Agriculture-related degree - BSc in Global Resource Systems from UBC, major in Soil Science and Sustainable Agriculture
Farm management (3 years or less) - 1 year of farm management of a 0.5 acre mixed vegetable and flower farm with 1 employee. Responsible for crop planning and excecution, plus budgeting and purchasing all farm supplies.
General farming (3 years+) - Prior to farm managment, I have 3 years of farming experience in mixed vegetables, herb, and tree fruit production, with a focus in greenhouse crops. Additionally, for each of those 3 years I worked at the farmers' market.
Other experience/agricultural/business training - I also am an Organic Verification Officer and an Articling Agrologist with the BCIA.
Do you have a business plan?
No - I am actively working on my business plan and budget using YA templates from their Business Planning for Your Future Farm webinar.
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - I have my own savings and will continue to have off-farm income to supplement my farm business.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
No - Based on my budget calculations, I have all funds necessary to start my farm. I do plan to apply for grants to lessen the financial cost and to use sustainable practices such as cover cropping.
Project
Farm Name
Flora Wild Farm/Organics
Farm Project Description
I am seeking land to grow both vegetables and flowers. I am passionate about both, and plan to have about 50% in vegetable production and 50% in flower production. I will be the sole business owner and farmer, and I am looking for about 0.25 acres of land. I am also interested in cooperative farming agreements in order to pool resources.
My plan includes sales through farmers' markets, workshops and events, and restaurant sales. I am very community-centered and love hosting workshops and events, so this is an important element of my farming business.
Preferred Arrangement
Registered Lease on Title -
Lease -
Business Partnership -
Duration of the desired agreement
5+ years
Ideal date to obtain land by
ASAP
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
0.25-0.5+ acres
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
0.25-0.5 acres
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - I would like to start small, around 0.25 acres. After several years I may wish to expand, though I do not plan to utilize employees or machinery in my first few years.
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Cleared of trees/unforested. It would be great if it was previously farmed, though not necessary.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - Yes, but I would hope to host events/workshops/tours from time-to-time.
Need farm buildings
Yes - Storage area for crops and farm equipement. I am open to constucting a storage area if none exists.
Need fenced land
No
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
I plan to set up drip-line irrigation throughout my site.
Need on-site housing
No
Production type
Vegetable - Mixed vegetables
Greenhouse - I would like to have a cold frame for tomatoes and peppers
Flower - Cut flowers
Type of agriculture
Certified Organic -
Organic -
Soil needs
Soil that is farmable right away, though texture doesn't matter too much, so long as it is not too rocky/depleted. I will build up the soil with compost and cover crops.
