Wanna Run An Orchard?

Hollis resident David Petry grew up around the Woodmont apple orchards.

As a teenager, he worked as a picker.

The Lievens, who own Woodmont Orchards, the grandfather is the one who started farming for apple production. And so, after 88 years, they’re ceasing operations. It’s a sad end to that legacy, but hopefully another farmer will pick up where they left off.

Four years ago, the Lievens sold their acreage to the town for over three million dollars.

But they continued leasing the land and working the orchard.

Now the elder Lievens want out of the farming business.

So Petry, who is now vice president of Hollis’ board of selectman, has a plan:

I’m spearheading an effort to have the Woodmont Orchards parcel leased to any interested party that wishes to perform any agricultural items on the property.

The town is reviewing proposals from any Hollis resident or business.

No prior farming experience required.

Naturally, the town would like to reap a little cash.

The Lievens brothers were paying rent – but only a dollar a year.

Hollis town manager Troy Brown says he’d like to get more than that – if he can.

You know, a lot of these agricultural businesses have gone overseas. The fruit orchard industry, as I understand, a lot of these things have gone to Mexico, and other countries. So, it’s difficult for the local farmer to continue to survive. One way is to work out a deal like this where the land costs are minimal compared towards the costs of their operation.

Brown says he envisions a mixed use of the property, although the perfect fit would be someone who wants an apple orchard.

But that may be hard to find.

Gail McWilliam Jellie is the director of New Hampshire’s Agricultural Development.

She says the state’s apple orchards, particularly wholesalers, started to feel the pinch of global competition about ten years ago.

A lot of those orchards either sold or are now developed. I’ve been working for the department for 15 years; there have been several farms that have sold out because of that competitive issue.

But a few out there seemed to have mastered the formula:

Today, those same orchards that are making a go of it are selling directly to consumers. Pick your own, converting those apples into pies and baked goods.

That’s Rob Johnson, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau.

Local farming, admits Johnson, isn’t the same as it was 30 years ago.

Town officials recognize that and say they’ll take to either part-time or full-time farmers.

The point is, says selectman Mark LeDoux, to attract new life to the old orchard.

The current condition of the orchard is not exactly pristine. We need some folks to look at either fixing the trees that are there and restoring it to their original glory. Or taking some of the trees out that need to be removed and putting in other types of agricultural endeavors.

So far, the town of Hollis has received only two local proposals for Woodmont Orchards:

One is from an existing farmer who wants to cut down trees and grow organic vegetables.

Another is from a resident wanting to start a vineyard.

Combined, they wouldn’t harvest more than a third of the property – leaving the other two-thirds fallow.

Meanwhile the orchard sits without a caretaker.

Town officials are invoking Plan B: recruiting farmers outside the borders of Hollis, even possibly outside New Hampshire.

With Spring around the corner, the clock on the upcoming growing season is ticking.

For NHPR News, I’m Sheryl Rich-Kern.