Agriculture-related degree - MSc in Plant Science specializing in viticulture
Farm management (3 years or less) - Vineyard Manager at Maverick Estate Winery (3 vintages)
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - Plan involves managing and growing grapes using sustainable agro-ecological practices with a focus on optimizing soil health, plant productivity, and fruit quality
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - We have access to savings, loan, and potential third party investment.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - It depends on the existing resources and vineyard setup. Could pursue funding from BCIAF available for addressing gaps in environmental farm plan such as nutrient management, irrigation systems, biodiversity (soil, terrestrial etc.). Looking for other potential funding opportunities.
Project
Farm Name
TBD
Farm Project Description
We are a young couple looking to lease land, preferably with an established vineyard. Our objective is to manage, grow, and sell grapes using sustainable agro-ecological practices with a focus on optimizing soil health, plant productivity, and fruit quality.
Preferred Arrangement
Registered Lease on Title -
Lease -
Transfer / Succession -
Business Partnership -
Duration of the desired agreement
2+ years
Ideal date to obtain land by
As early as February 2024
Participant in BC Land Matching Program
Yes
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
5+ acres
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
Approximately 5-10+ acres
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes
Zoning
ALR
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Preferred to be an established vineyard with room for expansion.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - As long as they are okay with standard farming practices and associated noise
Need farm buildings
Yes - Ideally tractor shed/workshop
Need fenced land
No
Need farm machinery and tools
Yes - Depends on the size of the land. Potentially tractors and associated maintenance tools, as well as spray equipment (tractor or back mounted), mower/mulcher/power harrow, possibly deep ripper, spreaders, under vine maintenance equipment, pruning tools, tying tools, wire maintenance tools, harvest bins and tractor, etc
Need established water source and infrastructure
Ideally, a combination of drip and overhead irrigation. Volume depends on site conditions (e.g., soil type, cover crops, irrigation type etc.) estimated 1.4 million litres/acre per year
Need on-site housing
Yes - Preferable, but not necessary depending on the land location.
