Located in the BX area of the North Okanagan sncəcmałqtn Agricultural Park offers a unique opportunity for farmers to cultivate their passion for sustainable agriculture.
Watch the sncəcmałqtn Agricultural Park Presentation
The site has historically been referred to as the "BX Ranchlands", but a desire to rename the site to align with the Syilx territory it resides on was identified. In consultation with the Okanagan Indian Band, the agricultural park has been renamed as sncəcmałqtn Agricultural Park, which translates to "place of small crops or garden".
Listen to the Park name Pronunciation
Our park provides prime agriculture land, community resources, and a supportive environment to help you thrive. Our forward-looking approach recognizes the need for food security and climate-resilient crops in the face of climate change, so we encourage farms to bring innovation to the field.
Licence Options Available & 2025 Annual Plot Fees:
- Small Plot Licences - 1/4 acre ($700 + GST): Perfect for beginners or those looking to start small. These plots offer an ideal opportunity to test your green thumb and grow your farming venture.
- Medium Plot Licences - 1 acre ($1,000 + GST): Ideal for expanding operations or seasoned farmers looking for more space. These plots provide ample room to cultivate diverse crops and experiment with different farming techniques.
- Large Plot Licences - size negotiable: Suited for established farmers or agriculture enterprises seeking significate land holdings. These plots offer expansive areas for large-scale farming and specialized production.
What the Regional District of North Okanagan provides:
1. Licence Plots. High-value agricultural land
2. Irrigation. Each plot is serviced with an irrigation point of connection
3. General Site Maintenance. The RDNO will provide general site maintenance to all common areas
4. Storage. Additional uncovered storage can be made available in common areas
What the farmer will need to provide:
1. Farming Equipment: The farmers will need to provide their own farming equipment such as tractors, plows, harvesters, hand tools, and other machinery necessary for cultivation and maintenance of crops.
2. Seeds and Plants: The farmer will be responsible for purchasing seeds, seedlings, or plants required for their chosen crops.
3. Irrigation: All irrigation supplies past the point of connection. Including but not limited to: Piping, sprinklers, emitters, hoses, valves, filters, pressure regulators, timers/controllers.
4. Labor and Management: The farmer will need to provide labor for planting, tending, and harvesting crops, as well as managing day-to-day operations of their plot.
5. Fertilizers and Soil Amendments: The farmer may need to provide fertilizers, compost, or other soil amendments to maintain soil fertility and crop health.
6. Crop Insurance: It's advisable for the farmer to obtain crop insurance to protect against crop losses due to unforeseen events such as weather, pests, or diseases.
7. Marketing and Sales: The farmer will be responsible for marketing and selling their produce.
8. Compliance with Regulations: The farmer must comply with all relevant agricultural regulations, including zoning bylaws, environmental regulations, and food safety standards.
9. Maintenance of Facilities: While the landlord may provide general site maintenance, the farmer will be responsible for maintaining them in good condition and ensuring they are kept clean and organized.
10. Financial Responsibility: The farmer will need to bear the financial costs associated with farming operations, including input costs, labor expenses, marketing expenses, and any lease payments or fees agreed upon with the landlord.
NOTE:
Due to a five (5) year maximum lease - anything exceeding that growth time will not be accepted. Example: Fruit trees (grapes, cherries, plums, pears, etc.)
Please submit the below application if you would like to be considered for a land licence. You can also download a PDF version of the application and email it to communityservices@rdno.ca