The Richmond Farm School of Kwantlen Polytechnic University have been partnering with the City of Richmond for many years on the incubator plots. The incubator plots are ½ acre pieces of fertile land allocated to prospective farmers, at a low cost, who have completed some form of agriculture production training. It is meant for people who are dedicated to starting a small-scale farm business without having to invest in too much. It is not meant for people with the intention of starting a homestead production.
Despite the Richmond Farm School not running this year, the incubator plots are open to the public and once you apply and are approved, you can get on the land in April. This piece of land is located in South Richmond and is managed by the Richmond Farm School coordinator. There are currently 4 other farm businesses there who can provide mentorship as they are all graduates of the Richmond Farm School. The main irrigation system is already set up, and the cost includes a tool share with the essential equipment for running a small-scale farm.
Although the land is not certified organic, we require all our farmers to follow organic standards as much as possible and record keeping is required. Farm businesses can be on their plots for up to 3 years. It is meant to be a learning site where farmers can afford to make mistakes and learn how to best run their own business. We currently have 3 vacant plots and they will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
For more information and the application form, please contact Caroline Chiu, the Farm School Coordinator, at caroline.chiu@kpu.ca.
The deadline for application is February 20th, 2017.
