Other experience/agricultural/business training - own and operate a 2 acre market garden for last 8 years. Combined we have over 22 years of farming experience
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - currently run a successful market garden and have done for the last 8 years. Would continue with current model and some adjustments for new location.
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - we own lots of infrastructure (tractors, tools, vehicles, greenhouses). The business has some money for starting up again.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
No
Project
Farm Name
Zaklan Farm
Farm Project Description
Started in 2011 by Doug Zaklan, Gemma and Doug operate a 2 acre intensive market garden in Surrey BC. We grow high quality vegetables using environmentally friendly practices and sell them to local restaurants in the lower mainland. We have 7 seasonal staff that work with us from March to November. We grow a wide range of crops, but focus primarily on specialty salad greens, unique culinary herbs and Italian vegetables. In 2020 we were named "Producer of the year" by Vancouver Magazine. In 2018 we won the Surrey Business Award for agriculture.
We have worked hard to improve our growing and business skills over the years and are proud to run a successful farm. We are looking to transition our farm out of the lower mainland to Vancouver Island. Our intent is to continue to serve our current customer base while we build new customers on the island.
Preferred Arrangement
Registered Lease on Title -
Lease -
Transfer / Succession -
Sale of Land -
Duration of the desired agreement
10+ years
Ideal date to obtain land by
Winter 2023 or 2022
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
5+ acres
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
3+ acres
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - We would ideally like the option to expand to up to 8 acres
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Good drainage, access to water, has some history of growing. Ability to grow early in spring and late into fall/winter.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - Yes, but we would want to be able to operate our business without interference.
Need farm buildings
Yes - Storage buildings for tools/tractors. Wash/packshed. Greenhouses.
Need fenced land
Yes - deer fencing
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
Enough water pressure to run overhead irrigation and irrigate the cultivated acres. Road access to farm and buildings. Electricity to site, ability to have internet and a site for an on farm office.
Need on-site housing
Yes - ideally, but this is negotiable.
Production type
Vegetable - 25-50 different vegetables.
Orchard/Fruit - kiwis, citrus
Type of agriculture
Certified Organic -
Organic -
Soil needs
nothing heavy clay or rocky.
Will acquire commercial insurance
Yes - we already have this for our current business and would continue to hold insurance.
