Our farm originated as a 100-acre dairy farm in 1902. Over the past century, it has reflected some of the changes in family farms throughout America. The original farm was sold during the hard economic times of the late 1920s and then divided into smaller parcels. The core area was first operated as a "hobby" farm, then a commune, then as a bed and breakfast inn before we began in 2004 to restore the remaining acreage, and the original buildings, as an organic, biointensive farm. Although we are re-establishing its roots as a family farm, we are using a very different approach from traditional farming.

We are calling our farm venture "Synergy Farm" because it combines a variety of activities - and some innovative small-scale technologies - to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. One of the most important of these technologies is biointensive farming, used in all our vegetable beds. Biointensive farming produces yields that average four times higher (and sometimes much more) per acre than commercial agriculture while improving the quality of the soil and minimizing the consumption of energy and water.

Another advanced technology is our nine mobile greenhouses that rotate between summer and winter beds. During the winter months, the mobile greenhouses (some heated) allow us to grow lettuce and other salad crops that would otherwise not survive our Northwest winters. In the summer, the greenhouses give us a running start on tomatoes, eggplants, and other heat-loving crops. By rotating the greenhouses on alternate beds, we give the soil a season to recover.

To enhance the environmental sustainability of our farm, we have enlarged the farm pond and installed a rainwater catchment system for irrigating our garden area. We are also planning to install state-of-the-art solar power throughout the farm.

In keeping with modern poultry practices, our laying hens are pasture-raised and organically fed with a high protein diet and seasonal greens from our gardens. Our broilers are also organically-fed and pasture-raised in mobile "hoop coops" that are moved daily to fresh ground.

Synergy Farm is also distinctive in offering a year-round farm training (internship) program that places great emphasis on providing a structured educational and work experience in all aspects of our unique farm system.

The word "synergy" in our name also describes the combined expertise of the many knowledgeable San Juan Island farmers who helped launch our farm. In many ways, Synergy Farm has been a community effort, and we hope that it will provide a long-term community benefit.