Longhaul Farm Press Page
Longhaul Farms in the spotlight for NOFA tour
August 23, 2007 | Theresa Ludwick, Record EnterpriseHOLDERNESS—Recently at the Longhaul Organic Farm and Garden Centre in Holderness hosted a tour and potluck meal attended by members of the New Hampshire Chapter of Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA-NH). The tour was part of the organization’s annual summer series highlighting organic gardens and farms in the state.
The goal of NOFA is to educate and promote the benefits of gardening and farming without the use of pesticides, antibiotics, GMOs (genetically modified organisms), or growth hormones. In addition, NOFA supports biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, which they believe better supports the planet, both biologically and economically. “The New Hampshire chapter has been around for 40 years,” Elizabeth Obelinus explains. Obelinus is the program coordinator for NOFA-NH and was on hand as well. “There are between 425 and 475 members in New England’s seven chapters.”
Longhaul Farm owners Lorri Downs and H.O. Lenentine led a small but enthusiastic group of NOFA-NH members and interested others around the farm property, presenting lush vegetable and flower gardens, and explaining behind-the-scenes details that support an enterprise still in process.
In 1997, Downs and Lenentine purchased a 33-acre tract of property on Route 113. After several years spent restoring the property’s 200 year-old farmhouse and reclaiming the land for agriculture, the couple opened the farm for business. During this time, Lorri remembers, she thought often of the land’s history. “I liked to imagine the farmers and Native Americans who were here before me,” she smiles. Downs and Lenentine were excited about their goals.
Since its inception in 2001, Longhaul Farm has grown and evolved. The Country Store offers the farm’s wholesome, organic vegetable and herbs, and is chock full of special New England-made food items like fudge, cheese, fresh and frozen meats, jams and preserves, and home made bread. Handcrafted candles, wood products, toys, and more are of the kind you purchase with the intent of giving away, but end up wanting to keep for yourself. A garden center, busy with bright red nasturtiums and a plethora of summer flowers, offers plants and organic gardening supplies for many gardening projects.
The most recent addition to Longhaul Farm’s amenities is the new Pavilion in the Woods, an open-air facility with a commercial kitchen, where Saturday morning breakfasts and Friday night BBQs are currently being held throughout August and have served on average, 60 to 80 guests. Downs has high hopes for the future of the pavilion, including year-round activities and events, including cooking, preparation, and preservation classes. “Our big reason for the kitchen,” she says, “is to utilize our products to share good, quality prepared foods and to share the property through a variety of programs.”
Another goal is to establish a connection with local businesses in Plymouth, Meredith, Ashland, and surrounding towns and facilitate delivery of prepared foods as well as eggs, meats, cheeses, and produce. Chef Michael Lewko, also current manager of The Diamond’s Edge North in Waterville Valley and Olio’s, would like to see the Pavilion’s kitchen in operation year-round so that a larger clientele of visitors can enjoy the foods Longhaul produces. Currently, the Pavilion in the Woods is available for gatherings, workshops, reunions, weddings, and any other function that comes to mind.
Country Market Day is another project Downs and Lenentine would like to see become an annual event at the farm. Taking place on Saturdays through August from 8 am to 12 pm, Country Market Day gives local vendors an opportunity to do business and visitors a chance to buy anything from antiques to handcrafted jewelry.
In these and other efforts to induce growth and maintain organic sustainability, Longhaul Farm has come to serve as a fine example of industry, community compatibility, and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit them at longhaulfarm.com.