Organic Market Garden & Hydroponics
Share farmer wanted
We have a farm at Bonville, near Coffs Harbour. We hydroponically grow a selection of lettuces, herbs and Asian vegetables. There are two areas on the farm that we would like to see used by someone who would otherwise not be able to at this stage of their lives, afford to buy land.
Land Details
Property location : NSW mid-north coast Bonville
Total land size (Acres) : Approx 3
Opportunities to expand : Yes, by using other assets of our operation
Zoning : Rural
Current uses: Our section - hydroponic farming. For sharing, not now used. Some of it had been cultivated before our ownership
Current practices: Hydroponic farming cannot be labelled as organic, however we do not use any chemicals which cannot be used by organic operations
State of the surface of the cultivatable area : Overgrown, but besutiful soil. Some trellised.
Description and historical use of land available for farming :
One flat, can be damp - used previously for in ground crops, eg snow peas, tomatoes. Other faces NW, gentle slope, good soil, dry but water irrigation easy.
Description of road access : Excellent
Electricity access : 3 phase to flat area; none to sloping field.
Mobile phone signal : Excellent
Short-term goal or vision for land : To have it used wisely to produce further lovely crops which this area is known for.
Long-term goal or vision for land : Expect a long term ‘lease’ given to the right people, so they have certainty. Possibility to assist/manage /take over our business.
Known environmental hazards : In wet, dry, hot, and cold conditions, we have, in three years not needed to cease production. Occasional light frosts - about three last winter, I think.
Current residents living on property : Two - owners, in house.
Housing and/or onsite living opportunities : Initial possibility to enjoy a couple of weeks in our adequate guest cottage. Long term we wish off site living for the share farmers, albeit with 24 hour access.
Availability of farm buildings : Share production shed, ports-loo.
Is the land fenced : Yes
Availability of farm machinery and tools : Depends on arrangement but we have tractor, ATV, slasher, etc.
Water Source : Rain, River, Bore
Water rights to these sources : We have 10 meg license, for bore, with much unused, hence available.
Is there restricted access of visitors : Yes
Preferred agriculture production - diversified vegetable, livestock, orchard etc : Open to all but not livestock
Preferred farming practice - Biodynamic, Organic, other : Sensible, with no dangerous chemicals
Soil Details : Excellent. Everything seems to grow well here
Arrangement
Details regarding preferred land sharing arrangement
Preferred arrangement i.e. Lease for cash, lease for trade, lease to own, partnerships, sale, profit share, other :
Flexible, but don’t want money or trades till income is achieved.
Would you be willing to mentor or advise the entering farmer(s)? : Yes
Do you require references from the land seeker(s)? : Yes
Agreement duration preferred : probably a minimum of three years, renewable
Attachments
Address available on request, and landholder is happy to engage in dialog by phone for appropriate applicants, following this, to entertain a visit by prospect.
