Photo by Tessa Wetherill
Young Agrarians
Pravin Dhaliwal (right) is leasing 18 acres from Tony Gogol (left) to start a vineyard in Summerland.
More than 70 farmers from throughout British Columbia have found new opportunities in farming communities through the BC Land Matching Program (BCLMP).
Delivered by the Young Agrarians, the BCLMP connects farmers with landholders seeking to lease their properties to ensure their land stays in production or starts producing food. Since the pilot launch, the program has helped more than 70 farmers, with 1,883.8 hectares (4,655.0 acres) brought into or maintained in agricultural production and a total of 81 land matches.
Stefan Butler and Lindsay Cornwell knew they needed a larger property. They found their new home base on a 9.7-hectare parcel of land in Squamish owned by Wolfgang and Renate Alkier, and were able to sign a 26-year lease.
On Vancouver Island, landholders Valorie Masuda and Alan Moore put their land back into production with Megan Henwood and Callum Bottrell, who produce vegetables, duck eggs and grains to supply their food truck operation.
“I’m so excited that we’re helping BC farmers find affordable and accessible farmland to put into production so we can have more fresh, local food in our communities,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture.