Jose Mendoza

I am actively seeking a lease-to-own farming opportunity in Connecticut, ideally on 5 to 10 acres, to establish a small, focused, organic and sustainable farm centered on pasture-raised chickens and ducks, paired with specialty greens. My primary goal is to enter into a long-term relationship with a landowner who wants to see their land responsibly farmed, improved, and ultimately transitioned to a committed farmer rather than sold immediately or left underutilized.

The core of the farm will be pasture-raised chickens and ducks producing eggs year-round and meat seasonally. These enterprises are well suited to Connecticut’s climate and local markets, and they scale efficiently on limited land when managed properly. Birds will be rotated frequently to protect pasture health, reduce disease pressure, and distribute nutrients evenly. The emphasis is on animal welfare, clean systems, and transparency. Ducks will complement chickens by offering a premium egg product and seasonal meat while also diversifying foraging behavior on pasture.

Alongside poultry, I plan to grow specialty greens as a primary crop enterprise. Greens are particularly well suited to 5–10 acres because they offer high value per square foot, short production cycles, and strong demand in Connecticut’s farmers markets, CSAs, farm stands, and restaurant channels. The focus will be on baby salad mixes, specialty lettuces, arugula, spinach, mustards, and other niche greens that perform well in cool seasons and can be succession planted throughout the year. Season extension through low tunnels or high tunnels will allow for early spring and late fall production, smoothing cash flow and improving farm viability.

I am open to different lease-to-own structures, including fixed-term leases with purchase options, gradual equity-building arrangements, or phased transitions that allow flexibility for both sides. What matters most is clarity, fairness, and mutual trust. I understand that every landowner’s situation is different, and I am willing to work collaboratively to design an agreement that aligns with shared goals.

The ideal property would consist of 5 to 10 acres of open or partially open land suitable for pasture and market gardening. Existing infrastructure such as barns, sheds, wells, or fencing is welcome but not required. I am comfortable starting with minimal infrastructure and building gradually, provided there is a long-term agreement that supports investment. Access to water, reasonable drainage, and adequate sun exposure are important, but the property does not need to be perfect. Land with potential is often better suited to a lease-to-own transition than land already fully developed.

If you own land and are thinking about its future, but are not ready or interested in an immediate sale, a lease-to-own partnership may be the right solution. If you know of land that is currently underutilized, or a property owner who wants to see their land actively farmed and cared for, I would welcome a conversation. I am happy to share more details about timelines, production plans, and how a lease-to-own arrangement could work in practice.

My goal is simple and long-term: to build a humane, productive, soil-building farm while creating a fair and sustainable path to ownership. I am looking for land, but more importantly, I am looking for the right partnership.