From ELFVING.JULIE@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOVThu Jun 1 11:02:36 1995 Date: Thu, 01 Jun 1995 09:02:38 -0400 From: JULIE ELFVING To: sanet-mg@ces.ncsu.edu Subject: "Rent-a-tree" - Farm Leases Here's an intriguing idea. Someone sent me a recent Washington Post article (sorry, date unknown, but it was probably within the last 10-14 days) about a 200 acre farm that has sold "leases" at $175 per apple tree to city people, who would then be able to visit the farm, which has 8000 apple trees, hiking trails, ponds, picnic areas, etc., anytime they wanted. They also receive all the apples "their" tree produces, about 800 pounds. Some apples can be sold back to the farm or donated to charity for tax purposes. Reportedly, the tax deduction alone could pay for the lease. About 150 people signed leases during the first month, many of them doctors, professors, or lawyers who live in Washington. The farm is 50 miles west of the District. Customers receive a membership card and a gold-trimmed certificate noting they've become "Friends of Pointe-of-View Farm." A plaque with each person's name is placed on the selected tree. The owners settled on the idea after struggling to make ends meet growing apples. At one point, they turned their place into a weekend pick-your-own farm to supplement income. But money from that came in only during the August and September harvest season, and visitors often ended up damaging the orchard as they tromped around, according to the article. Obviously, this idea wouldn't be suitable for all small farm owners, but it does have a certain appeal as a creative source of revenue. Apparently, the people who have bought leases have fallen in love with the place. The article quotes a dermatologist who bought 6 leases -- "It wasn't just for the apples, because you can grow them anywhere. People need to get away from the rat race that's all around the city and feel the tranquility of a farm. It's a chance for them to see what this country was like, to see another world beyond the freeways and the malls." An 85-year old woman who also signed a lease said,"If I wanted to get out and scream, I can do it there. It's the kind of freedom you don't get locked up in an apartment." She drives out nearly every weekend.