The long-term vision is that Herb’s Organics delivers nutrient-dense, flavorful, organic vegetables to the Sea to Sky Corridor, grown sustainably to nourish our community, enhance the local ecosystem, and support a thriving, self-sustaining farm in Squamish. The farm will use biointensive planting, cover crops, and compost to build soil on permanent beds, several high tunnels, and a greenhouse. My focus will be on building an ecosystem that fosters high-quality, nutrient-dense food that improves the soil from which it's grown. I grew up in a small farm town in Ontario where my family grew vegetables, annual and perennial flowers, over 1.5 acres of land for our consumption/enjoyment. Some of my earliest memories are with my grandmother starting seeds in the early spring under long grow lights. Through high school and university, I worked at a nursery doing various jobs in and out of the greenhouses. I’ve grown small gardens in almost every house I’ve lived in through university, digging up backyards and planting vegetables and flowers. Since moving to Squamish a few years ago, I’ve been gardening more—growing vegetables and herbs in a community plot, building garden beds at a friend’s place, and even using my sunny balcony. After years of growing just for myself, I’m ready to take the next step: farming on a bigger scale and feeding more people. While I have not taken any agricultural courses, I do have a BSc in Environmental Science and a Master's in Economics, both from Dalhousie University. In my undergrad, I took courses in Forest Ecology, Agroforestry, and Ecological Research Design, along with several field courses focused on Forest and Marine ecology. My Master's thesis was focused on the role ecological buffers like wetlands, marshes, dunes, etc., have in buffering against severe storms. Through my years of growing vegetables and studying ecology, I’ve developed a solid foundational understanding of the ecological systems needed for a successful organic farm. I have a strong belief that we must shift our agricultural practices to be net beneficial to the ecosystem we operate in, instead of the conventional, extractive, and net degrading system we use today. The sooner I can lease land, the sooner I can start building soil and work toward my first season in production. I expect to work full time at my current job (Senior Program Manager, Supply Chain Strategy at lululemon) for the next two years and use my free time to build beds, improve the soil, and build other infrastructure needed to scale. My goal is to reduce hours at lululemon in the spring of 2027, and I aim to cover my fixed living costs 100% by 2028. I plan to grow mixed vegetables and herbs with revenue channels spread across e-comm sales and CSA boxes to start and expand into Food Hubs, Markets, and eventually restaurants and small grocery stores. I have started my business plan and have the following: - Identified operating and capital costs for the next 4 years, - Developed channel revenue models and mixes of products - Started thinking through marketing strategies and growing a social media presence. - Have a clear plan to become a better grower through experience and coursework.
Cleared of trees, swamp, etc. Ok if all grass or the land was not cultivated for a period of time. I plan to spend the first two years building permanent beds, improving soil, and building out infrastructure.
1150 Bailey Street
Squamish, BC, V8B 0R4
CA