General farming (3 years or less) - I grew up in agricultural rural Manitoba. All my early jobs were on farms. Moving to BC i continued to be involved in farm work and/or gardening.
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - Develop a functioning small scale farm (plants and animals), and then bring in a horticulture, animal-assisted and nature-based therapy model. I am a counsellor and work with at-risk youth/youth in care, and want to increase their access to such activities, in hopes to also encourage more regenerative farming and appreciation of/connection tothe land
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
No - I'm ready to take forward steps on loans as the time is right, and will be applying for grants.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - Anything further to what I've found, is helpful. Any grant recommendations, or farmers who are willing to negotiate lease prices while the business is being built, would be helpful!
Project
Farm Name
Wildflower Collective
Farm Project Description
As explained above, it is a dual-stream business model. With a hobby farm being at the foundation of the business, I plan to expand into offering therapeutic services on the farm as well (centered on supporting our at-risk youth).
The plan includes creating productive gardens and bringing in chickens, rabbits, dwarf goats, and eventually horses. I currently keep bees in my East Vancouver yard, and would like to move these out right away, and build on the apiary. I will have a market stand on the property if it suits the location and landowner. Im also interested in creating a CSA at which i would like to offer employment to youth, too (this may also offer another grant stream). Id like to approach local business and restaurant owners eventually, to set up seasonal supplementation to their usual produce orders. I plan to make products from the surplus of produce, too, which will be sold along with the produce (and some animal products). In due timing, I will offer the therapeutic services designed to benefit the youth with who I (we) work, and to promote involvement in outdoor and agricultural activities, for mental and physcial health benefits and for respectful stewardship of the land in upcoming generations.
Preferred Arrangement
Registered Lease on Title -
Lease -
Transfer / Succession -
Business Partnership -
Sale of Land -
Duration of the desired agreement
5+
Ideal date to obtain land by
This winter (2025/2026)
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
5 acres, or thereabouts
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes - 2-3
Cultivable Area (acres)
2-3
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - Not necessary, but is a good option to have
Zoning
ALR
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Open to landowner residing on property
No
Need farm buildings
Yes - Not necessarily, but horses stalls/barn could be helpful
Need fenced land
No
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
I will need access to water - well or city. Since I plan to do minimal tilling and provide lots of ground cover, water consumption should be kept to a minimum for a farm.
Need on-site housing
Yes - I have 2 children and a partner and I would prefer the option to move onto or close to the land.
Production type
Vegetable - I'd like to focus on native fruit variety, and unique heirloom vegetables. Things that have meaning and are interesting to the buyer.
Livestock - Goats - For therapeutic value, and to help with mowing
