Lease between College, nonprofit to expire

OBERLIN — On July 1, 2023, a lease between Oberlin Collegeowned property George Jones Memorial Farm and a nonprofit called City Fresh, formerly the New Agrarian Center, will expire.

The lease began on July 1, 2018, and is a five-year lease renegotiated every five years. The college decided not to renew the lease this summer. City Fresh and college officials are now discussing a future for the farm.

In the Oberlin Review, Oberlin College Chief Facilities Officer Kevin Brown said potential options are being considered.

“As a lease naturally expires, the college is reviewing the most effective uses of the properties to support the college’s mission,’’ Brown said.

Anna Mauser-Martinez, executive director of City Fresh, is hoping to keep the farm going in some manner.

“Our collaboration with faculty, staff and students has been important and impactful, and we are in ongoing discussions with the college regarding our continued partnership,’’ Mauser-Martinez said.

Since 2018, Oberlin College has been leasing George Jones Farm to the 17-year-old nonprofit. The 70-acre property straddles Oberlin and New Russia Township, and City Fresh grows annual row crops, perennial systems and rotational systems.

Fruits and vegetables produced at George Jones Memorial Farm are sold affordably throughout Northeast Ohio from June to November or

December.

City Fresh also uses George Jones Farm as a central packaging hub. The organization packages and prepares produce from another 10 to 12 farms at George Jones. City Fresh distributes shares — a box of items — at affordable prices in Lorain, Elyria, Oberlin, Lakewood, Westlake and Cleveland. Single shares for one to two people include eight to 10 items for $22 with an option for a subsidized cost. Family shares for three to five people include 11-15 items for $35 and also have an option for a subsidized cost. Since City Fresh’s sales are largely based upon shares, the nonprofit needs to have a central packaging hub.

“We are working hard in the offseason to ensure we have appropriate space to operate come spring,” Mauser-Martinez said.

Due to COVID-19, George Jones farm was reduced to one staff member, making operations difficult.

Oberlin College student Antonina

Divalentin worked for City Fresh last summer through early November as a farmhand and produce transporter.

“It was hard to bring the farm back from COVID. It was almost all overgrown, and we really cleaned the place up,” Divalentin said.

City Fresh worked to make a comeback despite the COVID-19 disruptions. In February 2022, it was awarded $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Lorain County and the Nord Family Foundation.

Mauser-Martinez remains optimistic about the future of City Fresh and its relations with Oberlin College: “We appreciate the long-standing relationship with Oberlin College and the opportunity we have had to steward George Jones Farm. We are enthusiastic about the possibilities for a fruitful relationship and grateful for the enduring support the college has provided.”