UNIQUE FARMING OPPORTUNITY

Opportunity: Farming and community building in Nova Scotia
Farm: Sweet Earth Farm
Location: Earltown/Tatamagouche, near Truro, Nova Scotia
Housing: off-grid cabin or possible rental in community

FARMING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING OPPORTUNITY IN NOVA SCOTIA

We have a very unique opportunity available to the right individual, couple and/or family. If you are exploring engaging in a worthwhile and fulfilling career in farming and finding solidarity in being part of a farming community where you can share knowledge, equipment, time and homegrown meals - but don’t have access to land and/or extensive knowledge of the trade - read on!

We have a 200-acre farm that is predominantly woodlot, with approximately 60 acres of pasture and a 10-acre orchard. It is located on the Waugh River and in the Cobequid Hills of Nova Scotia. We currently raise a small herd of beef cattle, as well as pigs and chickens, all following regenerative agriculture methods. There is a second household joining us in the spring with an initial focus on growing vegetables, herbs and flowers. The pasture and woodlot are underutilized and afford an excellent opportunity to raise ruminate livestock, participate in active woodlot management, pursue ornamental and other nursery stock practices and more! We are looking for more people, who share similar agricultural philosophies, see value in building community and recognize the synergistic opportunities in sharing resources, skills and goodwill. The long-term objective is to operate under a co-operative model, in which all participants have an ownership stake in the enterprise. Please visit our website for a deeper understanding of our current farm operations.

Note this is not a job opportunity but instead an opportunity for a socially-minded entrepreneur to start a farming business. Initially, off-farm income will likely be needed until one gets themselves established, or you may wish to work off farm indefinitely. We may be able to help you market your products via our existing customer base, however, you must be self motivated and personally committed to the hard work needed to create a successful farm business that suits your personal interests and strengths, that does not compete with existing enterprises.

Here are some of our ideas for farm income opportunities on the property, however, we are open to your ideas also if you feel that your skills and interests may be a fit for our farm and vision.

• Adding a herd of sheep and/or goats to our pasture rotation and/or in the woodlot.
• Raising turkeys, ducks and/or geese.
• Growing fruit and/or nut trees or other perennials, perhaps under a u-pick model and/or as a permaculture orchard.
• Creating value add products using products from existing farm enterprises (either yours or others).
• Offering services (mechanic, silvopasture, etc.).

We cannot offer robust housing at this time. However, we do have a small insulated off-grid cabin near our home that can be made available for an individual or couple who is comfortable living with few amenities. This cabin can be provided as a trade for your time or for rent. There may also be house rental opportunities in the area.

Our vision, over the next few years, is to establish a farming co-operative with 3 to 5 households. Each co-op owner will own their own home and have joint ownership in the farm proper. If this concept, or a derivative thereof, appeals to you, please reach out to us!

If you are interested in exploring this opportunity further, please email a cover letter to sweetearthfarm.ns@gmail.com, subject: “unique farming opportunity”.

Your cover letter should describe your farming experience and provide a brief outline of your proposed business (ie. what you plan to grow, how you plan to sell/market your products, other business ideas you have). We are looking for individuals/couples/families who have some experience in whatever enterprise you plan to pursue and those who dream of the lifestyle that comes with farming, hard work and living in community.

Please indicate you saw this posting at FoodWork.

We will contact you if we think you might be a good fit for our farm and set up a call to discuss our collective ideas. We have lots more information to share, and you likely have lots of questions!

Thank you for your interest!