Background

The 31-acre O’Brien Farm is one of the oldest surviving urban farms in Newfoundland and honors the rich history of farming in the province, through the story of the O’Brien family. Once a dairy and row crop farm, the farm has been repurposed to provide a unique blend of heritage programming, nature based learning, and entrepreneurship opportunities for new farmers in our community.

To that end, in 2021, O’Brien Farm Foundation established the New Found Farmers Incubator Program, which gives new entrant farmers affordable access to land and farm resources that they need in order to build their farming businesses. This program is a critical part of our mission and vision, providing land to initiate or expand agricultural enterprises in our Province. 

New Found Farmers Incubator Program

This program is designed for beginning farmers to learn and obtain skills, experience, and knowledge as they move towards independent farm operations.  Participants will be provided with:

  • 5 years of access to 1/4 - 3 acre plots of O’Brien Farms developed farmland.

  • Access to O’Brien Farms equipment, irrigation and infrastructure.

  • Business development planning and support.

NFF is a 5-year program where participants have the right of first refusal after each season. Years 1-2 focus on crop planning, equipment use, pest control, infrastructure, and business development. Year 3 focuses on business viability. Years 4-5 focus on management, expanding variety, developing markets, reviewing business plans, and pursuing funding to become an independent farm.

Program Requirements:

  • Minimum 9 months of proven experience in farming or medium/large scale gardening.

  • Provide a business plan. O’Brien Farm templates can be made available prior to applying to the program. Other business plans are acceptable as well.

  • Provide an annual farm production plan and cash flow statement. O’Brien Farm templates can be made available prior to applying to the program.

  • Commitment to a minimum of 1.5 days per week.

  • An upfront fee of $800. Incubator farmers are also required to profit-share 15% of their farm product sales after a revenue threshold.

Gateway Gardens Program

This program is designed to expand our training and support for new potential entrant farmers. Our goal is to serve as a learning and launching pad to small agriculture enterprises, as many new entrants to agriculture may not have the agricultural production and/or business experience to start a successful farming enterprise. Participants will be provided with:

  • Access to O’Brien Farms small garden plots for personal and cooperative production, equipment, irrigation and infrastructure.

  • Hands-on training with experienced growers.

  • Business development planning and support.

Participants who meet all requirements upon program completion can be shortlisted for the New Found Farmers Incubator Program.

Program Requirements:

  • Experience in home gardening, nursery work, horticulture, or farming.

  • A plan to start or continue a for-profit business related to agriculture.

  • Ability to lift 40lbs and work in rugged outdoor terrain.

  • Commitment of 1 full farming season, with an average of 10-15 hours per week.

  • An upfront fee of $400.

For questions or to apply to our Gateway Gardens Program or New Found Farmers Incubator Program, contact us at info@obrienfarm.ca.

The Newfound Farmers Incubator Program accepts new participants on a rolling basis.

The Gateway Gardens Program is new, being launched this year! The program is accepting participants until March 20, 2025.