General farming (3 years+) - We have had a couple hobby farms in Ontario and had begun plans to create a farm business just prior to moving to BC.
Do you have a business plan?
No - It is in the works, details would be dependent on the land we find, the location, and local markets.
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
No
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - We would look for loans and grants to ease the burden but are ready to invest our current income into the operation.
Project
Farm Name
Alternate Roots Farm
Farm Project Description
We plan to have multiple income streams including market, farm gate, livestock and online sales.
Our initial work would involve taking the time develop a permaculture based farm plan, building out 2 small flocks of sheep (breeds we have experience with that would do well in BC), chickens for meat and eggs, create a market garden growing to 1 to 1.5 acres, setting up beehives, building farm structures for livestock shelter and veg/herb processing.
There would be an additional focus on growing and processing medicinal herbs and seeds for sale.
As seasons pass and rhythms are established, selling products such as preserved veg and hand made products like soaps utilizing ingredients grown on the farm.
Eventually, we would like to include a guest space and participate in the agri-tourism industry inviting people to experience life on the farm.
Preferred Arrangement
Registered Lease on Title -
Lease -
MOU -
Duration of the desired agreement
1 to 5 years
Ideal date to obtain land by
When the right space comes available
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
10 plus acres
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes - Access would be nice, for food forest harvesting and a space to roam.
Cultivable Area (acres)
5 plus
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
No
Zoning
ALR
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes
Need farm buildings
No
Need fenced land
No
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
Ideally stream or pond, municipal or well water
Need on-site housing
Yes - Ideally, a home to rent or at least a private space for a yurt or tiny home.
Production type
Vegetable - Market garden mixed veg
Livestock - Sheep, chickens
Seed - seed saving to sell vegetable and herb seed.
