Agriculture-related degree - Certificate in Crop Production and Protection
General farming (3 years+) - Small Part time mixed Veggie and Fruit Farm
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - We have our preferred crops but are flexible with plans
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - I currently have plant stock and materials needed to start
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
No - We plan to grow the farm with business
Project
Farm Name
No official name yet
Farm Project Description
Hi! My name is Cassia, my partner Ben and I just moved to the island from Aldergrove, BC to live with his parents. We just had our first baby back in October so naturally, I took a break from farming 2023 as I was pregnant. I am hoping to start up again either this fall or next spring with help from the family.
In 2022 I completed my certificate in Crop Production and Protection at UFV. Before and during my studies I ran a small part time vegetable CSA, grew berries crops, had 4 ducks and maintained bees.
With our next venture, the first step would be to plant our garlic in the fall and prepare land for annual flowers and perennial floral greens for the following spring. Next would be setting up swarm traps for bees. If a longer term rental was established we would love to grow 50 elderberry plants along with small scale strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
Our products will be seasonal and a mixture of cut flowers, dahlia tuber sales, garlic, honey, and fresh or frozen berries. Sales channels will be a mix of online, farmers markets and we will be working towards fostering relationships with local florists.
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
Other - We are open to various options, just currently looking for a start
Duration of the desired agreement
Ideally multiple years with the right fit
Ideal date to obtain land by
Fall 2024
Participant in BC Land Matching Program
Yes
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
1 or less to start
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
1-2
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
No
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Cultivated/ ground broken would be easiest and most preferable. Well draining soil for flowers. Elderberries prefer wetter soils.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes
Need farm buildings
Yes - If there was ability to store tools or dry garlic and dried flowers that would be a huge bonus! Access to a greenhouse would also be helpful but not necessary.
Need fenced land
Yes - It would be helpful to protect crops and bees from animals
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
Daily watering for flowers, Overhead or drip line, any source.
