LAND OPPORTUNITY: 80 Acres of Fields and Forest Looking for Farming Collaborators – Black Creek, BC

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ABOUT THE LAND

About half of this 80 acre Black Creek farm is forest and woodlot, about 20 acres are set aside for an ecological and riparian reserve and the remainder is in pasture/hay-field with about 3-4 acres set up for cultivation in orchard, vineyard, garden beds and greenhouse.

An approximately one plus acre fallow field at the entrance to the property, with easy road access and an existing 15×60 greenhouse needing repair plus a new 20×95 greenhouse currently being constructed, as well as nine raised beds as well as fallow flat ground, is fenced, has water access and is available for market gardening.

Another one acre plus field on the other side at the front of the property is planted in blueberries, blackberries, grapes and asparagus and is looking for a new steward with an interest in maintaining these perennial food plants plus adding to the menu such as apple espalier, hazelnut or …?  About 1/4 is currently fallow.

There are two other separate orchard areas with apples, pears and cherries and room for expansion.  There are bees in residence to pollinate.

There are two chicken houses for egg production although the chickens are currently free ranging along with the geese as in they go where they want.

Across one creek bridge another acre plus is being cleared for animals or cultivation.  This is next to an ex-christmas tree woodlot that might provide bike camping amongst the trees.

The pastureland is currently divided into five areas and currently grazed by sheep, cattle, donkey and horses, geese and chickens.  Hay is grown and cut for the livestock on the cross creek fields, then grazed. A pig pen will be available in the fall once the pigs are processed, either for more pigs or gardening.

There is possibility to sensitively and selectively clear part of the outback woodlot for grazing.  Otherwise it is about 30 acres of aspen woodlot to manage for agro-forestry such as mushroom or native plant cultivation as well as firewood and future furniture lumber production.

There are four wells on the land at various locations for irrigation and livestock, as well as city water and winter water rights to a creek.

The landholder has the wall package to construct a cool room if desired.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The landholder would like support in maintaining the property and keeping it in production as he begins to slow down his own farming operations. There is potential for the right fit to be on the land for the long term, and options for what that could look like into the future.

The landholder would like to see the property well maintained by someone who is a good steward of the land and who shares similar interests in protecting the natural biodiversity, such as the coho spawning stream and riparian area.  Growing practices must be organic, but the landholder does not require a farmer to be certified organic.  Permaculture projects and bio-dynamics principles are desired.

The landholder intends to remain engaged in the overall planning for and the use of the property, and would like to build a collaborative relationship with the right people over time as there is common interest though you are free to pursue your own enterprise.  Farm status needs to be maintained.

GET IN TOUCH

This land opportunity is available through the B.C. Land Matching Program. If you are interested in this opportunity, reach out to the Vancouver Island Land Matcher, Azja, at azja@youngagrarians.org to start a conversation!

Learn more about the land (and other Land Listings in your region) on the Young Agrarians UMAP. For more about the B.C. Land Matching Program, please visit youngagrarians.org/land

The B.C. Land Matching Program is funded on Vancouver Island by the Province of British Columbia, with support from Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Real Estate Foundation of B.C., and Patagonia.