General farming (3 years+) - I grew up spending summers and many weekends on my grandparents orchard/farm in the interior of BC. I learnt how to tend to and grow, apples, cherries and grapes as well as vegetables and flowers. I learnt from a young age the hard work and labour that successful farming requires as well as the connection to the land and joy that it brings. I co-managed an urban farm in Vancouver for two seasons. I have had formal and apprenticeship style training in beekeeping and I have been and experienced beekeeper for approximately 8 years. My partner is extensively experienced in all aspects of beekeeping and has been beekeeping for over 15 years. Bees are in the family, and his father also runs an operation on the island. He has managed large operations and we both have run our own operation for approximately 4 years. I have also been running a high school beekeeping program for two years.
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - I completed the YA business plan template
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - Specify I have a large LOC and some savings
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - I will be applying for small grants if I can
Project
Farm Name
Cowichan Valley Blooms Farm
Farm Project Description
Cowichan Valley Blooms Farm is primarily a Honey Bee and cut flower farm that has sustainable, bee/land centered core values. We would also like to grow various blooms for specific honey crops (ie: borage/lavender) to produce seasonal/specialty varieties of honey. We will raise and sell local bees and queens and provide pollination services for local growers. Our intention is to support and promote the health and well being of honey bees, and produce a variety of seasonal, cut flowers that are specifically attractive to pollinators and to participate in the local sustainable agriculture movement/community. Once established in the Cowichan Valley, we hope to provide educational beekeeping opportunities and mentorship.
Preferred Arrangement
Registered Lease on Title -
Lease -
MOU -
Duration of the desired agreement
5-10 years
Ideal date to obtain land by
August 2020
Participant in BC Land Matching Program
Yes - This land seeker is participating in the BC Land Matching Program. For more information contact Vancouver Island Land Matcher, Azja at azja@youngagrarians.org
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
1-5 acres
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
1-5 acres
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
No
Zoning
ALR
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
ready to utilize
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - As long as there is autonomy to grow/produce at our own pace and a very clear understanding of use of land.
Need farm buildings
No
Need fenced land
No
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
We need access to “unlimited” water supply. Drip irrigation/other irrigation or the ability to set up would be great!
Need on-site housing
No
Production type
Mixed - honey bees, borage and mixed flowers
Type of agriculture
Organic -
Soil needs
Neutral PH. Free of debris and big stones. Good drainage.
