Farm management (3 years+) - Self employed, running Ossome acres for 8 years, 7 years - CSA program
Apprenticeship - Beekeeping
General degree - Welding/Engineering training - able to design, build and repair farm equipment as needed
General farming (3 years+) - commercial greenhouse experience, various farm seminars, plus years of research/development through farming books and online resources
Other experience/agricultural/business training - Completed Self employment program through Community futures
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - Completed a three year business plan for Farm Credit
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - Yes, a large portion is in savings / plus Farm Credit pre-approved loan
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - A relocation grant could benefit us - we have 40' container with all our farming equipment.
Project
Farm Name
Ossome Acres
Farm Project Description
We would like relocate Ossome Acres to Vancouver Island and become a thriving, abundant farm once again. One of our passions for farming is diversity and creating a balanced eco-system. We plan to grow certified Organic produce, fruits, nuts, cut flowers, honey, and eggs to start. Once in production we will attend local farm markets and offer a CSA program to the local community. In the coming years, we plan to have on farm cabins for visitors to experience farm living (agri-tourism) and possibly offer sustainable classes such as home canning.
Preferred Arrangement
Sale of Land -
Duration of the desired agreement
Purchase land
Ideal date to obtain land by
September 2020
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
15 acres plus
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes - treed perimeter would be ideal
Cultivable Area (acres)
5 acres
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
No
Zoning
ALR
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
A portion of the land is cleared, flat, good drainage, and depends on location.
Open to landowner residing on property
No
Need farm buildings
Yes - It would be beneficial to have an existing barn or shed
Need fenced land
Yes - Perimeter fencing to keep deer out and our animals in.
Need farm machinery and tools
Yes - Depending on the size of land - a larger tractor with implements
Need established water source and infrastructure
We use drip irrigation - not sure how much volume is needed?
Need on-site housing
Yes - A 2000 square foot home
Production type
Vegetable - over 200 varieties - field and greenhouse crops
