The owners of a 13ac organic farm, worth $450,000, in North Carolina in the US are willing to hand over the title of the farm to the winner of an essay competition.
The competition is looking for two people who are aspiring farmers to write a short essay on why they want to own the farm.
The partners, of any description, must already have some training or experience in the sector to be eligible for the prize.
Norma Burns is the current owner of Bluebird Hill Farm and she has reportedly run the farm for the past 18 years.
This prize will allow the winners to achieve their dream of running an organic farm, but the competition rules state that the winning pair must be willing to put in the long days and hard work that farming requires.
June 1 is deadline for applications, while there is also a $300 (€278) entry fee required and a panel of judges will choose the winners.
The prize comes in three parts:
1. The winning couple will receive Certificate of title, free and clear, of the Bluebird Hill Farm, a Certified Organic Farm near Raleigh, in North Carolina.
The farm has been valuated at $450,000 (€416,760) however, no representation is made that this value represents a fair market value.
2. If a sufficient number of entries are received, the winner will also receive $50,000 (€46,300) in cash to be used for transition costs.
3. The winner will receive documentation on all aspects of operating the farm, including the organic certification process, and an introduction to Bluebird Hill Farm’s suppliers and community.
The farm includes a substantial residence as well as a barn, greenhouse, high tunnel, a chicken coop.
