GREEN ACRES FARM
A Brief History
5.94 acres in Sumner County, Tennessee, near the town of Portland, was purchased in 1998 by Dan Strimer, with plans to learn about growing organic food. Green Acres Farm was started there that Autumn.
The first garden was planted in the Spring of 1999 by Dan and his wife Lena, and Summer and Fall gardens followed. Since then, many folks have enjoyed the fruits (and vegetables) of the farm. Dan said, “We had good reports from friends on our tasty wild blackberries, sweet potatoes, green beans and most especially, our tomatoes!”
That first season was a fun learning experience and a great success, with Dan practicing biodynamic farming and Green Acres Farm gaining Organic Certification. They sold produce to several local markets and restaurants. Around that time, Dan - with Lena by his side - also started Nashville's very first organic farmers' market in his East Nashville neighborhood. He has been a "behind the scenes" supporter for local organic food growing for many years.
Dan and Lena's house of residence is in Nashville, Tennessee, but sits on a small lot, surrounded by large shade trees and is not suitable for growing vegetables or fruit, so finding this special “place in the country” was perfect for them.