A: Yes. The fund raising was originally being run by the Friends of Madrona Farm Society (FoMF); it has now been moved directly under TLC. Our fund raising goal of $2,500,000 will be used to place the farm in trust with TLC who will ensure the ecological value and agricultural productivity of Madrona Farm is protected forever. One of TLC’s mandates is to “protect farmland for farming.” The purchase of this farm by the community it serves, and the placement of the farm in the hands of a land trust, will be the first of its kind in BC and part of the solution for local food security. All donations, whether by cash, cheque or credit card are made directly to TLC (madrona Farm Campaign), and TLC will issue Charitable Contribution receipts.

A: TLC, a land trust with the mandate and experience to protect farmland, will hold the title to Madrona Farm. Once TLC holds title, the property will be inalienable; it can never be sold. The property and its uses for local, organic food production and conservation of biodiversity will be protected by the Constitution of TLC. This will ensure the purposes of the FoMF are met in perpetuity. This is a much stronger guarantee than other methods of protecting land, such as placing a covenant on the property. TLC will not directly operate the Farm, but will ensure that the values and purposes of protection are achieved through long-term lease agreements with farmers operating the Farm. ** TLC is a registered charity and land trust protecting wilderness areas, cultural landmarks and agricultural lands in B.C. Since 1997, TLC has protected almost 120,000 acres of sensitive and threatened lands, involving more than 300 projects. TLC has grown to include over 7,000 members, and is now part of an international network of National Trusts with over 7 million members. For more information, visit www.conservancy.bc.ca

A: Once a cash donation is made to TLC, a charitable receipt for tax purposes is given. Donations of cash cannot be returned to the donor. In the event the campaign fails to meet it fundraising goals, any cash donations will be dedicated to support other TLC farmland protection projects. Pledges will be “called in” once the campaign has successfully met its goal. TLC places faith in those who promise to pay the amount they have pledged and trust that every pledge will be paid when requested.

A: The ALR does afford some protection to agricultural land, but since it does not require the land to be kept in food production, it may be purchased for use as a “hobby farm” or “Gentleman’s Estate,” and never used for growing food for our community. There are many permitted uses for agricultural land under the ALR Use, Subdivision and Procedure Regulation (http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/legislation/Reg/ALR_Use-Subd-Proc_Reg.htm#sec3); see sec 2 of the Act), including horse stables, vineyards etc. Given the premium on residential land near Victoria, even the prospect of a conversion from the Farm’s current use raises the price of agricultural land. This campaign will raise money to buy out the option of converting the farm to residential “estate” or other non-food farm uses. The goal of the FoMF Society and TLC is to maintain Madrona Farm as a local food producing farm forever.

A: David and Nathalie will be offered the first option to lease Madrona Farm from TLC. They will continue to farm the land as they have been for the past 10 years, producing an abundant supply of produce, eggs and flowers for the community and stewarding the land in an environmentally sound manner. Dave and Nat see this as a beginning, rather than an end. It is their ultimate vision – to place viable farmland in the hands of the community where it will be protected and used forever as farmland to feed the community.

A: The farmers were offered the opportunity to purchase Madrona Farm but they strongly believe that private ownership will not protect this land. Placing the Farm in trust with TLC fulfills their dream of ensuring that it is protected agriculturally and ecologically forever for everyone.

A: Hold a mini fund raiser of your own creation. All over Victoria people have found creative ways to raise money for the campaign. Here are some of the way people have done it: Garage sales with proceeds to madrona Mini concert in your own home Door money from bazars,fashion shows and craft fairs Cafe Fantasticos environmental fee levied for disposible cups Phillips Blackberry Madrona Farm Ale Art Galleries donating a painting Collecting a $1 from everyone in your office or class room and encouraging them to do the same

A: The Friends of Madrona Farm Society needs your support. We must raise approximately $2,500,000 over the next two years to ensure that Madrona Farm will remain a highly productive, ecologically sound, biologically diverse farm; while over $650,000 has already been pledged by the land owner, we still need $1.7 million from the community. Obviously, we need donations – lots of them. To make a secure, tax-deductible donation, click on the piggy bank to your left. We also need volunteers to help with this exciting, dynamic campaign; we need enthusiasm, creativity and people who will spread the word. Opportunities abound in communications, fund raising, volunteer coordination, event coordination, and more). Please contact us if you'd like to volunteer your time.

A: As of December 23,2009 we have raised approximately $928,000 from the community. Please make your tax-deductible donation now using TLC's on-line secure site! Just click the piggy bank to the left.