Mystic Springs Organic Farm | Snyder County

Community shared access (CSA) farms are gaining popularity, offering personal, economic, ecological and community benefits. In procuring food locally, consumers can access the freshest food available and assure good farm practices are in place while supporting the local community.

Marcia Readinger and Giles Wickham of Selinsgrove, Pa. dreamed of starting a sustainable, energy efficient, organic farm that could be shared by the community. All of the produce would be grown using certified organic seed, without the use of pesticides, herbicides or chemically produced fertilizers.

Although Marcia had operated her own childcare business for 15 years and Giles had been involved in retail management and worked as a professionally trained chef for many years, they realized they needed help with the documentation needed to obtain financing. They arrived at the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center through the referral of other clients to seek help for their business plan and the development of pro forma financial statements.  

During the first counseling session in August, 2007, the SBDC reviewed a draft of their business plan and projected funding needed to start the farm operation, providing feedback and resources to get the business started. The SBDC helped the clients develop and understand their cash flow requirements, ultimately leading Marcia and Giles to use owner’s equity to invest in the farm’s initial operations.

The property that the client was interested in purchasing had a small stream on it, and the client wanted to build a bridge across this stream.  To ensure that the bridge construction would be in compliance with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations, the SBDC business consultant referred the client to its Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP). 

Environmental consultants performed research for the bridge construction and advised the client to contact the local conservation district.  Many municipalities have local ordinances that require a written and approved Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for construction, even if the disturbance is less than 5,000 square feet.  EMAP recommended the client contact their local county conservation district office to determine whether a written plan or permit would be required under the local ordinance. The client was able to determine that no permit was needed, and they constructed the small walking bridge.  This bridge now serves as a connection between the client’s greenhouse and the rest of the property.

With the help provided by the SBDC, the Mystic Springs Organic Farm began formal operations in spring, 2008. Built on a property formerly used as a horse pasture, with the availability of 7 acres, only half an acre is currently in use, growing 75 different items such as potatoes, carrots, corn, peppers, melons, artichoke, lettuces, strawberries and cabbage to name a few. The farm currently serves 10 families and Marcia expects to expand to serve as many as 40 families within the next two years.

Through their innovative and proactive approach to environmental stewardship, this SBDC client has demonstrated a commitment to an “earth friendly” business that invites the community to learn and experience how their organically-grown food gets from the field to their plates. 

The owners are very pleased with the current operation level and think that the success has been greatly influenced by the resources of the SBDC at no cost to them. “The SBDC has been a tremendous source of guidance and information for us as we worked through the business plan making sure that we did not overlook important details and helping with financial projections” said Ms. Readinger.

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