NEWBURY — The Newbury Development Review Board has given conditional approval to the first phase of construction for a sustainable teaching farm proposed by Plenitud PR, a nonprofit based in Puerto Rico.

The regenerative farm, planned on a 101-acre property off North Road, will include lodging, a renovated barn for events, a food processing facility, and agricultural infrastructure. The nonprofit aims to host workshops and events that teach methods to improve food, water, and housing security while enhancing climate resilience.

Plenitud’s goal is that the farm “enriches our community by sharing these practices and techniques through hands-on learning” and “can support and complement what is already happening in Newbury,” said Jessica Jones Hughes, associate director and project lead for the Vermont initiative, in a letter to the board.

Conditions to Address

The approval comes with over a dozen conditions that Plenitud must meet before moving forward, including revisions to its parking plan, clarification on stormwater and wastewater permits, and compliance with Vermont’s Act 250 land-use regulations.

At a November hearing, board members and residents raised concerns about the project’s initial parking proposal, which allowed for six to eight spaces and encouraged carpooling. The board found the plan “neither enforceable nor workable” and now requires a revised plan with up to 20 parking spaces.

“This ruling is not too dramatic,” said Jones Hughes, adding that the property’s size allows for flexibility in identifying new parking areas.

Long-Term Vision

The farm’s development will span 20 years and occur in three phases. The seven-year first phase includes renovating the property’s house and barn, building cabins and an artist studio, and starting agricultural projects such as greenhouses and livestock barns. Future phases will involve continued renovations, building additional housing for staff, and ongoing infrastructure improvements.

While adjustments are needed, Plenitud remains optimistic. “It’s nice to know what we are able to do and not able to do as we start to vision this next phase,” said Jones Hughes.

Despite the conditions, the project’s timeline remains unchanged. Plenitud plans to host a pilot event this summer and officially launch in 2026 with its first groups of students.

The nonprofit is “very encouraged and excited to take it step by step as we keep moving forward,” said Jones Hughes.