LAND OPPORTUNITY: Greenhouses with On-Site Accommodation – Salt Spring Island, BC

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

This peaceful property on Salt Spring Island offers greenhouses, blueberries, fruit trees, and an open field that could be used for market gardening!

There are two greenhouses on the property, one measuring 20 x 50 feet and the other measuring 20 x 100 feet. Both greenhouses have been used by the landholder to grow crops over the years, but are in need of a bit of care after being fallow for a couple seasons. Both greenhouses have a sturdy structure and a drip irrigation system.

In addition to the greenhouses, there are two 150-foot rows of blueberries, some undeveloped field space, and an assortment of heritage fruit trees! Over the years, the landholders have harvested fruit from the trees to sell at their farm stand or press at one of the local cideries, but they are open to a farmer taking over management of the trees.

The whole property is deer fenced and is on a southern slope, with excellent sun exposure. It is important to note that all growing space on this farm is irrigated using a system of rainwater catchment pools, which pump into a cistern that feeds the drip irrigation.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The established infrastructure and proximity to local markets make this an excellent opportunity for a small-scale market gardener who is interested in year-round food production. Moreover, access to on-site housing (in a fifth wheel trailer) and additional field space to expand may support a farmer in growing their business on this site for years to come.

Salt Spring Island is the largest and most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands, with an established community of artisans, small businesses, and families alongside a steady stream of visitors throughout the year. Situated just five minutes away from downtown Ganges, the heart of the island, this site has easy access to a variety of market outlets, including weekly farmers markets, local grocery stores, and farm-to-table markets, as well as access to the Lower Mainland due to its proximity to the Long Harbor ferry terminal.

ABOUT THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for this opportunity would be an experienced greenhouse grower who values professionalism and a collaborative approach to sharing space on the land. The landholders live and operate their small business on the property, making good interpersonal dynamics especially important to them in finding a match.

Water availability on the property is limited, so this opportunity is most appropriate for farmers with experience growing food using low-water techniques and utilizing rainwater catchment systems. Curious about dry farming? The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems has put together a series of dry farming resources for producers!

Given that the available accommodations are in a fifth wheel trailer, the ideal candidate would also have experience living in a mobile home or have access to other accommodations on the island.

If this sounds like you and you are interested in farming on Salt Spring Island, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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 Vancouver Island Land Matcher, Ari Westhaver, at ari@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 about this opportunity, 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 on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands 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 Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Real Estate Foundation of BC.