MATCHED – LAND OPPORTUNITY: 1 acre for orchard or market garden – Vernon, BC

Posted by Pascale Schittecatte on October 30, 2023

We have more land opportunities than what is listed here! Get in touch with a Land Matcher at land@youngagrarians.org to access our full land inventory and B.C. Land Matching Program support in your region.

ABOUT THE LAND

This scenic pasture would be a wonderful starting plot for a newer farmer, or an add-on parcel for a farmer already working nearby. It measures approximately 0.9 – 1.2 acres, split between a larger upper pasture and a smaller lower pasture with a barn structure. The pasture faces northeast, with good light and wind exposure, and has a steep, upward, south-facing slope. Overlooking picturesque Swan Lake at the north end of Vernon, the plot is close to other farms, local shops, and consumers.

The pasture has its own separate drive and access gate, with parking available (the area needs to be cleared of brush) to enable easy harvesting and loading from the area. The existing barn structure was once used as a pig hut, and is of sturdy build. It could be repurposed as a general tool shed or to store and/or dry goods.

No one has farmed the property in the last several years, but cows have used the upper portion of the pasture for grazing, and have helped to amend the soil! There is an irrigation line set up in the lower pasture that could be brought up to the upper section with some work. The water is metered on city water, with agricultural use permitted. There is low cow-fencing all around the pasture.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

After several years of living on the property, the landholders are relocating elsewhere but will rent out various sections of the property in their absence, as they would like to see the farmland well-used. The main house (4 bed, 3 bath) is also currently available to rent. The landholders would be happy to rent the farmland and house separately if a farmer does not need housing.

There are some other structures on the property (including a structure formerly used and licensed as an auto body shop) that may be available for lease; these buildings have water and power connections.

ABOUT THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate would be a farmer with sufficient experience and capital to undertake some ‘set up work’ on this gem of a property. They would know how to work creatively on the steeply sloped pasture to bring the best out of the property.

Due to the property’s smaller size, this would ideally suit a farmer who has worked for several years on other farms, but is just now starting out on their own. Alternatively, a knowledgeable farmer already working in the area who is searching for a bit of extra space would be a great candidate.

As others will be living and working on the property, this farmer should be a strong communicator who enjoys working cooperatively with others.

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 Okanagan Land Matcher, Pascale, at pascale@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.

To learn more about the BC Land Matching Program and other land opportunities, 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.