Business Mentorship Network – Willow Garden Farm

Young Agrarians is celebrating the twelfth year of the Business Mentorship Network (BMN) program in BC and the fourth year of the BMN in the Prairies! The BMN offers a year-long farm business mentorship to a diverse array of new and young farmers. Through one-on-one mentorship, peer networks, and online workshops, new farmers develop the skills necessary to operate ecologically sustainable and financially viable farm businesses.

Applications for mentees open in October 2026. Click below to be notified when applications open!

Mentor applications are accepted year-round. Check out the Business Mentorship Network page for more information!

Meet a mentee from the current cohort and learn about their farm and why they joined the Business Mentorship Network. Want more? Head over to our BMN Blog for more mentorship stories.

Meet a Mentee: Willow Garden Farm

My name is Neda Tanha, and together with my husband Farzad, we own Willow Garden Farm in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Our farm sits within the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Stó:lō people, specifically the Sema:th (Sumas) and Matsqui First Nations.

The dream of living on farmland lived quietly in our hearts for many years before it became reality. In 2017, we began actively searching for land. Eventually we found a beautiful, blank ten-acre property. With the sale of our house, savings, and financing we were able to purchase the land and begin building our home.

Our farm journey began by growing more than 600 grape cuttings in our garage. In 2018 we planted them in the field, and a year later, we finally moved into our new home on the farm.

Although Farzad and I both grew up in the city, farming runs quietly through our family history. Our grandparents were farmers in their time, and perhaps some of that love for the land found its way to us.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve admired fresh flowers. Arranging them later became my passion and source of joy. But growing flowers myself came after we moved to the farm, when I noticed spring bulbs like daffodils popping up all over our property. Then I took a few courses and attended some workshops to learn how to grow them well, and soon our small flower plots began to flourish.

As the garden grew, something unexpected happened. Friends and family began asking to host small gatherings in the garden. After learning more about agricultural regulations, I realized we could host a limited number of events on the farm. These gatherings became a meaningful way to share the beauty of the farm with the community while also making some income. Today, about three acres of our ten-acre farm are in production—grapes, woody branches, flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

As soon as I learned to grow beautiful crops, I realized learning how to run a business is another journey entirely. When I heard about the business mentorship, I had no doubt that I must apply for it. My mentor Claire Jutras, from Earth Candy farm, Salt Spring island helped me a lot, and I’m so grateful for it.  

Farming has been a journey of learning, patience, and discovery. Each season brings new challenges and new inspiration. What began with a dream—and hundreds of grape cuttings in a garage—has slowly grown into Willow Garden Farm.

If you like to see our journey you can follow me at @willowgarden.abby, www.willowgarden.farm

 Neda Tanha

Willow Garden Farm

www.willowgarden.farm

(604) 309-1539

Feeling inspired and ready to dig into your business with a mentor? Mentee applications open in October 2026. Mentor applications are open year-round. Click below for more information!