No - This year is the formative year determining ideal land sizing and data collection for developing flax and dye plant CSA- as well as community knowledge. Business plan is part of that development
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
No - This year is more easy access and crow funding seed funding and volunteer processing. This year will also involve grant writing and applications
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - grants, investors, and community support
Project
Farm Name
Vancouver Fibre Craft Growers
Farm Project Description
Fibre and dye plant growers servicing the broad community of knitters, weavers, spinners, dyers, and crafters in BC with locally grown and processed fibre and dye plants. We provide support to new learners, new growers, artists, craftspeople, and small businesses by reducing knowledge, land, finance, and community access barriers. We are in the pursuit of enabling the growth of the BC fibershed (local fiber resources and economy).
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
Business Partnership -
Duration of the desired agreement
1-2 years
Ideal date to obtain land by
September 2021- January 2022
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
5-8 acres
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes - if wooded, 1-3 acres in addition to arable land
Cultivable Area (acres)
3-5 acres
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - This would depend on the land itself and community and owner interest
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Fields- though not necessarily plowed and crop ready, some of the land we're working with is transitioning acreage that has not grown crop for 20+ years. The ability to use a portion of the farm in exchange for support of existing ag business is also of interest. Ultimate goal is deepening the
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes
Need farm buildings
Yes - Barn for flax processing, existing green houses would be helpful, but not required
Need fenced land
No
Need farm machinery and tools
Yes - Small tractor,
Need established water source and infrastructure
These numbers will become more firm after the current growing season
Need on-site housing
Yes - This is a soft yes- not required, but would enjoy being able to live on-site
Production type
Vegetable - Purple carrots, wild/domestic carrots, though others are under research
Seed - Fibre and dye plant seeds- some for sale, though majority for
Orchard/Fruit - huckleberry, blackberry (wild harvesting); orchard support or partnership (leaves, bark, and fruit for dye)
Other - Bast fibre plants (flax, nettle), other fibre producing plants (burlap, dogbane)
Type of agriculture
Organic -
Conventional -
Soil needs
Will acquire commercial insurance
Yes - This I'll need to learn more about/receive support for understanding what would be best for our venture
