Currently have a 2.5 acre farm in Kelowna which grows a variety of fruit and garlic. This passion has led to start a Hard Cider Company where I need to expand my apple orchard only. Have other 5 years experience in farming and starting a farm/orchard from scratch. This is a side job/hobby with farmer having a full time job but looking to retire in approx. 5 years from high paying government position. Looking to lease land for an apple orchard and can do the heavy work of installing the orchard if the lease price and investment makes sense. Need to be within the cities of Kelowna, Lake Country or Vernon. Option 1 - Looking for at least 2 acres+ for an apple orchard (high density trellis rows) or low density free standing trees in a fenced area, existing or new one needing planted. Be able to apply for Land Based Winery (Cidery) licence with picnic area endorsement on leased property and be allowed to have a container bar with some picnic area to allow for tasting during normal hours during the Summer. Low volume. Option 2 - Apple orchard, any size area, new install or existing, and just use to farm with apples being transported to other location for cidery business. Either option needs irrigation available and would use drip tape/tubing depending on the density. Also use weed barrier and/or hand weeding. Conventional farming techniques but limited using mainly organic sprays/fertilizers, hand weeding and hand thinning. Would be open to different scenarios based on owner's vision and price. Also have experience applying and getting a developmental farm license with BC Assessment.
Prefer apple orchard already existing however if land would need trees removed but could work with a pasture just need to level/scrape off the vegetation. Could bring in compost/soil.