Back to list July 12, 2013 CAEDC Funds Earth Spring Farm’s New Location CARLISLE, PA (July 10, 2013) – Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) is pleased to announce the financing of Earth Spring Farm’s new 42 acre agricultural site located in Monroe Township, Cumberland County, PA. Earth Spring Farm currently operates on an 8.8 acre farm in Dickinson Township, Cumberland County, PA and due to significant increases in production and customer base, the company has decided to expand its operation and create additional jobs. Founded in 2009 in Dickinson Township, Cumberland County, Earth Spring Farm is a CSA & produce market farm that serves South Central PA and the greater Washington D.C. area. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, and the farm sells subscriptions for 20 weeks of produce delivered to neighborhood drop points from June through October. “Agriculture plays a significant role in our economy in Cumberland County. Earth Spring Farm has been a leader in supplying local customers with local produce. In addition, Earth Spring has generated a significant demand for produce in the Greater Washington D.C. area. Through this expansion, Earth Spring will better serve our community, in addition to creating up to five new full-time positions”, said Jonathan Bowser, Director of Economic Development for CAEDC. The farm grows all non-certified organic vegetables and berries for use in the CSA as well as for farmers markets in Camp Hill, PA and Mt. Pleasant, Washington, D.C. Below are the various vegetables that are grown and delivered to subscribers. Spring: lettuces, kales, collards, carrots, radish, beets, broccoli, peas Summer: tomatoes, beans, squash, peppers, onions, garlic, eggplants, corn, potatoes, cucumbers Fall: winter squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, greens, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, arugula, broccoli CAEDC has partnered with AgChoice Farm Credit for the financing of the new farm. Total investment of this project is $445,000, which is being used to acquire and make improvements to the property. The expansion will create approximately five new full-time jobs. CAEDC financed this project through the Small Business First (SBF) loan fund. The Department of Community and Economic Development administers the SBF program for small businesses involved in agricultural, hospitality, manufacturing and other industrial enterprises. This program lends to small businesses with 100 or less employees and may be utilized to finance real estate acquisitions, site improvements, acquisition of existing building, building renovation, leasehold improvements, new construction, machinery and equipment, working capital, and certain soft costs. “I enjoyed working with CAEDC on this expansion. Earth Spring Farm was able to take advantage of a State loan program, through CAEDC, that offered financing at 1.50%, which allowed us to create additional jobs and continue to expand my product line for future growth”, said Mike Nolan, owner of Earth Spring Farm. To learn more about CAEDC services, Small Business First, or any other loan program, please visit our website at www.cumberlandbusiness.comor contact Stephanie Boehm at [email protected] or 717.240.7186.
