What’s an agrihood? While many new housing developments have greenspace with sweeping lawns that set off the houses, or a golf course or, at best, an eco-landscape that ticks environmental boxes, now there are ‘agrihood’ farming experience alternatives, like Rick Bagel’s proposed Wetrock Farm.
Set over 230 acres (93 hectares) on a former tobacco farm in Durham County, North Carolina, the Wetrock Farm development will have 141 homesites surrounded by woodland but also incorporates a working, professionally managed farm growing a wide range of fruit and vegetables, plus a Muscadine grape vineyard.
Like similar agrihood developments at Serenbe GA, Willowsford VA, and Rancho Mission Veijo CA, the Wetrock Farm development aims to promote sustainable, healthy eating among its homeowners, reduce food miles, reconnect homeowners with neighborhood, nature and food production, as well as protect local forest. Plus it aims to make a profit which, after all, has be part of any housing development.
But unlike its interstate counterparts, Wetrock Farm residents won’t have to buy produce from their farm but will each week receive a basket full of seasonal organically-grown fruit, vegetables and eggs as part of their HOA dues. The rest of the produce will be split between a local organic wholesaler and a store selling to local customers.
Also unlike those other developments where residents are only passive consumers of farm produce rather than active participants, Wetrock Farm residents can also garden themselves in the onsite community garden, with advice available from the farmer.
Rick Bagel says:
“Having a weekly delivery of produce, plus a Muscadine grape vineyard, plus the community garden, plus the 150 acres conserved open space with trails, is going to make Wetrock Farm really special for those who love gardening, local food, and the outdoors.”
As a very poor veggie gardener myself, having the benefits of fresh, local farm produce right at my door, while leaving it to the experts to grow it, sounds ideal to me…
Learn more at Wetrock Farm