Farm management (3 years or less) - I have been operating my loft as functional income stream for two years and am declaring this year as my first year on paper. The first year was a development period and was included in building my home so I rolled development costs of the lofts into that.
Farm management (3 years+) -
Apprenticeship - Apprenticed with Peter Vakomies, master horticulturalist and organic chemist. Creator of many fine commercial fertilizers.
General farming (3 years or less) - operating my current hatchery and racing and roller pigeon loft, lavender crop
Other experience/agricultural/business training - grew up on organic farm in south delta till 1985
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - Golden Bars Racing Pigeon Loft and Hatchery + $2000.00 annually for first year of operations=Selling 20 racing birds
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - My loft is producing income and my soil tillery from my lofts is allowing me to install gardens for clients.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
No - Any kind of grant would come from a partnership program I imagine. I would have to expand to train and employ others.
Project
Farm Name
BGRP Biodynamic Farm and Hatchery
Farm Project Description
Of my four lofts..1 is dedicated my heritage breed chickens from Malaysian origin. Seramas.
The other three lofts are for my racing pigeon flock and my roller and color breeding pigeons. The soil they create is fantastic and at this phase, is ripe for tilling. I have a small Lavender crop I would like to expand on and 200 baby maple trees for sale at this time.
Depending on the type of soil and conditions available, I would be able to expand any crop to whatever the land naturally supports.
I currently keep my flock at about 50 birds and my gardens at about 1000 ft but would love to expand in every direction. I am a registered health care professional and have applied my extensive training and love of natural medicines and many years and levels first aid to my practice of animal husbandry.
It is my vision to also have a green house / spa for winter growing and living in balmy British Columbia. My micro farm is now operational but would like to expand and when ready invite the public in to explore a model of sustainable living and farming, in a small space with a self generated income stream.
I am currently located on band land but would like to move somewhere more space.
I am bondable with no criminal record and years of service in the medical field and in fitness education and of course, organic gardening.
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Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
Sale of Land -
Other - any kind of legal use agreement that supports living and farming a certain piece of land and habitation for a period of not less than 7 years and preferably 10
Duration of the desired agreement
7-10 yrs
Ideal date to obtain land by
2022-23
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
1-2 acres
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes - Partial
Cultivable Area (acres)
1 acre plus
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Land is better on a slope for collection of any leachate. Terracing maximizes use of natural fertilizers, so I am flexible with some elevation and rocky areas. Swamps and river valleys are out. I have an excavator so any soil type can be used as long as its not too wet.
I am able to create soil anywhere there are maple, alder and chickens and water.
It would be good to have running water.
I am able to pay for infrastructure as a part of a long term agreement taking the initial cost off and then leaving any water, septic or other improvements for the property owner if the lease is not renewed for any reason.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - sure, if we have a positive relationship, which would be mandatory and hopefully celebrated
Need farm buildings
Yes - yes, lofts and coops and I will supply those if not already avail
Need fenced land
Yes - yes, I can add fencing, no problem. re: Chickens and Pigeons
Need farm machinery and tools
Yes - yes, only for initial installation. I have that equipment
Need established water source and infrastructure
Septic, running water. No more that residential consumption. Water from stream or pond can be used on Lavendar.
Need on-site housing
Yes - Yes I will bring Mobile home and fifth wheel if no home avail
Production type
Vegetable - Lavender, Feverfew, wormwood-&-whatever vegetables will grow in that area
Livestock - Racing Pigeons, Squab, Chickens
Orchard/Fruit - Raspberries, blueberries
Mixed - maple trees
Other - edible mushrooms Oysters and Strophoria
Type of agriculture
Organic -
Other - biodynamic farming employs sustainable and eco- inclusive farming practices.
Soil needs
Not swampy. In this area elevation is a theme. Any flatter land is better and usually already in the ALR
Will acquire commercial insurance
Yes - Yes, if and when that is mandatory. I am not sure what that entails but I already have a whole lot of insurance.
