The future of Canada’s only commercial olive farm hinges on its upcoming sale at auction, as the surviving partner of the founding family seeks a buyer to continue the enterprise. Sheri Braun announced plans to sell the farm on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, following the death of her husband George last September.

The Brauns, a Calgary couple without prior farming experience, established the olive mill after being inspired by a trip to Spain and spending several years researching suitable growing regions in Canada. They identified the microclimate of Salt Spring Island’s Fulford Valley, which resembles Mediterranean conditions, as ideal for cultivating olives. In 2010, they purchased 74 acres comprising two parcels that included a vineyard and a villa styled after Greek architecture.

Despite skepticism from established growers who doubted olives could thrive in Canada, the couple persisted. They secured around 1,000 saplings of hardy Italian olive varieties from California and adapted their operations to Canadian biosecurity regulations by importing soilless saplings requiring greenhouse care in early years. After clearing much of the previous vineyard and improving soil fertility through hay cultivation, the Brauns harvested their first olives in 2016.

The farm’s initial yield of extra virgin olive oil garnered positive reviews from sommeliers and Michelin-starred chefs, quickly selling out 650 quarter-litre bottles. The product developed a loyal following, with demand frequently exceeding supply at local markets on Salt Spring Island. The olive oil normally retails at $125 a bottle. The project involved the Brauns’ extended family, with their son assisting annually and grandchildren helping with harvesting.

Sheri Braun described their venture as consuming much of their lives, although deeply rewarding. Following George Braun’s passing, she said running the farm alone no longer holds the same meaning and decided to put the property up for sale via CLH, an Alberta-based online auction specializing in agricultural real estate. The two parcels total 74 acres, featuring wooded areas and a creek, with bids starting at approximately $2.19 million per property. They may be sold separately, though it is anticipated the parcels will remain together.

Tyler Ruttan, director of sales at CLH, expects significant interest from buyers who share the Brauns’ passion for agriculture and quality food production. He emphasized that the market for boutique farms like this differs from typical residential real estate, attracting a specialized audience. CLH recently handled the sale of an 81,000-acre cattle ranch near Princeton, B.C., further illustrating its focus on unique agricultural properties.

Ms. Braun hopes the new owner will maintain the farm’s legacy and build upon the foundational work the Brauns completed over the past decade. She intends to remain on Salt Spring and offered her expertise as a consultant for the next operator, if needed. “If we’re lucky enough to get somebody who wants to continue the dream, I’m certainly going to be available to them,” she said. Without a buyer committed to the original vision, the farm’s chapter as a rare Canadian olive producer may come to a close.