Yes - Market Garden 1 acre or less, wholesales to groceries and health food stores, as well as sell produce to two markets a week. Focus on specialty crops like salad greens with eventual aim to move towards flowers long-term.
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - Will apply for loan from local credit union for start up costs once the right land and agreement has been met.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - Primarily one loan from a credit union, grants when applicable but BC grants are not too helpful with upfront capital
Project
Farm Name
Free Nature Farm
Farm Project Description
No-till, beyond organic market garden specializing in salad greens and quick turnover specialty crops. Our produce throughout the season includes greens, carrots, beets, turnips, radish, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, chard, kale, collards, dill, parsley, cilantro, basil, strawberries, lettuce heads, and market bouquets.
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
MOU -
Duration of the desired agreement
Two year trial, then long-term agreement if both parties are interested
Ideal date to obtain land by
Fall 2022
Participant in BC Land Matching Program
Yes
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
1/2 acre to 2 acres
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes
Cultivable Area (acres)
1/2 acre to 2 acres
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - expand into 3-5 acres long-term if possible
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Previous grazing pasture or hay field, previous gardens
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - I'm open to the owner being on their property of course.
Need farm buildings
Yes - A closed walk-in cooler will be necessary, which I will pay for. A wash/pack station is also necessary; this can be open-concept or be closed off by walls, depending on what the property owner prefers.
Need fenced land
Yes - Fenced land is essential, whether the costs are shared or not.
Need farm machinery and tools
Yes
Need established water source and infrastructure
A well is necessary, at minimum 10 gpm, but ideally much more. A pump and a pressure tank will be needed long-term. If a well isn't yet drilled, a productive spring and pond could work so long as the property owner understands the catchment system requirements to utilizing that type of water source for a farm.
Need on-site housing
Yes
Production type
Vegetable -
Flower -
Greenhouse -
Type of agriculture
Organic -
Soil needs
Sandy loam, loam, sand, loamy clay
Will acquire commercial insurance
Yes - Unless necessary for reasons unknown to me now, commercial insurance will not be sought out.
