Agriculture-related degree - Mechanical Engineering Degree with minor in Business Administration.
Farm management (3 years+) - Grew up on a 130 Acre certified organic farm in the Fraser Valley. Helped with all aspect of the farm from planning, planting, weeding, harvesting, marketing, selling, transporting, finances etc etc.
General farming (3 years+) - Our farm grew an array of vegetables, beef cattle, milking cattle, egg chickens, meat chickens, fruit trees, bees, berries etc etc.
Other experience/agricultural/business training - 7+ years of experience in project management within the construction industry. During this time, I improved my skills in planning, organizing, and executing projects with a focus on efficiency, budget management, and customer satisfaction. These skills were built on the foundation from growing up on a farm and provide me with a unique skillset to tackle any project.
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - Goal is to produce food for 30-50 CSA subscribers. Already have ~10 participants through friends and networks. Marketing through online ads and fliers in my neighbourhood. Startup-costs accounted for. Looking to expand for the first 3 years to gain a solid base of 100-200 seasonal customers and move from part-time to full-time farming in that period.
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - Savings and regular employment income, initial CSA customers.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
No - Not necessary but currently exploring options to ease the financial burden.
Project
Farm Name
Coastal Crops CSA Farm
Farm Project Description
Coastal Crops CSA Farm will be a small-scale organic farm that aims to provide fresh, local, and healthy produce to the residents of Greater Victoria. Our goal is to reach 30 to 50 subscribers in the first year and grow a variety of greens and high-yield vegetable crops as the base of the CSA. We also plan to include small amounts of unique vegetables to add variety each week.
Our long-term goal is to expand the CSA program and provide a stable income for ourselves and one helper. As the CSA grows its customer base, we plan to partner with local businesses for value-added add-ons to include in the CSA. These can include fresh baked bread, handcrafted soaps, locally roasted coffee beans, and other products that align with our mission to promote sustainability.
We are committed to promoting food sustainability on the south island and contributing to the local economy by supporting other small businesses. By providing an avenue for customers to access fresh, delicious, and healthy food, we hope to create a community that values local agriculture and food production.
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
Transfer / Succession -
Duration of the desired agreement
1 year trial with extension to 5+ years
Ideal date to obtain land by
Asap
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
1-10 Acres
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
1-10 Acres
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
No
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
No trees or stumps. Willing to put in work to clear under-brush as long as it isn't too overgrown.
Open to landowner residing on property
No - I am fine with either. I would love to have a co-operative and freindly connection with the land owner, but I am also okay with a hands-off relationship - which ever the landowner prefers.
Need farm buildings
No
Need fenced land
No
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
regular hose connection for drip irrigation during dry conditions.
