needed for a long time,” Jim said. “With our community’s support, we can make this shop happen this year.”
The $32,000 will allow the Gerritsens, who have been farming organically for 36 years, to do the site work, pour the slab, construct and button-up the building shell, and begin using the shop. Future phases will allow them to add things like large garage doors and insulation.
Crowdfunding, of which Indiegogo is the world’s leading platform, is a Web-based community-funded project incubator. It is a means by which a community comes together to support a worthy project. Pledges are made by individuals who want to see the project succeed. Unique “perks” are offered to backers for different levels of support. Crowdfunded projects have established funding goals and deadlines.
Wood Prairie Farm hopes to raise the $32,000 needed to cover the cost of materials by the July 24 deadline.
“My brother, Peter, and I now do most of the repairs on our farm,” said Caleb Gerritsen. “We have a lot of good, older equipment which takes time to keep in running condition. The shop will help us get our work done.”
Caleb is one of four Gerritsen children, all of whom work on the family farm. He recently graduated from high school, and will study diesel hydraulic mechanics this fall at Northern Maine Community College.
The Gerritsens are active and have volunteered thousands of hours on behalf of the organic community over the past 30 years. Jim is president of the national trade group, Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association.
Wood Prairie Farm is located at 49 Kinney Road in Bridgewater. To make a donation, log onto www.woodprairie.com and click on the “Donate” link.
