After 25 years of operating its Youth Farm on land owned by the Springfield School District, FOOD For Lane County is excited to share that the organization has purchased a large parcel of prime agricultural land near the base of Mt. Pisgah southeast of Eugene, and will relocate the Youth Farm in 2026.
The current Youth Farm has been on land owned by the Springfield School District since its beginning in 1995. That land is zoned high-density residential and was not available to purchase. Last year, the Oregon State Legislature approved funds through a request from Oregon Food Bank, and FFLC was awarded $1.15 million of those funds specifically for farmland purchase. Using that money, and with generous support of the Evergreen Hill Fund of Oregon Community Foundation and a second anonymous donor, FOOD For Lane County successfully purchased the property at 34596 Seavey Loop, and took full possession in August 2024.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for FOOD For Lane County. To safeguard this important agricultural land, have the opportunity to expand our growing operations, and to settle into a forever home for the Youth Farm is so special,” says FFLC Executive Director Carolyn Stein. “We can’t wait to invite the public to join us here when we fully transition our operations in 2026.”
“We’re grateful to Springfield School District for the wonderful home they provided for us for so long,” adds Stein.
The Seavey Loop property is ideal for many reasons. It has rich riverbed soil, high-quality pre-existing structures, and a neighborhood dedicated to preserving farmland. “We’re thrilled to be joining a neighborhood that is filled with small family farms and other organizations we admire, like McKenzie River Trust, Mt. Pisgah, and the Arboretum,” says Ted Purdy, Youth Farm Supervisor since 2003. The property’s location will also make it an easy stop for fruits and veggies for the hundreds of thousands of recreationists who visit Mt. Pisgah each year.
FFLC has begun rehabilitating the property, which had been in operation most recently as an equestrian facility. “We look forward to investing in this property to return it to prime growing land for fruits and vegetables,” says Gardens Program Manager Jen Anonia.
Restoring the property to a working farm will involve a significant overhaul to the soil and irrigation systems, improving a structure to become the Farm Stand, and other capital improvements. “We’re humbled by the leadership support of two initial donors who have been as excited about this project as we have been from the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to share opportunities for involvement with other partners” says Development Director Rebecca Sprinson.
The Youth Farm is one of two farming sites operated by FFLC, and grows about 130,000 pounds of organically-produced fruits and vegetables each year. It also runs a farm stand and operates a full-scale CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program which provides subscribers with fresh produce throughout the summer and fall growing seasons.
Additionally, the Youth Farm distributes its produce to food pantries and other programs serving families and individuals who need food assistance. Each year, the farm employs 15 teens who learn about every element of farming, running an agricultural business, working with others and leadership.
The Youth Farm’s current operations at 705 Flamingo Ave in Springfield will continue until the program transitions to the new site in 2026. Farm stand, plant sale, and CSA operations are not anticipated to be impacted or reduced while the new site is being readied.
