PETERSHAM – Lin Chen, the new owner of what was known locally as Rice’s Roots Farm, displays a wide smile when discussing his plans for the 228-acre site in Petersham.

Doing business under the name Global Roots Farm, LLC, he hopes to serve the North Quabbin area while promoting sustainable agriculture, forestland conservation and community involvement. Chen is partnering with Larry Buell, founder of University of the Wild, to help refine the overall mission and goals of the enterprise. Chen moved to the U.S. from China in 2015.

“You find freedom in America,” he said through his interpreter, Xinkaz He. “You’re free to express your ideas. The U.S. certainly isn’t perfect, but it’s the best in the world. The society is more free.”

His priority for the farm, according to Chen, is to see to it that the land is utilized as it is supposed to be. When Chen talks about farmland, he is not limiting himself to only agricultural production.

“It includes the forests,” he said. “The forests are not only good for the environment, they, too, produce food.”

Chen said he received pushback from his family for purchasing the farm at a cost of $450,000.

“They completely disagreed,” he said. “’You won’t make any money,’ they said. But there are more important things than money. I feel an intuitive connection to this place. I fell in love at first sight. It’s almost like finding your first love.”

Chen added that the farm will offer hands-on learning for those interested in regenerative and climate smart agriculture. Through its partnership with University of the Wild, Global Roots will be associated with UMass Amherst’s new Learning to Learn University and its connection to the internationally-acclaimed University Without Walls. Buell explained that this will allow students from around the globe to come to Global Roots Farm to earn credits toward bachelor’s degrees in a variety of majors.

Chen and Buell will go before Petersham Conservation Commission this week to discuss plans for the farm, which is under a conservation restriction. Buell said that once the plan is approved, steps will be taken this summer to hire a part-time head gardener to oversee the creation of two small gardens totaling about three acres, located just south of the barn. In addition, University of the Wild plans to cultivate about two acres. Produce from those plots may be sold at Petersham’s Friday Market and Petersham Country Store.

If the plan is approved, this summer could see events at Global Roots, such as public educational seminars, self-directed interpretative walks, and the building of a kiosk providing information on the land’s natural and cultural history. Among the topics for educational seminars could be a program on no-till regenerative gardening.

Project architect Kyle Xue is looking at the possibility of transforming the barn at the corner of East Street and Quaker Drive into a community center.

“We can use it as an example of applying new technology through the use of solar panels and low-impact construction technology,” he said. “In doing so, we would limit its carbon footprint.”

Ricardo Frota, a native of Brazil and a musician who teaches at University of the Wild, is working as a mentor at the farm.

“This place is very special,” said Frota. “It connects with the community, similar to the way agriculture connects to communities in Brazil. It can be used to teach people how to respect the earth. It’s an amazing opportunity.”

It’s full potential may not be achieved for another year or two, but once Global Roots is at full operation, it is hoped that different crops will be raised, including grains, herbs and a variety of berries.

“I believe that the future of humanity and our precious planet will be based on an understanding of cultural differences and the willingness to work together to create a harmonious future where we all can thrive,” Chen said. “I want this for myself, my family, and all people.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.