Training
- Agriculture-related degree -
- Farm management (3 years or less) -
Do you have a business plan?
Yes - BUSINESS PLAN Business Name: Iris Agrotech Farms Business Model: Small-scale hydroponic and soil based organic microgreens production using greenhouse or controlled indoor environment. Target Market: • Local restaurants • Ethnic grocery stores • Farmers markets • Health-focused consumers Production Plan: • Initial 800–1,200 sq ft growing area • Staggered weekly production cycles • High-turnover crops (7–21 day cycles) Competitive Advantage: • Research-based production • Controlled environment for consistency • Local, fresh supply • Scalable system Startup Budget Estimate (Rough): • Greenhouse setup: $25,000–$60,000 (depending on scale) • Irrigation + trays + racks: $10,000–$20,000 • Initial operating capital: $10,000–$15,000 Available capital: $50,000 Seeking financing support for expansion capital.
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
No - I have some personal savings available to support the initial phase of my farming operation. I am also exploring funding opportunities such as agricultural grants, loans, and programs available to new farmers. I am currently participating in the Young Agrarians program and will be seeking additional financial support through agricultural development programs if needed.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - I plan to start the farm using a combination of personal savings and external financial support such as beginning farmer loans, agricultural grants, and potential small-scale investment. I am actively exploring financing programs available in British Columbia for new farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs. My goal is to begin with a modest-scale microgreens and leafy greens operation and expand sustainably as the business develops.
Farm Name
Iris Agrotech Farms Ltd
Farm Project Description
I am a plant scientist with a doctoral background and over two years of hands-on experience working in commercial hydroponic farming, specializing in leafy greens and microgreens production. Through my work in research and development in controlled-environment agriculture, I have gained experience in crop management, nutrient monitoring, quality assessment, and post-harvest evaluation.
I am currently establishing Iris Agrotech Farms, a small-scale farm focused on producing organic high-quality microgreens and leafy greens for local markets and restaurant supply chains. My goal is to begin with a modest soil-based greenhouse production system for microgreens and leafy greens, while also conducting small-scale research trials on hydroponic cultivation methods for future expansion.
The farm will focus on sustainable and efficient farming practices, including careful crop scheduling, quality monitoring, and data-driven production methods. Over time, I hope to expand production and develop the farm into a small research-oriented organic agricultural enterprise that supports local food systems and promotes innovative farming practices.
I am seeking access to suitable farmland in British Columbia with reliable water access and space for greenhouse-based production. I am committed to building a responsible and sustainable farming operation that can grow gradually while contributing to the local agricultural community.
Preferred Arrangement
- Lease -
- License -
- MOU -
- Business Partnership -
Duration of the desired agreement
3–5 years, with possibility of renewal depending on farm development and mutual agreement.
Ideal date to obtain land by
Spring–Summer 2026, or earlier if land becomes available.
Total Land Size (acres)
0.1-0.5 acre
Cultivable Area (acres)
0.1-0.25 acre
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - 1 acre
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Previously farmed land or bare farmland suitable for greenhouse production. Existing greenhouse infrastructure would be beneficial but not required. I require a reliable source of clean water suitable for greenhouse irrigation. Municipal water, well water, or an existing irrigation system would be ideal.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - Yes, I am open to the landowner residing on the property, as long as I can manage the greenhouse independently.
Need farm buildings
Yes - Yes, I would need a small building or container for storage of tools, trays, and supplies. I do not require a full barn or house, just space for greenhouse operation.
Need fenced land
Yes - Yes, a fenced area would be helpful to protect crops and infrastructure.
Need farm machinery and tools
Yes - I would appreciate access to any existing small farm machinery or tools, but I can manage most operations with my own equipment.
Need established water source and infrastructure
I require a reliable source of clean water suitable for greenhouse irrigation, approximately 500–1000 liters per day initially. Municipal water, well water, or an existing irrigation system would be ideal.
Need on-site housing
Yes - Housing on site is not required, but it would be appreciated if available. My priority is land for greenhouse production.
Soil needs
I am looking for clean, well-drained growing media suitable for microgreens production, primarily peat moss or coco coir–based substrates, possibly mixed with vermiculite or perlite to improve aeration and moisture retention.
Will acquire commercial insurance
No - Yes, I am willing to obtain commercial liability insurance and name the property owner as additionally insured on the policy if required.
