Here is a dream opportunity for start-up farmers wanting to set up an organic market garden in the Comox Valley. Amara Farm has 0.5 - 2.5 acres of certified organic fields and greenhouses available, with access to irrigation, equipment and infrastructure including: BCS, walk-in cooler, wash station, and farmers' market set up. The incoming farmer will also have an opportunity to join the Comox Valley Organics Cooperative for sharing the marketing and sales systems. This is an excellent turn-key opportunity for an experienced market gardener who is serious about taking the next step - to launch their own farm business in a supportive community setting!
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.
2.5 acres of open field and two 30x70 greenhouses available. All land has access to irrigation, and has previously been cultivated for Certified Organic vegetables.
Description and historical use of land available for farming
Certified Organic market garden production since 2012.
Road Access
Yes - Kirby Rd
Electricity
Yes
Cell Service
Yes
Long-term goal or vision for land
We would like to incubate new organic farms in our community, and provide them access to all the equipment and infrastructure already available on our farm, including: walk-in coolers, wash station, and our marketing infrastructure at the Comox Valley & Campbell River Farmers Markets.
We have a cooperative marketing system already established with 3 other farmers which we would like to continue. If a farmer is found and would like to sell product through the Comox Valley Organics Cooperative, the co-op takes a 20% fee to cover the cost of walk-in cooler, market fees, gas for the delivery truck, etc.
Known environmental hazards (wildfire area, flooding, etc.)
No
Current residents living on property
Yes - Owners plus tenants
Availability of farm buildings
Yes - Chicken barn for storage
Land is fenced
Yes - Fenced for deer and electric fenced for bears
Availability of farm machinery and tools
Yes - BCS walk-behind with rotary plow and rototiller, Jang seeder, flame weeder
Water source
Irrigation system -
Other - Dug out
Water rights to these sources
Yes
On-site housing
No - RV is possible
Restricted access of visitors
No
Types of production you are open to
Vegetable -
Grain -
Seed -
Greenhouse -
Mushroom -
Nursery -
Practices preferred
Certified Organic -
Agronomic potential
Excellent
Soil details
Texture - Pure loam
Thick topsoil - 3 feet of topsoil rock-free
General fertility (nutrients) - Low in N & P but the texture holds nutrients well
Preferred arrangement
Lease -
Would you be willing to mentor or advise the entering farmer(s)?
Yes - Can advise on crop mix
Do you require references from the farmer(s)?
Yes
Agreement duration
1 year initial lease with the option for 3-year renewal once trial year is successful.
