Here is a unique farming opportunity with endless possibilities in the tranquil Sayword Valley of northern Vancouver Island. This land offers on-site accommodation (bring or build your own), and potential to develop a market garden, orchard, nursery, livestock operation, or a mixture of some or all of the above. The landholders are working to develop an agri-tourism destination on this land, and seeking like-minded farmers / collaborators to co-create a vibrant community here. If you are a visionary farmer who enjoys a remote, community lifestyle, reach out to find out more!
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
27 acres
Wooded Area
No
Cultivable Area
1/2 acre for gardening + 5-10 acres of pasture
Expansion potential (acres)
No
Zoning
ALR
Current use
Livestock - Sheep -
Livestock - Pigs -
Livestock - Goats -
Poultry - Layers -
Hay & Forage - golf course managed with sheep/goats
Orchard/Fruit - young hazelnut orchard
Current practices
Conventional - as organic as possible
State of the surface of the cultivable area
The available land is mostly in grass. Garden has some hugelkultur beds and cardboard-mulched areas.
Description and historical use of land available for farming
The property used to be a golf course. The current landholders have fenced and cultivated approximately 1/2 acre for a vegetable garden, berry patch, hazelnut orchard, and livestock pens - there are sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, and even a few peacocks living on the land. The main golfing areas can be used as pastures for livestock and/or poultry with mobile fencing. There is an additional area set aside for a nursery / garden centre. All of these areas and projects can be available with discussion with the landholders!
Road Access
Yes
Electricity
Yes
Cell Service
No - no cell reception in the Sayward Valley
Long-term goal or vision for land
The landholders are developing a family-oriented agri-tourism destination including: accommodations/RV campground, golf course, kayak rentals, riverside forest spa, nut orchard, mixed berries, market garden, and farm animals. They are seeking farmers / collaborators to share the land and work, in making this vision come true.
Known environmental hazards (wildfire area, flooding, etc.)
Yes - seasonal flood in some areas
Current residents living on property
Yes
Availability of farm buildings
Yes - barns and shelters for livestock
Land is fenced
Yes - fenced garden, orchard, and livestock pens
Availability of farm machinery and tools
Yes
Water source
Stream/river - Salmon River
Water rights to these sources
Yes - surface water licence for irrigation / farm use
On-site housing
No - room for 2 permanent accommodations (e.g. tiny home) + seasonal RV sites
Restricted access of visitors
No
Types of production you are open to
Vegetable -
Livestock - Sheep -
Livestock - Pigs -
Livestock - Goats -
Poultry - Layers -
Poultry - Broilers -
Orchard/Fruit -
Greenhouse -
Flower -
Bees -
Mushroom -
Nursery -
Practices preferred
Organic -
Conventional -
Agronomic potential
Soil details
Unknown -
Preferred arrangement
Lease -
License -
MOU -
Would you be willing to mentor or advise the entering farmer(s)?
Yes - if someone is interested in garden centre development and management
