A 1 acre plot is available to lease at Haliburton Community Organic Farm starting January 2022. This is an amazing opportunity to start or build your farm business in a supportive environment, on a well-maintained, turn-key ready plot! 

About Haliburton Community Organic Farm

Haliburton Farm is an incubator farm on land owned by the District of Saanich, on the traditional unceded territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ nation. It was started in 2001, and is managed by the Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society. The farm has grown to include 5 farm plots rented through short term leases to new farmers to start their farm businesses in a low risk, community environment, before moving on to more permanent land. It also includes a large wetland, a native plant nursery, and a diversity of agricultural and educational programming. 

About the plot

The plot available is one of our larger, most productive plots, and is 0.9 acres. It has been managed intensively for many years by multiple farmers. It has been cultivated in a mix of vegetables, cane berries, and flowers. The sandy, well-drained soil allows year round growing. It is deer fenced and includes municipal water access. Previous farmers have continued to grow their successful businesses on larger pieces of land.

Farming at Haliburton Farm includes access to well-established marketing channels. Haliburton farmers sell their produce collectively at the on-site farm stand, at Moss Street Market, and through the Haliburton wholesale program.  

There is access to a shared large walk-in cooler, indoor storage space, and a seedling greenhouse.  The plot includes a large (20’x70’) steel frame permanent hoophouse that must be purchased by the incoming farmer.

A number of assets are also available for purchase from the current farmers, including an automated irrigation system, a solar power system, sheds, raspberry and thornless blackberry plantings, and other infrastructure and equipment.

Requirements

This is a large plot with the capacity for a robust, intensive business! Applicants must have solid farming experience to be considered (minimum 1 year). Candidates with more experience, or a combination of farming education & experience, particularly in a certified organic system, will be prioritized.  Applications must include a business plan for a vegetable farm business (mixed food/livestock options can possibly be discussed) that outlines proposed strategies for production, operations, marketing, and financials. 

The entire farm is certified organic by the Islands Organic Producer Association. The incoming farmer must apply for and maintain organic certification for the entirety of their lease, and maintain their plot and business according to the organic standards. 

Lease terms

The lease term is 4 years, with the possibility of one extension for an additional 4 years. 

The lease for the available plot is $1000/year, plus fees for shared utilities. Utility costs include municipal water fees, hydro, internet, organic certification fees, farmers’ market stall fees, Haliburton Farm Society membership, advertising and website.  The average utilities cost is $2500/year. Use of a shared greenhouse is $250/year (optional). The existing steel frame hoophouse located on Unit 4 must be purchased from the current tenants ($3000).

Tenants at Haliburton Farm are expected to be engaged in all aspects of the farm and societies mandate, including biodiversity stewardship, education, and community engagement. All of our farmers and Society board members work cooperatively to steward this special piece of land for the next generation of organic farmers, including participating in shared space maintenance, engaging . More details about the farm can be found at:

www.haliburtonfarm.org

Please submit applications using the format listed below by email to info@haliburtonfarm.org using subject “Lease Application Unit 4”. Applications will be accepted until November 4th. 

APPLICATION FORM

Why do you want to join Haliburton Farm?

Are you applying as an individual or a partnership/group?

Please provide details of your previous farm experience, and any relevant agricultural education:

Do you have experience working in a certified organic operation?

Please summarize your proposed farm vision (eg mixed vegetable farm focusing on winter and storage crops):

Please attach a detailed farm and business plan that includes:

• Farm/business goals
• Production strategy (what will you be growing, soil/land management plan)
• Operations strategy (including expected labour plan)
• Marketing strategy (how you plan to market your produce)
• Financial strategy (how you plan to finance your business, including capital cost investment)