We are developing a small-scale crop adaptation research and demonstration farm on Vancouver Island, preferably in Parksville, Nanaimo, or the surrounding area. Our objective is to secure approximately 3 to 5 acres where we can begin the farm in 2027 through a property purchase, long-term lease, or lease-to-own arrangement. The farm will evaluate coffee, cacao, and other high-value specialty crops under coastal British Columbia conditions - pre studies indicate suitability. The initial work will include nursery propagation, greenhouse and protected-cultivation trials, cultivar screening, irrigation and crop nutrition studies, plant acclimatization, climate adaptation, and pest and disease monitoring. We understand that conventional outdoor tropical production is unlikely to be immediately viable in British Columbia. For this reason, the project will begin with controlled, scientifically designed trials and expand only when the technical and economic results support it. The farm will be developed as a working agricultural business, not only as an experimental site. Early revenue will come from nursery plants, specialty crops, research and technical services, workshops, scheduled educational visits, and collaborative projects. Coffee and cacao production, processing demonstrations, tasting experiences, and additional agritourism activities will be introduced gradually after the crops and production systems have been validated. The founders, Renan and Lilian Macedo, have PhDs and more than 20 years of combined experience in agronomy, ecology, climate change, crop protection, agricultural research, data science, and crop modelling. Renan is an Articling Agrologist with the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists and works as a plant disease modelling consultant for an agricultural technology company. Lilian has a PhD and research experience in ecology and climate change, supporting the farm’s biodiversity, sustainability, and climate-adaptation activities. We are looking for land with reliable irrigation water, suitable electrical capacity, good drainage, year-round access, and space for a modest greenhouse, nursery, field trials, storage, and limited educational activities. We are open to working with a landholder who values agricultural innovation, responsible land stewardship, climate adaptation, education, and the long-term development of a productive farm. Our goal is to establish the farm gradually, maintain professional income during the initial years, and develop a financially sustainable agricultural operation that can generate useful knowledge for growers, researchers, agricultural technology companies, and the local community.
Cultivated or previously cultivated land, preferably cleared and suitable for immediate agricultural use. Open to pasture or partially developed farmland if it has good soil, drainage, reliable water access, and space for a greenhouse, nursery, and small research plots.