LAND OPPORTUNITY: Fields and Greenhouse Space on an Established Intergenerational Farm – Saturna 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 65-acre property was originally purchased by a group of collaborators in the 1970’s, with the goal of establishing a unique nature-based school on Saturna Island. In the time since, this land has been home to a variety of enterprises, including certified organic vegetable production, mixed livestock, and a bed and breakfast (in one of Saturna Island’s oldest homes!).

Today, the landholders grow mixed vegetables, flowers, and hay, as well as raise pigs and a small herd of beef cattle. They are excited to share their extra space and infrastructure with experienced and collaborative growers, in hopes of bringing new energy to the land.

The property has a combination of open fields and dense forests, as well as established gardens and livestock enclosures. There are several areas on the farm that may be available to an incoming farmer, including a 1.5-acre hay field with a gentle northern slope and access to a designated well, a 1.2-acre hay field with a southwestern slope (potential for orchard space!), a 30 x 50 foot greenhouse, an established apple orchard, and more!

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

This opportunity is open to a variety of production types, including vegetables, flowers, herbs, and poultry. The landholders are also interested in connecting with farmers who have experiencing managing orchards and who are excited about taking on space in the established greenhouse.

The property has a series of wells and the landholders have a water license, making this opportunity especially desirable for folks who are interested in accessing programs such as the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program, which provides farmers with the opportunity to access funding for irrigation infrastructure!

For accommodations, there are a few different areas on the property where an incoming farmer would be able to park an RV or tiny home, and there is also a small studio apartment on-site that may be available for the right fit.

Saturna Island is a southeastern Gulf Island located just above Orcas Island in Washington State. The Island is known for its excellent whale watching, beaches, and the Saturna Island Lamb BBQ, which has been drawing the community together each year since 1950. Nearly half of the island is protected as Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, providing a quiet backdrop for Saturna Island residents and visitors.

ABOUT THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

This is a unique opportunity to breathe some new life into this farm while also working collaboratively with the folks who live and farm on this land!

It is important to note that the landholders value collaboration and are interested in finding a farmer to live and operate their business on the property long-term. The ideal candidate for this opportunity would be open to sharing infrastructure and participating in collective decision-making, as the residents of this property operate as a cooperative.

With approximately 300 year-round residents, Saturna Island is a remote, tight-knit community. The ideal candidate for this opportunity would be an experienced farmer (or farming couple) with experience living remotely and enthusiasm for building 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 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.