Tegrity Valley Farms | Application Preview
1. PROJECT COVER INFORMATION
Project Title:
Tegrity Valley Farms Greenhouse and Specialty Crop Expansion: Christmas Trees, Lavender, and Watercress
Applicant Organization:
Tegrity Valley Farms
Project Director / PI:
Owner-Operator (Project Director), Tegrity Valley Farms
Contact Information:
Castle Rock, Washington (Cowlitz County)
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
Problem / Need:
Cowlitz County and the greater Castle Rock area have strong demand for locally grown, seasonal, and sustainably produced agricultural products, yet many residents still rely on products shipped from outside the county. This creates gaps in freshness, traceability, local economic circulation, and community-based agritourism opportunities. There is also an opportunity to strengthen local food and farm resilience by diversifying crops and using controlled-environment agriculture to reduce weather-related risk.
Target Population / Sector:
Primary beneficiaries include residents and families in and around Castle Rock, Washington; local holiday shoppers seeking locally sourced Christmas trees; customers interested in value-added lavender products; and local buyers who want fresh specialty greens such as watercress. Secondary beneficiaries include local artists and makers who can participate in seasonal events and markets hosted on-site.
Proposed Solution:
Tegrity Valley Farms will expand into a diversified, organic-leaning specialty farm model built around three complementary product lines: Christmas trees, lavender, and watercress. Grant funds will be used to construct a large greenhouse, establish plantings, and install irrigation systems that improve reliability and production quality. The project is designed to create a stable, multi-season farm economy where different crops offset one another, supported by strong community outreach, education, and local marketing.
Key Activities:
- Construct a large greenhouse and prepare the site, including soil preparation and basic infrastructure.
- Purchase and establish Christmas tree stock and lavender plants, and set up irrigation systems suitable for watercress production.
- Launch a local marketing and community engagement plan using social media, local agricultural specialists, and community events tied to seasonal farm experiences.
Expected Outcomes:
- Increased local supply of specialty and seasonal farm products (Christmas trees, lavender, and watercress) produced in Castle Rock, reducing reliance on imports from other cities.
- Improved farm resilience through crop diversification and greenhouse-based production, leading to more consistent revenue and seasonal employment opportunities.
Funding Request & Duration:
Funds requested will be used for greenhouse construction, plant materials, irrigation for watercress, and labor for soil preparation and site establishment, with implementation structured across an initial build-and-plant period followed by establishment and early production.
3. STATEMENT OF NEED / PROBLEM STATEMENT
Problem Description:
Local and regional agricultural systems face increasing pressure from weather variability, rising input costs, and supply chain disruptions. Small farms in particular benefit from infrastructure that stabilizes production, extends seasons, and supports higher-value specialty crops. In the Castle Rock area, customers looking for locally grown Christmas trees and specialty products frequently travel to other cities or purchase from vendors sourcing from outside the immediate community. That leakage represents a missed opportunity for local business development, local employment, and community-based agritourism.
Who Is Affected:
Residents of Castle Rock and surrounding Cowlitz County communities are affected through reduced access to locally produced seasonal goods and fewer locally anchored farm experiences. Local makers, artists, and small businesses are also affected due to limited venues that combine agriculture with seasonal foot traffic and community events.
Current Gaps:
The area lacks a highly visible, community-centered farm destination in Castle Rock that combines diversified crops with seasonal experiences and consistent local marketing. Many growers and gardeners also do not engage heavily online, which can limit awareness of local offerings. There is a gap that can be addressed by a producer who is both experienced in organic farming and strong in community organization and outreach.
Consequences if Unaddressed:
Without targeted investment in on-farm infrastructure and diversified production, demand will continue to be met by outside suppliers. This reduces local economic multiplier effects, limits the growth of small agricultural enterprises, and misses opportunities to build community resilience and local pride around locally produced goods.
4. PROJECT GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Overall Goal:
Build a diversified, community-centered farm in Castle Rock that increases local access to seasonal and specialty crops while strengthening farm resilience, local economic activity, and community engagement.
Specific Objectives (SMART):
Objective 1:
Within the first project year, Tegrity Valley Farms will complete site preparation and construct a large greenhouse to support season extension, plant establishment, and more reliable production.
Objective 2:
Within the first project year, Tegrity Valley Farms will purchase and establish Christmas tree stock and lavender plants, and install irrigation infrastructure appropriate for specialty crop production, including watercress.
Objective 3:
Within the first project year, Tegrity Valley Farms will implement a local outreach and marketing plan that uses social media, relationships with master gardeners and agricultural specialists, and community meetings to build awareness and drive local purchasing.
5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION / PROGRAM NARRATIVE
Project Overview:
Tegrity Valley Farms proposes a practical, diversified farm expansion centered on three product categories with different seasonal peaks and market pathways: Christmas trees (holiday seasonal retail and on-farm u-cut experience), lavender (summer agritourism and value-added products such as oils and wreaths), and watercress (fresh specialty green that can be supported by reliable irrigation and controlled production practices). The greenhouse functions as a stabilizing asset that improves plant establishment, supports propagation and season extension, and reduces the risk associated with weather volatility.
Approach / Strategy:
The strategy starts with building strong infrastructure first, then scaling crop establishment and community engagement in a way that fits local demand. Diversification is intentionally used as a risk-management tool: if one crop underperforms in a given year due to weather, pests, or market fluctuations, the others help maintain revenue and keep the farm viable. The applicant brings deep experience in organic farming and a strong community-organizing orientation, which supports both production discipline and consistent local marketing.
Key Activities:
- Land and site development, including soil preparation, layout of production zones, and greenhouse area establishment.
- Greenhouse construction and procurement/installation of irrigation systems to support watercress and other farm needs.
- Crop establishment through the purchase and planting of Christmas tree stock and lavender plants, with ongoing care plans.
- Community engagement and marketing, including social media promotion, collaboration with local agricultural specialists, attendance at meetings, and hosting on-farm seasonal gatherings.
Innovation / Best Practices Used:
The project combines controlled-environment agriculture (greenhouse) with diversified cropping and agritourism-style community activation. It also leverages a hybrid outreach model that includes both digital marketing and in-person relationship networks (master gardeners and community groups), recognizing that not all key community connectors are active on social media.
Alignment with Grant Priorities:
This project aligns with common government grant priorities that emphasize small business growth, rural economic development, agricultural resilience, local food systems, season extension, job creation, and community benefit. The greenhouse and irrigation components directly support climate-smart and risk-reducing infrastructure, while diversified production and local sales strengthen regional supply chains.
6. METHODS / WORK PLAN
Implementation Steps:
Phase 1 - Setup
Site planning and layout for greenhouse placement, planting areas, and irrigation routes, followed by soil preparation and grading where needed. Procurement of greenhouse materials, irrigation components, and initial plant stock.
Phase 2 - Execution
Greenhouse construction and installation of irrigation systems. Planting and establishment of lavender and Christmas tree stock, and development of watercress production areas supported by reliable water delivery.
Phase 3 - Delivery
Launch of coordinated marketing and community engagement activities, including seasonal on-farm events and community participation opportunities. Continued crop maintenance with a focus on plant health, weed management consistent with organic practices, and preparation for first marketable outputs as crops mature.
7. TARGET POPULATION / BENEFICIARIES
Who Will Be Served:
Local residents, families, and consumers in Castle Rock and the broader Cowlitz County area seeking locally grown, seasonal farm products. The project also serves local artists and community members interested in participating in seasonal events, workshops, and farm-based gatherings.
Recruitment / Access Method:
Customers and participants will be reached through social media, community meetings, word-of-mouth networks, relationships with master gardeners, and coordination with local agricultural specialists who can help amplify the farm’s offerings and events.
8. ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY
Relevant Experience:
The applicant reports more than 50 years of hands-on experience in organic farming. That background supports competent soil management, plant health practices, and long-term stewardship of farm resources. In addition, the applicant identifies community outreach as a core strength, with established relationships among local master gardeners and an active social media presence that can translate into early visibility for the farm.
Systems & Infrastructure:
Grant-funded infrastructure will include a large greenhouse and irrigation systems, which will become foundational assets for ongoing operations. Labor funded through the grant will be directed toward soil preparation and establishing the greenhouse area, ensuring the project begins with a production-ready base.
10. STAFFING PLAN / KEY PERSONNEL
Project Director (Owner-Operator), Qualifications:
Lead for planning, procurement, coordination, crop oversight, and marketing/community engagement. Brings decades of organic farming experience and community organizing capability.
Seasonal Labor:
Grant-supported labor will focus on soil preparation, site readiness, and build-out support for the greenhouse area and early crop establishment.
11. EVALUATION PLAN
Success Measures:
Progress will be tracked through completion milestones and operational indicators, including greenhouse completion, irrigation installed and functional, number of plants/trees established, and the successful launch of community engagement efforts. Seasonal indicators include customer attendance at events (where applicable), local sales activity, and repeat community participation.
Data Collection Methods:
Internal records documenting construction completion, procurement receipts for plant stock and irrigation materials, planting logs, and basic sales/event tracking. Social media engagement metrics and community outreach participation will also be monitored to measure market reach.
Reporting Frequency:
Progress tracking will be maintained throughout implementation with milestone-based updates aligned to major phases: site preparation, greenhouse completion, planting completion, and first seasonal market activities.
12. BUDGET SUMMARY
Budget summary:
Grant funds will be allocated to greenhouse construction, purchase of Christmas tree stock and lavender plants, irrigation systems for watercress production, and labor costs for soil preparation and establishment of the greenhouse area.
13. BUDGET JUSTIFICATION (NARRATIVE)
Personnel:
Seasonal labor is required for soil preparation, site setup, and physical establishment work that must be completed efficiently and safely to keep the project on schedule. Labor funding supports timely completion of foundational work that directly affects plant survival and long-term productivity.
Equipment:
A large greenhouse is a critical piece of infrastructure that enables season extension, improves establishment success for young plants, and reduces weather-related production risk. It also supports more predictable planning and supply, which is important for customer reliability and revenue stability.
Supplies:
Plant materials will include Christmas tree stock and lavender plants selected for local suitability and market demand. Irrigation supplies are necessary to support watercress production and ensure consistent water delivery, which directly impacts crop quality and yield.
Contractors:
If specialized greenhouse construction or irrigation installation services are required, contractor support ensures proper installation, code-appropriate work where applicable, and long-term reliability of the infrastructure.
14. SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
Post-Grant Funding Strategy:
The farm will sustain operations through diversified revenue streams tied to multiple seasons. Christmas tree sales anchor winter revenue, lavender supports summer income with potential value-added products, and watercress provides specialty crop opportunities that can complement local demand for fresh greens. This spread reduces reliance on a single market window and supports more consistent cash flow.
Revenue or Cost Recovery:
Revenue will come from direct-to-consumer sales, seasonal on-farm experiences, and value-added lavender items such as oils and wreaths. Community events hosted around the rustic shed and stage concept can drive foot traffic and increase product sales while strengthening local partnerships.
Institutional Adoption:
Infrastructure improvements, once installed, remain in place as long-term farm assets that support ongoing production. The greenhouse and irrigation systems become embedded in daily operations and continue delivering benefit beyond the grant period.
15. RISK MANAGEMENT
Key Risks:
Weather variability, plant establishment losses, pest and disease pressure, and market fluctuations can affect farm performance. Event-based revenue can also be sensitive to seasonal conditions and consumer confidence.
Mitigation Strategies:
Diversifying into Christmas trees, lavender, and watercress spreads agronomic and market risk across multiple products and seasons. The greenhouse reduces exposure to adverse weather and supports stronger establishment. Irrigation investments increase consistency for specialty crops. Strong local outreach, including both social media and in-person community networks, supports demand-building and reduces dependence on any single sales channel. The community-centered model, including the rustic shed and stage concept, helps create a destination experience that differentiates the farm from distant competitors and encourages repeat visits.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 123123123
Location: castle rock, wa, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
I would use this money to construct a big greenhouse, buy Christmas trees and lavender plants and well as irrigation systems for watercress. I would pay labor for preparing soil and establishing the greenhouse area.
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Business Plan
I like starting big and educating myself on land use, water systems, plant life and supply and demand in cowlitz county. I would use social media and teams of agriculture specialist in the area to promote my organic tree and lavender farm using the community for support. I would attend meetings and get the community involved with my vision. If designating garden spaces to the community for their growth, I am willing to do that. I am a self-starter, motivated and have a background of over 50 years in organic farming. Offering a well-rounded interest ..christmas trees, lavender and watercress.... if one crop fails, the others will not. I am present on social media, and I personally know a lot of master gardeners who don't have social media. Reaching the community is my forte' and offering products that are beneficial for our community.
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Self Identified Competition
I don't believe there are any competitors in this field in Castle Rock Washington. The family tree farms are in other cities. I Planning a small, rustic shed, stage, that will be inviting to local artists to perform and enjoy the christmas season as people are cutting down their christmas trees. In the summer, lavender fields to attract the bees and offer the same shed for lavender oils and wreaths that the community can participate in creating. I am a strong organizer and an artist. I will make it happen.
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Contact Applicant
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