The B.C. Land Matching Program, delivered by Young Agrarians, has been picking up steam since launching in the Columbia Basin in July 2018.
The YA Land Matcher has been busy growing an inventory of land opportunities and farmers looking for land in the region, hosting community and educational events, and facilitating land agreements. To date, three agreements have been signed and four more are in negotiation phase for a variety of farm businesses across the Basin.
Matches include a garlic operation in Wynndel, a haying operation in Lister and an herb farm and perennial nursery in Harrop. The four matches currently in negotiation include an orchard, market garden, hemp test plot and winter crop / haying operation in Erickson, Revelstoke and Lister.
Krista is an aspiring farmer and mother of two currently enrolled in the Community Future Self Employment Program out of Nelson, working on her business plan for her farming business. She aspires to have a nursery, grow and sell perennials and herbs and create added-value products like tinctures and more. Barry and Ursula are retired landowners from Harrop who have been active members of their local community for decades. They were looking for a young farmer or farming family to share their land with and to promote and nurture young families moving into their community.
Hailey brought Krista to meet with Barry and Ursula last spring and their lease was signed on June 23! Ground has been broken and work is already underway on the Harrop property!
“Our Land Matcher Hailey really listened to what our land needs were and read our personalities and lifestyles as well. The match was made based off of more than just land requirements. Because of the match, we not only have two acres of incredible land to farm but also a very lovely new and supportive community. Lifelong opportunities and friendships were made,” said land seeker Krista.
The photo above was taken at a property in Kitchener when the land matcher met with the landowners, Wendy and Vince, and cattle farmer, Merv, to sign a five-year license agreement for Merv’s farm business that allows him to access to hay 17 acres in Lister for his 100 head of cattle.
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