Looking for farm accommodation for work trade? Kinsol Valley Farm in the beautiful Cowichan Valley might be the right fit for you!
ABOUT KINSOL VALLEY FARM
Kinsol Valley Farm is 12 acres, pasture, vegetable and herb production, orchard, wood lot and boggy bottom land. We are about 20 minutes south of Duncan, rural, gravel road, poor cell reception peaceful and quiet.
We are seeking two persons to exchange farm labour for accommodation. The farm is an expanding hobby farm working to generate more revenue from produce/herbs/eggs etc. with the right help.
At present, the farm consists of a large veggie garden, new 60’ greenhouse (currently under construction), small greenhouse, orchard, herb gardens, pastureland (4 sheep), woodlot, bees, and 40 laying hens. The farm is organic, but not certified, and we raise herbs for Botanical Bliss, Henk’s partner’s herbal products business (botanicalbliss.ca). We have established a couple of customers and have done a few thousand in sales this past year and are set to expand production.
DESIRED QUALITIES
You both must be physically fit and enjoy working outside in all kinds of weather, with and without supervision. The work is focused seasonally and involves garden work, animal care, woodcutting, maintenance and upkeep and special projects (fencing/build sheds) etc.
Applicants are expected to have basic farm experience, additional skills if possible (carpentry etc.), enthusiasm, good communication skills, good organizational skills, be a self-starter, flexible and have an interest in sustainable agriculture/living.
We are seeking a long-term commitment if the first few months work well for us all. The arrangement is for the farm labour component to be half the current value of the suite and the remainder to be a rental charge. Here are the details:
ACCOMMODATION AT THE FARM
$500 per month
- 800 square foot self-contained 2nd floor suite with full kitchen, bathroom, 1 bedroom, living area, electric heat; the main house is heated with wood.
- Private entrance;
- Unfurnished;
- Parking for one vehicle;
- Private laundry;
- Phone line available, poor cell reception at farm
- Internet available;
- Shared hydro.
LABOUR AT THE FARM
Approx. 33 hours per month (valued at $500)
- Daily animal feed and upkeep;
- Spring garden/greenhouse design, preparation, pruning and planting;
- Summer /fall weeding, harvest, herb drying, canning etc.
- Special projects including woodcutting, tree control, building, fencing, drainage control, maintenance
of buildings/roadways etc. (detailed list available upon request); - Ongoing interaction with clients, egg and produce delivery etc.
JOB DETAILS
Duration: The position is open now, apply ASAP. The duration would be long term if things work out.
TO APPLY
Please send your resume, cover letter, and a reference for the suite rental to Henk Scholten at henkinsol@yahoo.ca
Questions? 250-746-7371 (home) or 250-709-8256 (cell)