Managed by the Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust Society, the Burgoyne Valley Community Farm (https://www.ssifarmlandtrust.org/projects) is on 60 acres of some of the Island's best agricultural land. This is an excellent, long-term opportunity for experienced farmers to be part of a vibrant community of farmers, gardeners, and food-lovers with a shared vision to increase food security on Salt Spring Island. This land will require skilled farmers to bring it to its productive potential. Applicants will be asked to submit a business plan to demonstrate previous experience and production / farm plans.
Land Details
Participant in BC Land Matching Program
Yes - This opportunity is participating in the BC Land Matching Program. Reach out to kiyomi@youngagrarians.org to start a conversation.
Total land size in acres
4.5 acres
Wooded Area
No
Cultivable Area
4 acres
Expansion potential (acres)
Yes - Adjacent 3 acres, unfenced but could be available for expansion.
Zoning
ALR
Current use
Not used for agriculture - Land was a market garden, but has laid fallow or in cover crop for two years
Greenhouse - Fallow
Current practices
Organic - Certifiable
State of the surface of the cultivable area
Left fallow or cover cropped or has silage tarps.
Description and historical use of land available for farming
From 2013 to 2022 approximately 3 areas was in vegetable and fruit production, supplying two weekly farmers markets, retail and restaurants. Organic practices were used with cover crops and annual application of compost. The balance of land was in mulch hay.
In 2023 and 2024 the land has been left fallow with some cover crops cut and tarped.
Road Access
Yes - Packed gravel driveway to the garden gate.
Electricity
No
Cell Service
Yes - Limited
Long-term goal or vision for land
Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust offers a long term partnership with farmers with the goal of increased local food production. Farming practices in keeping with the Organic standards are required.
Known environmental hazards (wildfire area, flooding, etc.)
Yes - Some standing water in wet season which could benefit from additional drainage.
Current residents living on property
No
Availability of farm buildings
Yes - Greenhouse available for purchase.
Land is fenced
Yes - Fencing to be purchased from present tenant.
Availability of farm machinery and tools
Yes - Present tenant has tools for purchase.
Water source
Pond/lake - Community reservoir
Irrigation system - To be purchased from present tenant
Water rights to these sources
Yes - Licensed water is shared proportionally with other users. Irrigation system is set up and available for purchase.
On-site housing
No
Restricted access of visitors
No
Types of production you are open to
Vegetable - All
Livestock - Cattle -
Livestock - Sheep -
Livestock - Pigs -
Livestock - Goats -
Poultry - Layers -
Poultry - Broilers -
Grain -
Seed -
Hay & Forage -
Orchard/Fruit -
Greenhouse -
Flower -
Bees - With approval
Mushroom -
Nursery -
Practices preferred
Organic - Does not need to be certified, but must follow Organic standards
Agronomic potential
Good
Soil details
Texture - Fine textured soil with silty clay loam to clay loam.
Thick topsoil - 50 to 80 cm unimproved
General fertility (nutrients) - Good potential for agricultural development. Would benefit from improved drainage
Preferred arrangement
MOU -
Would you be willing to mentor or advise the entering farmer(s)?
No - History of land available.
Do you require references from the farmer(s)?
Yes - Experience and previous farming references.
Agreement duration
One year probationary with 5-year contracts extended indefinitely to right grower.
