ALM Organic Farm is a 10-acre certified organic farm located in Sooke on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The Farm grows outstanding produce, herbs and flowers for farmers’ markets, special events, local restaurants and a box program. They also grow seeds for their seed company - Full Circle Seeds, host an annual Plant Sale and support other farmers and local organizations. There are land and greenhouses available for lease to experienced and independent farmer(s), who wants to operate their own market garden or mixed operation on a portion of the farm. Shared accommodation in the farm house can be part of the lease agreement.
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
10 acres
Wooded Area
Yes - 6 acres
Cultivable Area
1/2 - 1 acre + 1 or 2 greenhouses
Expansion potential (acres)
Yes - up to 4 acres
Current use
- Vegetable -
- Seed -
- Orchard/Fruit -
- Greenhouse -
- Nursery -
State of the surface of the cultivable area
Silt sand soil that has been amended over many years on a Southern slope
Description and historical use of land available for farming
Fields and non-heated greenhouses have been used for organic production of vegetables, flowers, and seeds since 1990 (certified since 1994)
Road Access
Yes - off Otter Point Road
Electricity
Yes - share with others at the farm
Long-term goal or vision for land
For the land to continue to be a farm!
Known environmental hazards (wildfire area, flooding, etc.)
No
Current residents living on property
Yes - farm apprentices and renter
Availability of farm buildings
Yes - farm store, harvest area with wash station + walk-in cooler, barn, greenhouses
Land is fenced
Yes - 4 acres fenced against deer
Availability of farm machinery and tools
Yes - rototiller and weed eater
Water source
- Pond/lake -
- Stream/river -
Water rights to these sources
Yes - 500 gallons per day
On-site housing
Yes - shared accommodation in the farm house - own bedroom with shared bathroom, kitchen, living room, etc.
Restricted access of visitors
Yes - must be respectful of other residents and check in with other members of farm group
Types of production you are open to
- Vegetable -
- Livestock - Cattle -
- Livestock - Sheep -
- Livestock - Pigs -
- Poultry - Layers -
- Poultry - Broilers -
- Seed -
- Orchard/Fruit -
- Greenhouse -
- Flower -
- Bees -
- Mushroom -
- Nursery -
Agronomic potential
Excellent
Soil details
- Texture -
- Sloping -
- Good drainage -
Would you be willing to mentor or advise the entering farmer(s)?
Yes - teacher/farmer who has worked with many apprentices over 30 years
Do you require references from the farmer(s)?
Yes - former work supervisor
Agreement duration
1 year to start
