A former poultry farm in Wadesboro, North Carolina, has been converted into a 15,000-square-foot greenhouse dedicated to organic farming and agricultural research. The facility, previously used to breed approximately 540,000 chickens annually, will officially open on September 6, 2024.
The project is part of The Transfarmation Project, an initiative under Mercy For Animals, which supports farmers transitioning from factory farming to more sustainable agricultural practices.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”This transformation is […] a source of hope for a better, more sustainable future”[/perfectpullquote]
Tom and Sokchea Lim, the farm’s owners, have transitioned from poultry farming to cultivating a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, lettuce, berries, and mushrooms. The facility will also serve as a research center focused on developing and promoting organic farming alternatives for former poultry farmers.
“This transformation is more than a new beginning for our farm; it is also a source of hope for a better, more sustainable future. With the support of Transfarmation, we are moving toward a more environmentally friendly and economically viable way of farming,” commented Tom Lim, who experienced financial difficulties following the abrupt termination of his poultry farming contract in 2018.
Environmental wins
The transition from factory farming to specialty-crop production offers several environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, soil remediation, and more efficient water use. According to The Transfarmation Project, specialty-crop agriculture produces significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional factory farming, contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change.
Additionally, converting former factory farms into specialty-crop farms provides an opportunity to rehabilitate contaminated soil and enhance biodiversity, while also addressing issues related to water waste and pollution.
The opening of the Wadesboro facility is a significant milestone for the initiative, which has been working for over three years to facilitate transitions from factory farming to organic agriculture. The center will create jobs and serve as a hub for research into organic farming practices. It will also feature a visitor center for those interested in learning about alternatives to factory farming.
Advocating for food system overhaul
Tyler Whitley, director of The Transfarmation Project, praised the Lims’ efforts, stating, “Tom and Sokchea’s transition from raising more than 540,000 chickens annually to operating a vibrant vegetable farm full of tomatoes, lettuce, berries, and mushrooms is a powerful testament to what can be achieved.
“Through their collaboration with Transfarmation™, the Lims prove that farmers can break free from the exploitative factory-farming system, as well as thrive and enjoy a better quality of life. We hope their farm becomes a beacon of inspiration, motivating farmers, policymakers, and the public to visit, witness the transformation firsthand, and advocate a sustainable overhaul of our food system.”
