Agriculture-related degree - Oenology and Viticulture
Apprenticeship - Harvests in New Zealand, Oregon and Ontario
Other experience/agricultural/business training - Assistant winemaker and viticulturist
Do you have a business plan?
No - In Progress
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - Some savings and a personal line of credit
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
No - An investor would be helpful
Project
Farm Name
Distillery name: Aequilibritas Farm name: TBD
Farm Project Description
The plan would be to start are distillery to generate some revenue. I am currently solding a still together and finish up my licence to run it. I would like to grow my own crop to distil into the final spirit. It would depend on the land as to what crop would grow best. I know grapes best but, this crop need the right conditions to make a decent product into wine--which would be my intent. It also takes a great deal of time and effort for upkeep so the agreement would have to be for five years or more to see my efforts to fruition. (We would have to have a discussion about capital costs with regards to setting up the infrastructure to setup vines.) Vines do not become productive until their third year so it is a commitment in time and not just costs. I realize this is not for everyone, or the land may not have the correct conditions for ripening, which is why I am open to other crops that wouldn't require as much of a commitment. On the other hand, if you always wanted a vineyard you could have someone else do the work for you.
I also wouldn't mind having some chicken to help with compost and for some eggs. I make a little cheese so goats would also be a possibility. I make bread from a three year old starter--if I grow a grain crop it would be neat to try making some bread with it. The options are endless really.
Preferred Arrangement
Registered Lease on Title -
Lease -
License -
MOU -
Business Partnership -
Duration of the desired agreement
5+ years or more, happy to stay longer if the relationship is amicable
Ideal date to obtain land by
Fall 2020 or Spring 2021
Participant in BC Land Matching Program
Yes
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
5-10+
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
5-10+
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - Sure with time maybe
Zoning
ALR
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
I am leaving my option open to various crops. Grapes are picky, apples don't seem to be as challenging and grains or potatoes would be the easiest. I need good light and decent soil to grow something. Once I do some soil testing and gather some information about the weather in the area it will become clear which crop will do the best. It also depends what the owner wants. Grapevine are a lot of work and an investment--there is a lot of capital that has to go into setting up a vineyard (ie. trellis system). (This would apply to apples as well if it was a high density planting.) Additionally, vines don't become truly productive until their third year. I would have to plant something else in the meantime, until the vines come online, to generate revenue if there is enough land to start two separate crops.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes
Need farm buildings
Yes - Something to store equipment and keep it out of the elements for agricultural equipment. A space to run a still. I will need water and a space that is well ventilated
Need fenced land
Yes - Depends on the crop and the on the deer/bear situation
Need farm machinery and tools
Yes - If the land is for grain I will need a tractor and implements if the area is large enough, if it is small I am happy to do it by hand. All other crops can be managed without a tractor.
Need established water source and infrastructure
Depends on the crop, soil and where it is located
Need on-site housing
Yes - It would really help with the costs if I could put an RV on the property to live in. If I could find somewhere to rent that is near by this would also be an option before the business gets too big.
Production type
Grain - Barley, rye or wheat
Orchard/Fruit - Grapes, apples or berries
Type of agriculture
Certified Organic -
Organic -
Other - Biodynamic
Soil needs
Will acquire commercial insurance
Yes - I won't run my business without it. You have to have a licence to run a still or a winery.
