Caribbean-Inspired Market Farm & Food Project

• General farming (3 years+) -

I am a Chilliwack-based grower and food entrepreneur with a background in community gardening, hospitality, and working with children and families. I have hands-on experience growing food using sustainable practices through my work at Sunshine Community Garden, along with years of experience in farming, food preparation, and teaching food skills to youth. I also have experience selling at farmers markets, where I previously grew and sold greens, herbs, flowers, and handmade products under a different business. I have since taken a step back to refine my direction and am now focused on building a more cohesive farm and food-based model. My partner and I are building a long-term farm and food business rooted in Caribbean culture, wellness, and community. We see farming not just as a business, but as a lifelong commitment to growing food, feeding people, and creating meaningful connections. Our goal is to establish a small-scale diversified vegetable farm that supplies both fresh produce and value-added food products. We are committed to contributing to the local food system, stewarding the land responsibly, and building a farm that is both economically viable and community-oriented over time. In the short term, we aim to grow and sell at farmers markets. As the farm becomes established, we plan to expand into value-added offerings such as herbal teas, dehydrated cooking herbs, and other culturally inspired food products, and eventually develop our planned mobile food business, Borinken Café, which would operate off-site at markets and events. We plan to grow a mix of high-demand, market-proven crops suited to the B.C. climate, alongside culturally significant varieties. This includes garlic, tomatoes, sweet peppers, squash, as well as herbs such as mint and culantro. These crops will support both strong fresh market sales and future value-added product development. We also plan to incorporate small-scale greenhouse production for seedling starts and season extension as the farm develops. Our business model includes multiple revenue streams: fresh produce sales, value-added products, and future prepared food offerings. With a strong background in hospitality, food service, and community engagement, we are confident in our ability to build relationships with customers and create a sustainable farm business. We are taking a phased approach to growth, beginning with market farming and expanding as the business becomes established. We are open to starting with a shorter-term agreement (1–2 years) to establish the relationship and farm viability, with the goal of transitioning into a longer-term lease (3–5+ years). Ideally, we are seeking a long-term opportunity where we can grow and steward the land for many years. We understand that building a farm takes time and are committed to developing the land responsibly with a long-term vision. We are also open to opportunities that may allow for on-site living in the future (such as a mobile home), as being close to the land supports daily stewardship and long-term success. However, we are flexible and open to different arrangements depending on what is possible. We are committed to sustainable growing practices, community involvement, and long-term land stewardship, and are looking for land where we can grow, build, and contribute meaningfully over time.

• Lease -

Partially cleared or previously cultivated land preferred, but open to improving and developing land over time.

• Vegetable - Diversified crops including garlic, tomatoes, sweet peppers, squash, and culinary/tea herbs (culantro, thyme, ashwagandha), selected for high demand in BC and Caribbean cuisine.