Here is a turn-key opportunity for experienced or aspiring farmers! The elderberry farmers have been leasing this land since 2015, and built a thriving orchard and farm business here. They hope to make this opportunity available to the next farmers. The incoming farmer(s) can purchase all the infrastructure and learn the business from the experts, and expect immediate income in the coming season. The landholders are generational farmers and looking forward to supporting more farmers be successful on this land.
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
3 acres
Wooded Area
No
Cultivable Area
approximately 2 acres
Expansion potential (acres)
Yes - 1 acre of hay field / pasture
Zoning
ALR
Current use
Hay & Forage -
Orchard/Fruit - elderberries
Current practices
Certified Organic -
State of the surface of the cultivable area
About half of the fenced area is an established elderberry orchard with over 500 mature plants, and grass between the rows. The other half used to have elderberries too, but is currently an open, cultivable field.
Description and historical use of land available for farming
This land is part of a 75-acre dairy farm established in 1918. Before the elderberries were planted in 2015, the leased area has been grazed by cattle for 25-30 years and Certified Organic for the last 10 years. It is currently a turn-key elderberry farm with all infrastructure in place - established plants, irrigation system, bird netting and posts, processing area with commercial wash station and specialized destemmer, 40' sea-can with freezers, and equipment shed. At peak production, with about 1000 plants, this farm has produced 6,000 lbs of elderberries in one season!
Road Access
Yes - Own gate and driveway off of Wilkinson Rd
Electricity
Yes - Metered hydro
Cell Service
Yes
Long-term goal or vision for land
The landholders have been farming here since the '90s, and the farm has been in the family since long before. They want to see this land farmed, and farmer(s) be successful.
Known environmental hazards (wildfire area, flooding, etc.)
No
Current residents living on property
Yes - Landholders live on the property but separate from the Leased Area
Availability of farm buildings
Yes - Equipment shed, processing shed, greenhouse
Land is fenced
Yes - The orchard area is fenced - approximately 2 acres
Availability of farm machinery and tools
No
Water source
Well -
Water rights to these sources
Yes - Groundwater licence
On-site housing
No
Restricted access of visitors
Yes - Privacy is appreciated - not a lot of public access (customers, events, etc.)
