We always have new land opportunities coming into our inventory, some of which aren’t on our blog yet! Get in touch with a Land Matcher at bclmp@youngagrarians.org to learn about the latest opportunities and to access free B.C. Land Matching Program services in your region.
ABOUT THE LAND
Located near the west arm of Kootenay Lake in the charming rural community of Harrop, this half-acre field offers an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to establish a market garden or expand their business within the local community. The field is situated on an alluvial fan, featuring a thick layer of silty loam topsoil over yellow sand, providing excellent drainage.
The west side of the field is bordered by a forested area along the creek, while the rest of the field enjoys full sun exposure throughout the growing season. Historically, this land was used to grow crops such as corn, but has been fallow for over 20 years. The land is covered in mixed grasses and is maintained by mowing throughout the growing season.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The landholders reside on the property and currently manage a large, fenced garden measuring approximately 50’ x 100’, which includes a small greenhouse and several fruit trees. The incoming farmer will have the opportunity to manage some or all of this established garden.
The half-acre field does not have a perimeter fence, though there may be some usable fence posts in place. The field has its own access gate directly off the road. The property includes an agricultural water use license, and the landholders have some pipes and spigots already installed. A pump is available to draw water from the creek for irrigation, but the irrigation system will require upgrades and maintenance to become fully operational.
The landholders have a variety of well-maintained tools that can be shared with the incoming farmer, including a rear-tine rototiller, front-tine mini tiller, mowers and hand tools. There is also some dry storage space available for a farmer to store their tools.
With a long history of growing vegetables, fruit and berries on the land, the landholders are open to sharing their knowledge of what has been successful and what hasn’t. They are also willing to provide mentoring on the irrigation system set-up. However, they are looking for a farmer capable of independently managing a market garden.
Organic and ecological growing practices are preferred. Since the land is bordered by Mill Creek, the landholders want to ensure that the incoming farmer will steward the soil and water responsibly.
ABOUT THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for this opportunity is someone who lives locally, as there is no housing available on-site. The land, having been previously used for vegetable production, is best suited for someone interested in starting a market garden.
The landholders have excellent relationships with their neighbours and are seeking a farmer who will maintain respectful relationships with both the landholders and the surrounding community.
GET IN TOUCH!
This land is available through the B.C. Land Matching Program. If you are interested in this land opportunity, please contact the Columbia Basin Land Matcher, Nyree, at nyree@youngagrarians.org with the link to this post, any relevant photos, and a paragraph or two on each of the following:
- About you
- Your farming experience
- Your plans for the land
For more details, check out the UMAP Listing for this property.
For more land opportunities, and to learn about the B.C. Land Matching program, please visit youngagrarians.org/land.
The B.C. Land Matching Program is funded in the Columbia Basin 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 Columbia Basin Trust and the Real Estate Foundation of BC.