NASHUA – Despite the decline of farming operations across the state and even within Greater Nashua, ReGenerative Roots, a local nonprofit that promotes sustainability and community development, is seeking additional land to expand its community farming operations.

ReGenerative Roots has partnered with Sullivan Farm for three years and has been able to transform over an acre of under utilized land on their property.

Executive Director Andrew Morin said their space has grown from a small 4,000 square-foot community garden in 2017 to now over 25,000 square feet worth of community garden space.

Although they are planning to continue operations at Sullivan Farm, due to uncertainties surrounding the city’s conservation easement and succession planning, they would like to broaden their search for land among the Nashua community.

Last month, The Telegraph reported that officials at Sullivan Farm are working through the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests to become a protected conservation property.

Sullivan Farm Owner Kathy Williams told The Telegraph she has been approached numerous times by individuals and businesses looking to build on the property and she was adamant that it will not happen as long as it’s up to her. Sullivan Farm still is in the process of obtaining conservation status.

Morin emphasized that his organization always has maintained a positive relationship with Sullivan Farm.

“Sullivan Farm has been great to us,” Morin said. “We’re planning to continue that partnership at least in the short term, but we want to try to get a piece of land that’s actually our land.”

ReGenerative Roots is searching for a plot of land with water, power and other essentials that is either up for donation, sale or long-term lease. They are looking for a plot of land that would extend a minimum of one acre, though two acres or more would be preferable, Morin said.

Morin also said they would love to purchase land next year and are extending their search to any of Nashua’s surrounding towns.

“Really, our ultimate goal is to make a community farm that can be used by generations to come,” Morin said.

Morin said they also would be willing to have multiple locations for their operations if need be. With more land, the organization hopes to continue its programming, which centers around sustainable agriculture and education.

Currently, ReGenerative Roots offers farm-to-school programs for local students, including a 10-week credited internship program and a partnership with Nashua High School North’s Green Club, which gives students the opportunity to get hands-on learning experience, while discovering how to grow their own healthy food in a sustainable manner.

In addition, Regenerative Roots gives students scholarships and a piece of land at Sullivan Farms to begin their own farming business as part of the Young Farmer Incubator program.

ReGenerative Roots will be continuing its operations at Sullivan Farm for now as they continue to search for property and reflect on the most efficient option for their operations.