Participant in BC Land Matching Program
Yes
Total land size in acres
15 acres
Wooded Area
Yes - Some planted trees, some orchards, lots of open spaces that have been used in the past for agricultural purposes.
Expansion potential (acres)
No
Current use
- Not used for agriculture -
- Orchard/Fruit -
- Bees -
State of the surface of the cultivable area
The property is very hilly and has many different microzones, the soil is very dry and dusty and at the moment grows an enormous amount of grass (which is expensive to keep cutting). The soil itself is probably depleted. However, it has not been tilled in most areas and retains the original contouring of the land.
Description and historical use of land available for farming
Historically this land was used for apple orchards and was part of the Richie estates, in the 1990’s it was subdivided and parcels were sold. The former owners, had some livestock and experimented with different ideas and methods of farming. Since we have bought the property in 2016, we have only ben able to maintain the property as we live overseas. We have someone who takes care of the peach and plum orchards, as well as the apricots. This is a beautiful property with so much potential and we think it needs to become a working farm to bring it back to life.
Road Access
Yes - Off Gulch Road and also a secondary entrance off Mill Road.
Long-term goal or vision for land
Heritage Farm and Vineyards; creating a healthy and sustainable farm with a market garden, flower gardens, vineyard & a barn to house a future distillery or other agricultural business.
Other ideas include:
- bringing animals back to the property
- selling produce to restaurants and the public
- teaching and education in growing and preserving food
- one day tours of the farm to show various methods of sustainability
- a few other ideas!
Known environmental hazards (wildfire area, flooding, etc.)
Yes - Wildfire, we are a tinder box in the summer…
Current residents living on property
Yes - We have tenants
Availability of farm buildings
Yes - We don’t have many buildings on the property, but if needed we can build anything that is needed.
Land is fenced
Yes - At various places it is, others not. Some of the fencing is old and falling down, if needed we can provide new fencing.
Availability of farm machinery and tools
No
Water rights to these sources
Yes - Irrigation provided.
Restricted access of visitors
No
Types of production you are open to
Agronomic potential
Excellent
Soil details
- Texture -
- Rocky soil -
- Sloping -
- Thick topsoil -
- Slope orientation and degree of slope (specify) -
- General fertility (nutrients) -
- Soil grittiness -
- Good drainage -
Would you be willing to mentor or advise the entering farmer(s)?
Yes - Yes but our farming experience is limited, but we would help them find the expertise and support they need to take care of the farm.
Do you require references from the farmer(s)?
Yes
Agreement duration
3-5 years, although for the right person (who is serious and committed l) we can look at longer term.
