Kevin P Sirois

After 13 years of successfully designing and operating a 5000 square foot rooftop farm above a school here in Manhattan, I am ready to bring the skills I have learned to make a small fully sustainable 10 acrefarm on land in New York.

Preferred counties/regions

  • Hudson Valley
  • Long Island
  • New York City

Desired acreage

  • 6-10
Fully functional roof farm with drip irrigation system and powered by solar.
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Farming Status

Beginning farmer: 10 years or less of experience managing a farm business

Currently farming part-time

Primary reason for farming

Farm will generate a portion of my income

Farming status, plans, and practices

FARMING on a rooftop in NYC on top of a school across from where I live, Inwood, Manhattan, and maintaining a full time job  has been crazy and wonderful at the same time. When I started doing this about 13 years ago I only knew what my father had taught me as a kid.He was a horticulture student at Essex Aggie in Massachusetts .

The produce evolved over time and I even put in solar energy and rain barrels and a water pump. Later I put a drip irrigation system in. 

Farm Experience & Education

  • Farm internship/apprenticeship
  • On farm work experience

I went to Andover Phillips school on a scholarship 

I have a degree in International Relations and another degree in Spanish from Lake Forest College. 

I studied in Spain at Middlebury college. 

 

Farming Plans and Practices

Farming method or practice

  • Regenerative/Sustainable

Primary crops

  • black outline of a carrot Vegetables
  • black outline apple icon Fruits
  • black outline of a flower Flowers or Ornamentals

Primary livestock

  • No Livestock

Marketing Method

My primary focus would be growing hot peppers and then dehydrating them and making a hot pepper powder spice.  I have successfully been doing this for the last 5 years.

Farm business plan or farm resume

My business plan or farm resume is in progress

Farmland Needs

Infrastructure required

  • black outline barn icon Barns - Equipment Storage
  • black outline electrical icon Electrical access
  • Black outline of a fence Fencing
  • Black outline of a water drop Water access

I would need access to a greenhouse to propagate the pepper plants. 

Desired Tenure

Tenure options desired

  • For Lease
  • For Sale
  • Cooperative Model
  • Other Tenure Agreement

I can pay a monthly for a rent to own option. 

Estimated price range for a lease or a purchase of a farm property

100,000

Has this farmer received a pre-qualification from a lending institution?

No

Will this operation qualify an eligible landowner for an Agricultural Assessment?

Unsure

Ag Updates

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Applications Open for Dairy Funding Accelerator Program

The Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) has opened applications for its upcoming Northeast Dairy Funding Accelerator (DFA) program. The 20-month intensive training curriculum will combine virtual and in-person sessions, as well as group and personalized Business Technical Assistance (BTA) training to help each participant meet their individualized needs. Funding for the program is being provided by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC). Applications are being accepted until December 1, 2023.

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The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship Program is seeking participants!

The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship (CAMF) Program is designed to empower farmers and agricultural advisors to gain and share both the knowledge and tools needed to be resilient in the face of climate uncertainty.  This cohort-based learning opportunity is for farmers and agricultural advisors who are interested in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and planning, as well as peer-to-peer networking and support. Applications are due by midnight on November 11th, 2023. 

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Register Now for Cornell Small Farms Online Courses!

Are you thinking about starting a small farm? Do you already have a farm that you're looking to expand? Invest in your professional development and you'll see the returns in your business. The Cornell Small Farms Program offers a suite of more than 30 online courses, primarily taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, to help farmers improve their technical and business skills. 

2023-2024 Online Course List Learn More

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Are you looking for a farm job? Are you a farm looking to hire help? Check out the 'Find a Farm Job' page on the New York Farmland Finder website! 

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