OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY OPERATING MINT FARM REMAINS IN FAMILY DESPITE SHERIFF’S SALE, FORECLOSURE, EVICTION AND AUCTION 

Crosby Mint Farm Tag Line “Expect Miracles” Pays Off

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

(MINT CITY, USA/St. Johns, MI)  February 18^TH, 2010

Despite historic economic challenges facing America’s small- and mid-sized farms, the oldest continually operating mint farm in the U.S., Crosby Mint Farm, announced on February 5th that they were able to buy the farm back from their lender, Greenstone Farm Credit Services.

Despite a Sheriff’s Sale on August 14^th, 2008, a foreclosure and eviction on August 28^th, 2009, and a farm auction on December 10^th, 2009, the Crosby’s tag line of “Expect Miracles” came true when they received a letter stating they had the option to buy the farm back.

During an auction conducted in December by Stanton Auctioneers & Realtors, the farm was split into two parcels for bidders to purchase; (1) 40 acre parcel and (1) 100 acre parcel which included the house, buildings, and distillery.  Two preliminary purchase agreements were reached between Greenstone and other individuals. Because of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987, and the fact that the original Crosby bid submitted in September was higher than the auction bids, they were given the Right of First Refusal to purchase both parcels.

If the opportunity presented itself, the Crosbys decided early on that the best option was to concentrate on buying back the remaining 100 acre parcel and let go of the 40 acre parcel.  On January 5^th, their dream came true when Greenstone elected to sell the remaining 100 acres they had hoped to someday get back into the family name.  The Crosbys are extremely grateful to an individual outside investor with whom an agreement was established. An offer to purchase the 100 acre farm was drafted, submitted, and accepted within the 30 days time period.  The almost 3 year battle was now over.

Linette Crosby and Peppermint Jim Crosby, call it the miracle they were hoping for, praying for and expecting to arrive at the farm. “Every package that goes out the door has an “Expect Miracles” stamp on it, and now that affirmation has come true”, says Linette Crosby.  The brother and sister extended a message of gratitude out to all the supporters, friends, customers and family though social media networks:

Dear friends,

We are thrilled to share the miracle that took place on Friday, February 5th, 2010!
Some of you may have already heard through the mint vine, that Crosby Mint Farm is back in the hands of the Crosby Family. The house, buildings, distillery, and 100 acres will remain; as the heritage continues into its 99th growing season.

It was your prayers, kindness, love, & support that brought us through this difficult process. Thank you so much for the emails, orders, and words of encouragement. So many of you volunteered at the farm during this time, and we are forever grateful.
This experience has changed our lives forever. It has confirmed our belief in the power of community.

We are looking forward to the future of the farm and want to extend an invitation to all of you to plan on visiting! We are formulating ideas and plans to create a farm unique for the community and beyond!

You will be forever in our hearts as you carried us through... Thank you for your friendship and for being a part of this miracle.

May you always,

Expect Miracles!!

Linette Crosby & Peppermint Jim

For media questions, comments etc. please email media@crosbymintfarm.com to schedule a phone or in person interview.

Contact Phone:  1-800-345-9068

To learn more about the farm and the essential mint oils please visit www.getmint.com