Greenhouse - Large greenhouse currently used for flower and food production for household consumption
Current practices
State of the surface of the cultivable area
Much of the land is uncultivated and has a steep northern slope, but well-drained soil and heavy vegetation coverage. There is one flat section adjacent to the existing greenhouse that the landholder envisions being used for annual crop production
Description and historical use of land available for farming
Purchased by the current landholder 9 years ago, this land was previously logged with the intention of subdividing, but was not developed and has since been used for residential vegetable and flower production, as well as beekeeping.
The land intended for production is currently heavily vegetated and and sloped, requiring some soil building and vegetation management prior to being suitable for annual crop production or livestock grazing.
Road Access
Yes
Electricity
No
Cell Service
Yes
Long-term goal or vision for land
To see the land used to support food security on Salt Spring Island and cultivate a cooperative land sharing relationship with a farmer. The landholder is open to a variety of forms of food production, including annual vegetable crops, small livestock, bees, and perennials.
Known environmental hazards (wildfire area, flooding, etc.)
No
Current residents living on property
Yes - The landholder's family and one tenant in a separate cabin
Availability of farm buildings
Yes - There is one shipping container on site that may be used for farm storage
Land is fenced
No
Availability of farm machinery and tools
No
Water source
Well -
Pond/lake -
Water rights to these sources
No
On-site housing
No - Housing is not available on this site due to zoning limitations
Restricted access of visitors
No
Types of production you are open to
Vegetable -
Livestock - Sheep -
Livestock - Pigs -
Livestock - Goats -
Orchard/Fruit -
Flower -
Bees -
Practices preferred
Organic -
Agronomic potential
Good
Soil details
Texture - Sandy loam
Rocky soil -
Sloping - North slope on much of the property, with one flat terrace adjacent to the existing greenhouse
Good drainage - Sloping land and sandy-loam give the soil on this site excellent drainage
Preferred arrangement
Lease -
Would you be willing to mentor or advise the entering farmer(s)?
No
Do you require references from the farmer(s)?
Yes
Agreement duration
Open to a variety of arrangements, would be interested in entering a trial lease period to start, then renegotiating