Legacy Succession NIKIAN Farm

Farm description

We purchased the farm in 2002. It consists of 25 acres in a long, narrow strip on a south-facing slope; 5 to 25 m. amsl (current). The upper third is mixed forest. The lower third is marshy with drainage along one side. The middle third, where house, greenhouse, and outbuildings are located, was used mostly for animals (not growing food, so no chemicals), was terraced for riding rings, and now is gardens (edible, medicinal, and ornamental). We built two ponds at the lowest end with adjacent rice paddies and planted fruit, nut, and sugar maple trees and berry bushes in several areas with the goal of being as self-sufficient as possible and resilient in our diversity. We have used the site as an educational example of living well as vegetarians with organic farming the year around (winter growing in an unheated greenhouse). We also propagate most of our plants and maintain a nursery, which was the basis for our organic landscaping business for 10 years. We also operated a CSA for a couple of years, and learned that we could grow a tremendous amount of food intensively, but found that labour costs ate the budget. We would like the property to continue as an organic demonstration farm in some form. The site has been used for fundraising events and has potential for agri-tourism. We currently supplement our retirement pensions with occasional plant sales, workshops and consulting, and the sale of probiotics for wastewater treatment and composting. We have identified several potential revenue streams for an entrepreneurial future partner/operator wanting to pursue their passion: - sales of specialty crops to restaurants and other markets wanting "locally grown" (paddy rice, artichokes, Italian cornmeal for polenta, late season strawberries, hazelnuts, etc.) - beautiful flower garden site for special events (weddings, concerts, "plein air" art classes, fundraisers, etc.) - Airbnb(s) in an exceptional area - educational workshops, seminars in diverse settings on site - use the site to develop a small business, like u-pick, cut flowers, herbs, wild crafts, etc. or larger business, like a food processing plant, develop value-added products like dried soups, canned sauces, eventually build a commercial kitchen - develop our existing probiotic business (current clients are provincial parks and an urban wastewater treatment facility) - develop our existing nursery business to propagate ornamental and edible plants for retail or wholesale - develop our seed collecting into an full blown seed business - ornamental and edible plants - develop a landscaping business (we already have an excellent reputation with many sample gardens in the area )

Farm opportunity

We have retired, and now devote all of our time to our farm and personal projects. As we slow down in our ability to maintain everything, we are looking to transition ownership to another person(s) ("farm partner") to enjoy what we've created and to carry on with their own vision. Initially, there is a small apartment (built in the upper barn for a farmhand) available for accommodation. In the future we would want assistance in building our own very small retirement cabin on the upper property so that eventually the farm partner could take over the 1,500 sq.ft. house/garage. If the farm partner comes with financial resources, there is potential for additional property purchases on the north and west sides. The farm is debt-free now. A farm partner would build their equity in the farm with their labour and help over the years. Rights and responsibilities would be clearly set out in a contract. We need someone who is honest and trustworthy with a strong land/life/work ethic and the diverse skills required to operate this farm well for the next generation and as an asset to our local community: - knowledge of Rodale-type organic farming practices and the experience and skills to maintain/develop gardens and fields as needed - ability to operate, repair and maintain farm equipment - some carpentry and stonework skills (a la Scott and Helen Nearing, to maintain buildings and stone walls) - plumbing skills (to maintain solar hot-water and wood-gasifier hot-water boiler) - an interest in experimenting with plants (esp. permaculture crops) and crop preservation methods in a time of climate challenge - a realistic understanding of what this commitment will require - imagination and skills to develop their own income stream - good references! Our ideal person(s) has a strong sense of responsibility and accountability and practices a toxic chemical-free vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Creativity and a good sense of humour is always a plus!