General farming (3 years+) - Organic tomato farming support, culinary garden support for restaurant production, volunteer at Indigenous Teaching Garden at UBC Farm
Other experience/agricultural/business training - Horticulture Training Program at UBC Botanical Garden, Landscaper for private company and City of Vancouver 2+ years
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - Business plan still in progress - willow and mixed-use farm
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - Some personal savings
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - Will seek small business loan through Vancity
Project
Farm Name
TBD - Page of Wands Willow Farm // Twin Creeks Willow Farm // Other
Farm Project Description
I am interested in a mixed-use approach for a business venture which could include cut flowers and market crops, with a primary focus on specialty willow cultivation for basket making and weaving, as well as for landscape use. This includes traditional varieties from Northern Europe as well as some ornamental cultivars, and would pair well with offering weaving workshops and hosting events on the property. I am open to possibilities right now, and am not set in stone about the mixed-use potential of the space.
I would be interested to lease a space for a minimum of 6 years, and to be able to set up a moveable tiny home of some sort. Ideally I would be able to live between my place in Vancouver and on the land while getting things established.
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
Business Partnership -
Other -
Duration of the desired agreement
6 years minimum, ideally 10+
Ideal date to obtain land by
2025
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
up to 5 acres
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
No
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Flat, clear of trees and stumps, sunshine, access to water and power
Yes - Deer fencing - can be 1/2 or 1 acre to start, and expand in successive years
Need farm machinery and tools
Yes - uncertain—some machinery may be needed in initial set up, but after that things can be done without the need for machinery. Need basic hand tools for set up and maintenance.
Need established water source and infrastructure
Uncertain about volume. Well water for summer drought months will be needed
Need on-site housing
Yes - Ideally, I would like to set up a moveable housing situation in a converted c-can, which can double as a workshop space. This can be removed from the land if needed.
Production type
Vegetable - long term: tomatoes, squash, garlic, market garden veggies
