One that got away: Zack Wyatt at Alexander Farm on Westmoreland

Feb. 17. Carolina Farm Trust will break ground on Free Spirit Farm, a 28-acre urban farm in Huntersville, later this month. It is the Cornelius-based non-profit’s largest undertaking yet.

“During a time where we feel powerless in so many ways, Free Spirit Farm is an opportunity for all of us, as Mecklenburg County residents, to take action to protect and build our local food economy and supply chains.” said Zack Wyatt, the Cornelius resident who is the founder of Carolina Farm Trust.

At just under 30 acres along Kerns Road, Free Spirit Farm will be among North Carolina’s largest urban farms. It’s near Huntington Greene, an economically stressed community that is predominantly home to Latinx residents.

“FSF will serve those residents and neighboring communities who face barriers in accessing fresh, nutritious, affordable food. FSF will also serve the broader North Mecklenburg geography, and Mecklenburg County as a whole,” Wyatt said.

The operation will be a living and working farm that will cultivate community-led food systems change with a focus on racial equity and food justice through partnerships with Black farmers in the Charlotte area, Wyatt explained.

A comprehensive urban farm micro-system will provide opportunities for employment, housing, learning, recreation, leisure, gathering, and entrepreneurship.

Plans include:

One high tunnel grow building

Orchards for fruit and nut trees

Water features that will serve as reflection and retention ponds

Compost production

A structure for a farmer’s market, produce preparation, refrigerated storage, and amenities

An accelerated growth plan at FSF will feed the community and create jobs as swiftly and strategically as possible. To fulfill this growth plan, CFT recently launched a campaign to fundraise $500,000 from 500 donors at $1,000 each.

Groundbreaking

It is Friday, Feb. 26 at 11 am.

Address

10817 Kerns Road, Huntersville