Farm Business PlanningWe have written over 30 business plans for a wide variety of enterprises. Ultimately, the plan becomes a tool for guiding and growing the business. An outside perspective often identifies details that might otherwise be missed. The result is a more successful business! The Canadian government’s Specialized Business Planning Services (SBPS) program (www.agr.gc.ca/renewal) provides assistance with farm business plans. topSuccession PlanningWhether it is intergenerational transfer of the farm business or just a plan to allow Joe Farmer to retire, succession planning is becoming increasingly important as the average age of Canadian farmers increases. Advance planning for these transfers can often significantly reduce taxes payable. The Specialized Business Planning Services (SBPS) program can provide assistance for farmers who are involved in succession or estate planning. From the Ground Up will facilitate the planning process and work with other appropriate professionals to develop a plan that suits your particular circumstances. topFarm Business AssessmentsThe Canadian Farm Business Assessment Services (CFBAS) program (www.agr.gc.ca/renewal) pays for almost all of a 5 day financial assessment and action plan for eligible farms. The program is available to beginning farmers. The purpose of the assessment is to develop financial projections and an action plan for a potential change in your farm operation. Our company has completed over 20 of these assessments for farm of all sizes and commodities on Vancouver Island. Like the business planning process, we find that knowledgeable input from an outsider helps the farm make improvements to their farm business. topSmall Farm Development – Small Lot AgricultureA large part of the new development in agriculture in South Coastal BC is in niche market, small scale, cottage industry type operations. Producing local product to support new trends such as the 100 Mile Diet. “I’ve got this piece of land. What can I do with it?” Perhaps the most often asked question that we deal with. The vast majority of farms on Vancouver Island are small. The land is often underutilized, yet Vancouver Island produces less than 10% of the food consumed locally. We have worked with small lot agriculture, in many different ways, from assisting local farmers’ markets to instructing courses, workshops and field days to help develop small farms. topFarm Management ConsultationCombination of theory and practice. We work in our offices but we also get our hands dirty. We have years of experience with many different commodities and productions systems. This combination of practical experience and education allows us to provide our clients with ideas that work! topDeveloping Sustainable Agricultural PracticesIn coastal British Columbia, agricultural practices are often perceived to have negative impacts on other land uses and ecosystems. We understand agricultural systems and believe that, with appropriate planning and management, the industry can be both economically and environmentally sustainable. topResearch and Development ProjectsWe have been involved in research and development projects dealing with: management intensive grazing, beneficial re-use of waste products, composting, methane generation, management of problem wildlife and waterfowl, integrated pest management, and others. topScientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED)The Canada Revenue Agency’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program is designed to help Canadian small businesses develop new techniques and technologies. Many small businesses are doing this kind of work without even realizing it. We have worked with many different businesses in South Coastal BC to help them use this program as it is intended to be used. The returns can significantly improve the efficiency and profitability of small and medium size enterprises. topEnvironmental MonitoringWe have monitored soil and water in and around many of our projects to determine if the projects have a positive or negative impact. The results are often interesting. For example, a nitrogen response trial produced dense, lush grass at high rates of fertilization. It appeared as though the added fertilizer produced a much higher yield but, when the grass was dried, the dry matter yield was only slightly improved. topSoil Assessment and Fertility RecommendationsSoil conditions affect the type of crops and the quality and yield those crops will produce. In most soils, production can be enhanced with improved soil fertility, irrigation, drainage or other soil management practices. Minor improvements in soil management can have a significant impact on the bottom line. topBiosolidsIn BC, land application of sewage sludge is regulated. According to the province’s Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR), application must be planned and monitored to ensure that biosolids are being used as a soil amendment and are not causing long term soil degradation. From the Ground Up has developed several land application plans for biosolids over the past ten years. topCompostingLike biosolids, large scale composting is subject to increasing scrutiny and regulation. Composting can produce valuable soil amendments using waste products. If done properly it is a win-win combination but regulatory agencies are watching it more carefully as time goes by. topPublicationsLightfoot, D.G. and G. Rolston. 1999.Feasibility of using effluent from the Comox wasterwater treatment plant to irrigate farmland and golf courses in the Comox Valley. Investment Agricultue Foundation of B.C. Funded project. G. Rolston, G. Penfold, and P Guiton, Fall 2002. Co-Authored Comox Valley Agricultural Area Plan G. Rolston, Summer 2001. Co-authored Planning for Profit for 100 Cow dairy operation in the Fraser Valley G. Rolston, March 2002, Co-authored Small Woodlands Business Planning and Marketing Guidebook top |
  
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