Land Access Stories: Greet Gill and Jack Fonesca – Kelowna, BC

Greet was raised on his parents’ orchard and has always dreamed of continuing his family’s farming legacy. In 2023, Greet was farming several different plots throughout the Okanagan, selling his fruit and vegetables through his family’s successful farm market: the Kelowna Fruit Stand & Cafe. The plots Greet was farming were leased, but he didn’t have long-term agreements with the landholders. When one of the plots underwent a family transition, Greet reached out to the B.C. Land Matching Program (BCLMP) to find new, secure land to farm. It was important that the new land be close to the existing farm stand, to allow his operation to continue seamlessly.

Meanwhile, nearby, Jack Fonesca was farming his property in Kelowna with the support of a neighbour. The land was all in hay, but he was hoping to slow down and finally retire. Through the BCLMP, Greet was matched to Jack’s property near his family’s market, with a secure five-year lease with options to renew. Since his initial match Greet has also been matched to a second nearby property, where he’s running cattle. This marks an exciting growth of his business into managing livestock.

Here’s what Jack had to say about leasing his land through the B.C. Land Matching Program:

“After 25 years of growing hay, I decided that I had to retire from farming, but I still wanted the land to be used agriculturally so that’s why I contacted the program. I was hoping for freedom from having to continue to farm. Initially my intention was to have someone plant an orchard, but as it turned out, vegetables worked just fine. What can I say! The program worked really well by finding a farmer to take over. I would’ve had difficulty finding someone to connect with if it hadn’t been for the program. It’s a great program, it brings people together and works seamlessly and wonderfully. It’s an easy transition and there is very good help available to put the contract together, and as a bonus, the program is free. The Land Matcher did a wonderful job of getting things done – they were easygoing, knew their stuff, and were able to get both parties to a positive conclusion. Anyone looking to lease their land, I would wholeheartedly recommend the program. If somebody is interested in doing what I did, go for it – it’s worth it.”

Here’s what Greet had to say about accessing land through the B.C. Land Matching Program:

“Farming has always been a part of my life and my passion. When I decided to start farming on my own, I started by leasing two acres, growing vegetables and other ground crops. When that landholder’s children took over the management of the property, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to find new farmland. The biggest challenge for young or new farmers is accessing land – unless you’re door-knocking or happen to know someone, accessing land is nearly impossible.

A friend told me about their positive experience working with the BCLMP and I decided to give it a shot. With the help of the BCLMP and the Land Matcher, I was matched to a three-acre property right next to my family’s fruit stand, with a five year lease. That close proximity to the fruit stand was very important to me, as convenience is so important in operating a farm business. The Land Matcher was essential in the lease creation process – they were so great at understanding both parties’ needs and facilitating the conversation. Everyone has certain things that they need, and having a neutral person involved in the process made the agreement possible.

On this new property, I’ve been able to grow my operation into an organic and regenerative farm. Managing an organic farm and improving the soil takes a lot of time and energy. It’s tough to put a lot of energy into the land without being certain that it’s going to be available next year. Having a longer-term lease in place gives me confidence that all of the work I’m doing now isn’t going to disappear. The tools that the BCLMP offers have also been so helpful in this process. For example, the U-Map: I check it often to see if there are any other opportunities that I can expand into. I also share opportunities that I see on there with my friends in the farming community who may be a better fit. Since finding my first match, I’ve been matched to a second property, where I’ve finally been able to realize my dream of managing cattle! Being able to produce our own meat to sell at the family market is a goal that I’ve had for a long time.

Everyone from Young Agrarians (YA) and the BCLMP that I’ve met have been so wonderful and eager to help, and have made the process of working with landholders so smooth. Without the BCLMP, I would still be searching for farmland, would just be dreaming of farming, and I wouldn’t have cows. The program introduced me to opportunities that I may never have had otherwise. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for farmland, and to any landholders who are looking to lease out their property and make better use of their land. It’s so tough for anyone to get into farming, and the BCLMP is so helpful to people on both sides of the process. The landholder has confidence that the contract is safe, and the farmers know that there is help to find stable opportunities that support their future success. Big thumbs up for this program!”

CONNECT WITH KELOWNA FRUIT STAND & CAFE

Visit: Kelowna Fruit Stand & Cafe, 5225 BC-97, Kelowna, BC

Instagram: kelownafruitstand

Facebook: Kelowna Fruit Stand

STAY IN TOUCH

• Join our Young Agrarians Okanagan-Thompson Facebook Group to stay up to date on all events in the region
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GOT LAND? WANT LAND?

Through the B.C. Land Matching Program, Young Agrarians offers support to farmers looking for land for their farm business, and landholders looking for farmers to farm their land. We’ve made more than 415 matches on over 13,120 acres to date!

Are you on the Young Agrarians UMAP? List your land or future farm dream today! You just might find a farmer who can turn your vacant field into a productive farm, or a landholder who has the ideal piece of land for you.

To explore more land access resources, visit youngagrarians.org/tools/land.

The B.C. Land Matching Program is funded in the Okanagan-Thompson by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, with additional support from the Real Estate Foundation of BC.