Richmond may have an abundance of farmland, but it isn't always easy for new farmers to access this land.
The Richmond Food Security Society hosted an evening talk at Terra Nova Rural Park on yesterday evening (Feb. 16), with local farmer, Bill Zylmans, on how to access land and develop lease agreements that are fair.
As more people look to food production as a new or second career, many are coming to Richmond from areas like Vancouver or Burnaby where there is little to no farmland available.
"There seems to be a plethora of land in Richmond, either sitting idle or underutilized," said Arzeena Hamir, coordinator of the Richmond Food Security Society. "It would be wonderful to see more of that converted into production."
The society says there is a waitlist of new farmers from Vancouver who are looking for small plots, from about a half to two acres.
Many have either been farming at the backyard level or have never farmed before.
"I often get land owners wanting to lease land to cover their mortgage expenses," said Hamir.
"What they need to understand is that agricultural leases generally go for no more than $300 per acre per year. If they are charging more, there needs to be fencing, irrigation water readily available, and possibly a roadside stand."
For more information, refer to the Richmond Food Security Society's website at www.richmondfoodsecurity.org or call 604727-9728.
