Ask Dan Empie
20 Acre, Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York Certified Organic Fruit Orchard and Farm For Sale in St. Lawrence County, New York:
This property will include ~20 acres (to be surveyed by owner) with an established ~18-acre, irrigated orchard/farm, enclosed within an 8’ deer fence and barn. In the past 6 years the owner has planted ~3,500 apple trees (13 varieties), 240 haskaps (known as honeyberries), (7 varieties), 150 black currants (3 varieties), garlic (6 varieties) and numerous hills of potatoes. Most apple trees are expected to bear fruit in 1 to 5 years. Some have already started. The haskaps and currants are bearing fruit at this time. Current use of the berries and vegetables harvested at this time is personal. The sale price includes the planting of ~400 apple trees in the spring of 2025.
The soil found here is highly fertile and will support growing a large variety of trees, fruits, and vegetables. Numerous amendments have been added in the past 8 years that contribute to the soil’s fertility, including; wood mulch, manure, lime, fertilizer, gypsum, granite, potash, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and boron. Additional details regarding plantings and soil improvements are found in the Orchard and Farm Supplemental Information document which will be provided upon request.
To facilitate the establishment, additions, and maintenance of the orchard, in 2013 the owner constructed a two-story, 28’ x 32’ post and beam wood barn on a poured concrete slab. Features of the barn include; two bays, each measuring 14’ x 32’, large enough to hold all orchard equipment and more; a standing seam, painted, metal roof and painted, rough cut, double board siding. On the spacious second floor is; an insulated bath and utility room with sink, toilet, and bath/shower combination, as well as an 81-gallon pressure tank and 40-gallon electric hot water heater, suggesting the upstairs of the barn might be converted into a living space, deserving the modern-day designation of the structure as a ‘barn dominium.’
The electric utility component includes a 200-amp service through buried line from a meter stand behind the barn. Domestic use and irrigation water is supplied from the ~120’ deep, drilled well located in the side yard, which delivers 20+ gallons per minute via a 1.5 hp submersible pump. Irrigation timer controls are found in the downstairs rear of the barn. The septic system consists of a 1000-gallon concrete tank buried off the west side of the barn with ~250’ of leach field pipe buried in crushed stone.
Not included in the sale price but may be purchased separately are: a 2013 New Holland, 55HP WorkMaster tractor for $18,000; an 8’ Tebben dual blade mower attachment for $3,500, a 200-gallon NorthStar sprayer for $3,500, and a 2010 Kubota RTV-900, 4WD utility vehicle for $11,000. All this equipment has always been stored indoors and is in very good to excellent condition. Offers for any or all items will be considered by the owner during negotiations for the purchase of the property. Equipment pictures and additional details are found in the Orchard and Farm Supplemental Information document which will be provided upon request. (Note: pickup truck and guideboat shown in pictures is not included in sale.)
The owner will be retaining the adjacent property and would be happy to answer questions and share additional information with the new owner upon request. There is direct access from and ~930’ of frontage on NYS Route 3. Mineral rights are reserved. Property is being subdivided from a larger parcel. Taxes to be determined. Current tax rate is $25.84 per thousand.
This unique property offers a great opportunity for the new owner to work remotely, develop an organic fruit and vegetable business and play in the same region, or possibly just enjoy a ‘living off the land’ sustainable lifestyle.
It is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts searching for the perfect place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities as well. It is central to numerous popular destinations including; Canada, the St. Lawrence River/Thousand Islands, Lake Ontario, and the Adirondacks including the High Peaks region. Anglers can launch their boat at the nearby Lake Bonaparte public site to pursue smallmouth bass, northern pike, brown trout, yellow perch, brown bullhead, and cisco. The City of Watertown and its International Airport are roughly 40 and 50 minutes west respectively. Harrisville is the nearest village for groceries, supplies and hardware. This is an opportune time to purchase an exceptional piece of land in northern New York, with so much potential at a reasonable price!
