General farming (3 years+) - I am working with a partner who has many years of experience in farming, including poultry, sheep, and planting. He will manage daily farm work, while I will handle the business side, including setup and operations.
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - I’m planning to start a poultry and egg farm on 5 to 10 acres near Nanaimo. I’ll be raising about 1,000 meat chickens and 1,000 laying hens, and I want to set up a mobile slaughter unit right on the farm. The fresh chicken and eggs will be sold directly to customers through my own butcher shop. I have a partner who’s really experienced in farming — not just with chickens, but also with sheep, cattle, and planting. Their knowledge and skills will be a big help as we get this going. Down the road, I’m planning to grow the farm to include sheep and cattle farming too. The goal is to build a sustainable, local farm that provides fresh, ethically raised meat and eggs to the community and keeps growing over time
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - While I have some financial resources available, I am also exploring grant opportunities.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - Grants
Project
Farm Name
Island valley farm
Farm Project Description
I’m starting a small poultry farm near Nanaimo, where I’ll be raising around 1,000 meat chickens and 1,000 laying hens. I’m working alongside a partner who has a lot of hands-on farming experience, and together we’re focusing on providing fresh, locally raised meat and eggs to the community.
We’re planning to set up a mobile slaughter unit on the land so we can process birds on-site. In the future, I’d like to add a small number of sheep and possibly some cattle as things grow. The long-term vision is to build a stable, sustainable farm that’s well connected to the local market
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
Duration of the desired agreement
5 years+
Ideal date to obtain land by
As soon as possible
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
5 to 10 acres
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
5acres
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - Open to expansion if landowner has more space available in the future ideally up to 15 acres over time.
Zoning
ALR
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Ideally cleared or partially cleared pasture with access to water. Fencing or basic infrastructure would be helpful but not required.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - Yes, I’m open to the landowner living on the property as long as the farm space and access are clearly defined
Need farm buildings
Yes - It would be helpful to have basic farm buildings like a shed or small barn
Need fenced land
Yes - Fencing would be helpful, especially for poultry and small livestock, but it’s not required. I’m open to installing my own fencing if needed.
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
I will need reliable access to clean water suitable for poultry and livestock drinking, as well as cleaning and basic farm use. Moderate daily water volume is expected, with access to a hose or irrigation system preferred. No heavy water infrastructure is required initially
Need on-site housing
Yes - Housing on-site would be helpful if available, but it’s not a requirement for me to start farming
Production type
Livestock - Cattle - Small 5 to 10 in the future
Livestock - Sheep - Small flock 10-20
Poultry - Layers - 1,000 laying hens for eggs
Poultry - Broilers - 1,000 meat chickens
Hay & Forage - For livestock feed as needed
Type of agriculture
Conventional -
Soil needs
I’m looking for fertile, well-drained soil that is suitable for poultry pasture and small livestock grazing. Ideally, the soil should support some forage or grass growth for the animals. A mix of loam or sandy loam would be best, but I’m flexible as long as the land can sustain healthy pasture
Will acquire commercial insurance
Yes - I am willing to acquire commercial farm liability insurance and will name the property owner as “additionally insured” on the policy to ensure they are protected in case of any incidents related to the farm operation
