Yes - I have a business plan in development, with key components already outlined, including production, markets, and revenue streams. I am actively refining it and am seeking support through programs like Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program to further strengthen and formalize it.
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - We have personal savings allocated for initial investment and plan to supplement this with government and provincial grants as the business develops.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - We are interested in accessing additional financial resources such as government and provincial grants, and potentially small loans to support infrastructure, equipment, and gradual expansion as the farm develops. Our goal is to grow sustainably without taking on excessive financial risk.
Project
Farm Name
Borínken Farm
Farm Project Description
Borinken Farm is a small-scale market farm and food business being developed in the Fraser Valley by Zuleika Rosario and Taylor McLean. Our goal is to build a productive, financially sustainable farm rooted in responsible land stewardship, Caribbean food culture, and strong connections with the local community.
We plan to begin with a diversified market garden growing crops such as garlic, tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, squash, greens, herbs, and culturally significant varieties. Produce will initially be sold through farmers markets and other local direct-to-consumer channels, with garlic becoming an increasingly important crop as the farm expands.
As the business develops, we plan to add value-added products using farm-grown ingredients and establish Borinken Café, our mobile food concept featuring Caribbean-inspired prepared foods for markets and events. We are also interested in greenhouse production, season extension, and eventually developing a professional mobile kitchen to support this part of the business.
We are looking for land where we can grow gradually, care for the property responsibly, and establish a long-term farm and food business.
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
Duration of the desired agreement
1–2 years initially, with the intention to transition into a longer-term agreement (3–5+ years or more).
Ideal date to obtain land by
Ideally in 2026, to allow time for site preparation this year and be ready for production and farmers market sales next season.
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
Approximately 1–2 acres of usable land to start, with openness to larger properties (including forested land) for long-term development using low-impact, selective clearing practices.
Wooded Area (acres)
Yes - Open to properties with wooded areas; amount flexible depending on the opportunity.
Cultivable Area (acres)
Approximately 1–2 acres of cultivable land to start.
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - With interest in expanding cultivated area over time as the farm develops.
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Partially cleared or previously cultivated land preferred, but open to improving and developing land over time.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - Open to the landowner residing on the property, with clear communication and mutual respect for space and operations.
Need farm buildings
Yes - Basic storage for tools and equipment, with plans to add small greenhouse structures for seedling production and season extension over time.
Need fenced land
No
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
Need on-site housing
Yes
Production type
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.
Type of agriculture
Soil needs
Will acquire commercial insurance
Yes - Willing to obtain commercial insurance and name the property owner as additionally insured.
