NORWICH – Pending finalization of a lease agreement currently in the works, Norwich Meadows Farm will be the new occupant of a longtime untenanted commercial property in the Town of North Norwich.

Norwich Meadows Farm – a local certified producer of organically grown produce, poultry and eggs – is likely to expand operations to the Earl B. Clark Business Park off state Route 12 in North Norwich in the coming weeks. The business park which is located adjacent to Norwich Pharma Services is presently owned by the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency but has been vacant since being gifted by Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals in 1995.

The 10-year lease with Norwich Meadows Farm will entitle the business to the northern 20 acres of the 48-acre park, leaving remaining land available for another lease or purchase deal in the future. Terms of the lease require Norwich Meadows to pay $5,400 annually ($270 per acre) with the possibility to purchase.

Since the deed of gift requires that the business park be used to promote the local ag industry, the partnership with Norwich Meadows Farm is a perfect fit, according to Commerce Chenango President and CEO Steve Craig.

“We are very excited that Norwich Meadows Farm wants to relocate to the Earl B. Clark Business Park because their plans fit with the purpose of the IDA,” he said. “This supports a business in Chenango County that helps support other businesses in the New York City area by shipping produce there. I think that relationship between local farms and downstate businesses is going to continue to open opportunities to other growers in our area.”

Though the lease agreement isn't a done deal yet, it is in review by attorneys for Norwich Meadows Farm and the Chenango County IDA. When it's settled, Norwich Meadows plans to hit the ground running, said co-owner Zaid Kurdieh.