Other experience/agricultural/business training - 10+ years small container gardening in BC
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - (file to be attached here ASAP)
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - Savings for initial infrastructure, family assistance with monthly costs going forward
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
No
Project
Farm Name
Jamie's Heirloom Tomatoes
Farm Project Description
I have two hobbies that work well together, which I intend to pursue full-time.
First, I am a hobby woodworker/carpenter. Second, I love to grow tomatoes.
I'm looking for a small piece of agricultural land to establish a small workshop (10ftx30ft prefab garage, on skids, made locally and delivered to site), and a series of short raised beds behind 8ft deer fencing for tomatoes. All plants would be started in my home greenhouse until I can afford to build out hothouses and covered tunnels on the site itself. Half the year I would build boxes and cutting boards in my shop (hobby sales at Christmas markets), and the other half I'll be growing, pruning, and harvesting heirloom tomato varietals. I intend to partner with a local CSA for as much distribution as possible, as well as roadside sales and local farmer's markets.
Preferred Arrangement
Registered Lease on Title -
Lease -
Duration of the desired agreement
5yrs initial term
Ideal date to obtain land by
Early 2025
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
1 acre max.
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
at least 1.2 acre
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - If business is successful, I would consider adding a second acre after 5 years
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Some fencing helpful, but I will install high fencing (8 feet) no matter what.
Access to power (separate meter) is highly desireable, I will cover costs to run line from existing infrastructure.
Water access for drip irrigation a must.
I will be amending and improving soils over the first few years to improve growing conditions.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes
Need farm buildings
Yes - If there is already an out-building (shop, barn, garage) that would be ideal
Need fenced land
No
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
Single tap for timer/irrigation system, which I will supply. G/P/M is flexible, will adjust timer according to what is available to me
Need on-site housing
No
Production type
Vegetable - Tomatoes, Peppers
Type of agriculture
Conventional -
Other - Depending on sales and revenues, I will explore Organic certification in the future.
