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2017 Grower’sWest Coast Guide Your Source for Local Food & Products Leader’s Message - Grow With Us! Welcome to the 2017 edition of the West Coast Growers’ Guide! The City of Port Alberni and along the path to meeting our Most of all, we are proud only by planting a container Alberni-Clayoquot Regional agricultural goals. Our area of the community’s passion of herbs, tomatoes, or salad District are committed to boasts a number of Farmers’ about and involvement in food greens on your balcony. In cultivating and supporting a Markets, which are open at sovereignty and sustainabil- backyards, gardens, farms, thriving local food system. In a variety of times and days ity issues. We hope that the community and organizational 2011, the Regional District throughout the week. We 2017 edition of the Growers’ green spaces, and our various adopted the have attracted new farmers Guide offers resources to Farmers’ Markets, all commu- Agriculture Plan, setting out into the region and are seeing both our own residents and nity members can contribute! an action plan for agricultural a growth in the variety of area visitors, helping them initiatives with a long term products available throughout to access the healthy and goal of 40% regional food se- the year, including big leaf diverse products that are curity by the year 2031. The maple syrup, micro-greens, produced in the region and Regional District also formed grass-fed beef, mixed vegeta- offering resources to support Mike Ruttan - Mayor, an Agricultural Development bles, and oysters on the half them in cultivating more food City of Port Alberni Committee and hired part- shell. There is a resurgent themselves. time consultants to provide interest in marine and shell- While the growth of a direction on agricultural and sh culture, and dedicated thriving and sovereign local food security initiatives. In agricultural projects being food system is not without 2015, The City of Port Alberni established in some of our challenges, we are heartened created the Food Security and smaller, off-shore communi- by the progress made so far. Climate Disruption Commit- ties. The City’s bylaw allowing As government leaders, we tee, which provides recom- chickens, bees and vegetable encourage you to support mendations to Council with stands within City limits has this movement yourself by respect to urban food security resulted in an increase in buying from your local farmers and climate change concerns each of these and fostered the and doing what you can to affecting the community. sense of a community food contribute to the area’s food We are moving forward culture. production yourself - even if Support the Future of Local Farming The average age of a farmer in BC is 56, giving the province has a vested interest in this goal and a part to play in making the dubious distinction of having the oldest farm operators in it happen. As a food consumer your purchases determine the . At the other end of the spectrum BC has the smallest future of agriculture in your community. Without committed and percentage of farm operators under the age of 35. These reliable customers all farming becomes risky business and it is numbers are part of a long and ongoing decline in the number of new farmers who are most vulnerable. farms and farmers in Canada. The statistics are troubling: from True food security comes from cultivating relationships 1991 to 2011 the total number of farms in Canada declined with producers who grow it right in your community. There is an by 24%. In the same period the average age of farm operators impressive list of them right in this guide, and many increased from 47 to 55. As it currently stands the number of of them represent the critical demographic shift farmers under 40 is falling alarmingly across the board while the we need to make. So check them out, nd the number over 50 is skyrocketing. ones who grow what you want, and become While there are farmers still active in their 80’s and 90’s a committed customer. It could be it is probably unrealistic to assume that someday they could be the start of a beautiful, and tasty, the “average” farmers. But that is precisely where we are headed relationship. unless agriculture can attract an inux of younger participants. For farming to remain healthy and sustainable the average age of Written by Bob Collins. Bob and his a Canadian farmer needs to be pared back by at least 15 years. wife Ann have farmed in the Alberni It can only be accomplished by convincing more young farmers Valley since 1980. There are currently 3 to enter the industry. Every person who expects to eat every day generations of their family on the farm. Alberni Farmers Institute The Alberni Farmers' Institute (AFI), high school student pursuing secondary At a time when being informed about our established in 1899, has been a corner- education in agriculture. food is so important, the AFI is a great stone of the local agricultural landscape Makenna Cyr was recently elected educational asset for new farmers and the for over a century. Its members are President of the Alberni Farmers Institute. public as well. passionate about healthy local food, inno- She is a young, 1st generation farmer, born Anyone can join; whether you are vations in agriculture, environmental re- and raised in the Alberni Valley. Makenna a farmer, just feel a strong interest in sponsibility and food sustainability within became involved in agriculture through the agriculture, or are passionate about local the region and on Island. 4-H program and got involved with the AFI food! To become a member or get more The Alberni Farmers' Institute after receiving a post-secondary bursary information please contact Anna Lewis at promotes farming through workshops, in 2014. As the new President, Makenna 250-735-0520 or Makenna Cyr at circulation of information, educational hopes to galvanize the Alberni Farmers 250-731-5072. The cost of membership forums, and networking events such as an Institute as an important networking tool is a sliding scale from $15-$25 a year annual Christmas dinner and dance. and knowledge base for everyone involved per farm or family and includes a sub- It also awards an annual bursary to a or interested in agriculture and local food. scription to Country Life in BC magazine.

The 2017 Growers’ Guide was sponsored in part by the Alberni Clayoquot Health Network (ACHN). The ACHN is a mechanism for citizens working and living in the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District to come together and speak with a collective voice on health issues and share ideas and resources to build healthier communities. The Network aims to improve health and well-being and focus on the social determinants of health. Learn more, and download the ACHN’s Strategic Plan, at http://achn.ca/wp. Alberni Farmers’ Institute Since 1989, we've celebrated the resiliency of Valley farmers and their strength and diversity. We are passionate about local food security, raising the profile of agriculture in our region and promoting sustainable agricultural practices on .

Annual membership is on a To know more or get involved, contact: sliding scale $15-$25 which includes subscription to Makenna Cyr [email protected] Country Life magazine. or Anna Lewis [email protected] 7989056 We Live Where A Rainbow Of Food Is Grown

Be a locavore! Locavores from the cultural, social and has many bene ts? Children try to choose locally grown or pleasurable reasons for eat- and adolescents who fre- produced food that is in sea- ing. Nourishment comes from quently eat together with at Check out son. We are so lucky to live fully appreciating and sensing least one meaningful adult new recipes with in in the Alberni-Clayoquot meals while being mindful of have better food and nutrient www.cookspiration.com. Regional District where there hunger and satiety cues. Mak- intake, eat more vegetables You may enjoy the ‘Corn, is literally a rainbow of food ing eating and food a priority and fruit, are at lower risk for Sweet Potatoes and grown. All four food groups in life and devoting time for substance abuse, are socially Chowder’, the are grown here – see the list procurement, preparation and better adjusted and perform ‘Baked Potato Medley’, of local food & products avail- meals with others will help to better in school compared to the ‘Butternut Squash’, able in this guide. You will bring the body into a better adolescents who eat together ‘Spinach & Feta Frittata’ nd a vast array of nutritious balance nutritionally. We with their parents less often. and so much more. foods to help families create recommend eating a rainbow Lines of communication with many healthy and delicious of real local foods for better kids and teenagers are more For nutrition information recipes. health. What better place open, when people share you can visit Food is wonderful. It than here in this region to a family meal on a regular www.dietitians.ca, engages all our senses and obtain your food? basis. Children will feel more or call 811 at HealthLink plays several roles in our lives. Seven of the top ten connected and develop more BC to speak to a Food brings people together, causes of death, such as self-con dence and better registered dietitian. sustains us and comforts heart disease, stroke, and self-image, as they engage us. Eating healthy foods is cancer are linked to diet and with family over a meal. essential for our health. It lifestyle. As dietetic profes- Can you recall an especially nourishes not only our bodies sionals we want to promote a memorable meal? Do you but also our minds. Many of healthy food system, create remember who made it, and us show our love through the awareness of the root causes with whom you ate it? Was food we cook and feel loved of diet-related diseases and it a special celebration or a when someone cooks us our develop strategies to help unique occasion? What part of favourite meal. people meet their food and it made it especially memo- Food is a basic need. nutrition needs. The health rable? These are reasons for As dieticians we encourage of eaters re ects the health of eating that individuals may Hélène Dufour, variety in the diet, as that will our food system. have, and not realize how tru- Registered Dietitian help to ensure that essential By eating locally, individu- ly signi cant they are in life. Public Health Services, nutrients will be consumed in als are able to create a better With the realization that quantities that are adequate connection between them- local, healthy food equals for optimum health. We selves and their food sources. healthy lifestyle, there is a understand the daily strug- What is your food story? For growing demand recently gles, nutrition concerns, and us, our food story is teaching for more local food shops, confusion that people face as people how to meet their farmer's markets, homegrown they sort through information nutritional needs, translating gardens and hobby farms. on food. With the growing nutrition recommendations Visiting local markets and interest in nutrition, 'diets', into action and bringing the purchasing food grown in our Sandra Gentleman, supplements and 'health food importance of nutrition on the region has a win/win ripple Registered Dietitian industry' recently, food has agenda in our community. effect on you, the local econ- Integrated Community been broken down and cate- What food traditions and omy and long-term agriculture Services, Island Health gorized into nutrients instead culture are represented in sustenance. of whole foods and meals. your family? Did you know This characterization detracts that eating together at home

4 | 2017 Growers Guide The Cost of Good Meat

Much of the farmland in the support the establishment Alberni Valley is well suited of a government inspected to livestock production and, (Class A) abattoir. The study according to the Alberni determined a projected cost Agricultural Plan, 90% of it of about $540,000. is dedicated to just that. Cur- At an open house in would be monitored through rently however, there are no October, 2016, local farmers Island Health. The animals government inspected facili- voiced skepticism as to the would be processed locally, for the future. In this case, ties for slaughter in the region nancial viability of such a and distributed to area resi- it seems as though safe - the closest are in Courtenay project. Instead, they chose dents with very little carbon options for local farm-to-table and . The lack of to lobby for amendments to footprint and stress to the an- processing and distribution local processing facilities is the existing Provincial Meat imals. The cost savings would of meat products could help a barrier to growth in the in- Inspection Regulations, which help their farm operations to keep costs reasonable for dustry, as transport to distant would allow them to develop survive. everyone, reduce the envi- facilities is stressful on the food safety plans, slaughter How can a small island ronmental impact of farming, animals and poses signi cant limited numbers of animals community bring change to and protect the well-being of extra costs for producers. on-farm, and sell them within Provincial regulations? What area livestock. For more infor- In spring of 2016, the the region. Producers could is required for a thriving local mation or to offer feedback, Alberni-Clayoquot Region- thereby ensure a short mo- food supply system? These please contact the Alberni al District commissioned a ment between life and death are important questions when Farmers’ Institute secretary, feasibility study to determine for their livestock. These looking to build sustainable Anna Lewis, at whether the region could licensed (Class D) operators and resilient communities [email protected]

MADE GAMES WESTCOAST in PORT FROM ONLY ALBERNI $25 GAMES More than just a game... PLUS! Check out our Wood Elements Collection

Available at Home Hardware Johnston Road • 250-724-3700 • www.homehardware.ca Rainwater Harvesting - Good reasons to embrace it Rain...what is rain? tated—that is, become heavy enough been steadily growing for the past “Rain is liquid water to fall under gravity. Rain is a major few decades, water conservation in the form of droplets component of the water cycle and is strategies such as rainwater harvest- that have condensed responsible for depositing most of the ing are a great idea for everyone, from atmospheric water fresh water on the Earth.” after all humans began saving rain- vapor and then precipi- Vancouver islands population has water over 5000 years ago.

What is Rainwater Harvesting? the water into a network of Rainwater harvesting is an a roof, although in Asia it is piping which eventually leads necessity, we are fortunate ancient method of collecting common to harvest surface to a cistern or other storage to be in a position where we rainwater and storing it for water. The rain is collected devices. can be pro-active and begin later use. Traditionally, this from a roof is typically sent to Many areas of the world using these techniques before involves harvesting rain from the gutters which then directs actively harvest rain out of they’re needed.

What are the benefits of rainwater collection?

• Rainwater is a sustainable problems on your property source of water... we get an while providing you with average of 1885.9 mm of free water. rain per year in Port Alberni • It uses a simple approach and 3295.4 mm in . that is affordable and easy This translates into around to maintain. 348,000 litres of water per • It can be used as the sup- year coming off a 2000 sq plementary source of water ft roof in Port Alberni and or as a back up source to 612,000 litres in Tofino. wells and municipal water. • You have more control over • The system can be easily your water supply...water retrofitted to an existing sovereignty. structure whether commer- • It promotes self-sufficiency cial or residential. and helps conserve existing • Rainwater harvesting sys- What are the uses of water supplies. tems are very flexible and collected rainwater? • Rainwater is better for can be modular, allowing landscape plants and expansion, reconfiguration, Rainwater can be used for fire protection. gardens because it is not and even relocation, if nearly any purpose that Rainwater collection is a chlorinated. necessary. requires water. These include technique that can be used • It reduces storm water • It can provide an excellent landscape use, stormwater to green your landscape and runoff from homes and back-up source of water for control, wildlife and livestock to lessen your environmental businesses, reduces wear the use in emergencies. watering, in-home use, and footprint. and tear on taxpayer fund- ed infrastructure (ditches Sources and storm pipe). 1 Wikipedia • It can solve the drainage By Jamie Wallace

Jamie is owner of Raindrop Harvesting, a company which designs and installs rainwater harvesting systems for farm, commercial and residential settings. Jamie is on the CANARM board (Canadian Association for Rainwater Management) and has ARCSA AP designation (American Rainwater Catch- ment Systems Association). For more information you can visit his website at www.raindropharvesting.ca or contact Jamie at 205-933-6335 or jamie@ raindropharvesting.ca

6 | 2017 Growers Guide SEPTEMBER 2017 Food and • Sept. 1-4 - Alberni Salmon Festival • Sept. 7-10 - Alberni District Fall Fair, Agricultural Events • Sept 16 - 4-H Livestock Auction: Coombs Fairground, within the Alberni-Clayoquot 9am show and 1pm auction Regional District • Sept. 17 - Alberni Valley Family Farm Day

FEBRUARY OCTOBER • Feb. 2 - Young Agrarians’ Mixer event: 5:30pm, Kins- • Pumpkin Patch and Hayrides - Every weekend in Oct., men Community Center, Fall Fair Grounds Arrowvale Farm • Feb. 2 - Farm Business Start-up Workshop: 9:30am, Kinsmen Community Center • Feb. 3 and 4 - Islands Agriculture Show: Glenwood NOVEMBER Center and Fall Fair Grounds • Alberni Farmers’ Institute AGM and Harvest Dinner, • Feb. 25 - Maple Syrup Day: Arrowvale Farm dates TBA • Clayoquot Oyster Festival: To no, dates TBA • Christmas Wreath Making - Arrowvale Farm, Dates TBA MARCH • March 11 - To no Seedy Saturday: To no Botanical Gardens DECEMBER • Date TBA - Rotary Hops Festival • Alberni Farmers’ Institute Annual Christmas Party, dates TBA APRIL • Dec 16 and 23 - Santa at the Farm: Arrowvale Farm • April 1 - Port Alberni Seedy Saturday: Port Alberni Farmers’ Market, 9am-1pm • April 14 - Easter Bunny Hunt: Arrowvale Farm • Date TBA - Arrowvale Petting Farm, Grand Opening

MAY • May 17 - Alberni Farmers’ Institute Spring Social • Dates/places TBA Community Plant Sales • Dates TBA - Feast! To no: A celebration of local food

JUNE • June 3 - To no Food and Wine Festival: 1-4pm, To no Botanical Gardens We have everything • U-Pick Raspberries: Arrowvale Farm, starting date TBA from grass seed to fertilizer, bird baths to garden tools JULY and equipment. • July 21-23 - Ukee Days, Ucluelet Village Green

AUGUST Locally Owned & Operated by by J & D Weaver Holdings Ltd. • Aug. 19 & 20 - 5th Annual Jamie Collins Memorial Store Hours: Mon - Thurs. 8am-6 pm; Fri 8 am - 8 pm; Family Ramp Camp (kid’s skateboarding), Arrowvale Sat 8am-7pm; Sun 9am-5pm Farm 3550 Johnston Road 250-720-0085 Farm Listings

❖ Avalon Blueberry Farm ❖ Coleman Meadows Farm Water Buffalo Dairy Cathy and Kerry McDonald The Dyson Family 8286 Faber Road 6670 Coleman Road Phone: 250-724-6721 • Email: [email protected] Phone: 250-724-0876 • Email: [email protected] Website: www.island.net/~awpb Website: www.avalonfarm.ca Coleman Meadows Farm is a 170-acre farm that boasts views of the Comox Avalon Farm produces hay, garlic, assorted Vegetables, and the valley’s Only Glacier, , Mount Klitsa and the . Our farm Certi ed Organic Blueberries. We are near , on Faber Road, and is home to Canada’s most West Coast Water Buffalo Dairy! The Dyson family sell only at our Farm Gate. welcomes you to our farm and to our extremely friendly herd of grass-fed Fresh Blueberries can be pre-ordered or bought at the farm-gate during water buffalo just off the Paci c Rim Hwy. Our water buffalo thrive in their July and August. Frozen Berries are available year round. We also sh fabulous natural landscape of forests, pastures, a Coho bearing creek and commercially and have Wild Salmon available: fresh, in –season, and frozen gardens. We believe in the importance of biodiversity finding balance between year round. Feel Free to call for more information, or come down and see us the natural and managed lands. Our on-farm market summer hours are on the Farm! Thursday to Saturday beginning in June until September from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are open year-round on Saturday’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our farm ❖ Beardale Farm market offers a great selection of water buffalo products including; cheeses, Gelato and a full assortment of water buffalo meats. Come and meet the girls George Haack and stroll through the gardens. We can provide guided tours (by appointment) 9797 Somers Road of the dairy and barns. Keep up to date with pictures and activities on our Phone: 250-724-4588 • Email: [email protected] website and through Facebook. Family farm since 1969. It started off as a dairy farm and in 2000 ❖ Collins Farm/Arrowvale Campground transitioned to beef and hay sales. Red angus beef and 4 foot round hay Bob and Ann Collins bales are available. Please phone for more information. 5955 Hector Road ❖ Beaufort Rainbow Farm Phone: 250-723-7948 • Email: [email protected] Anette and Peter Novotny Website: www.arrowvale.ca 9560-9564 Somers Road Farm gate sales are on Saturdays between 10-2 or by appointment. The farm Phone: 250-723-3238 is located on 68 riverside acres which has been home to the Collins farm since 1980. We host special events throughout the year including pumpkin Email: [email protected] patch hayrides every October, hosting school tours and other special events. [email protected] We have Belted Galloway Cattle and Canadian horses. Maple syrup is made Website: www.beaufort-rainbow-farm.com on the farm along with a selection of berries, beef, veggies and preserves. Our ve-acre family farm is located at the end of Beaver Creek Road, at the ❖ Cottonwood Farm foot of the Beaufort Mountain Range. We produce lamb, garlic, rabbit and Jan Carter eggs, as well as sell seasonal vegetables and herbs. 6306 Ferguson Road Our products are sold at the farm gate and local farmers markets. We follow Phone: 250-723-8214 • Email: [email protected] organic growing principles (non-certi ed) in the garden and all our animals are raised without hormones or antibiotics. Call ahead for a list of current Website: www.cottonwoodfarm.ca products. Jan Carter of Cottonwood Farm proudly raises purebred Suffolk and Romney sheep and supplies registered breeding stock to farms across Canada. The ❖ Bob’s Place farm produces grass fed lamb products both fresh and frozen including Bob Haynes a variety of cuts. Cottonwood Farm also sells wool products including comforters, mattress pads, pillows, sleeping bags, socks and more. Order or 6269 Smith Road inquire about meat, wool and wool products directly through the farm. Phone: 250-724-1116 or cell: 250-720-5884 ❖ Email: [email protected] Cox Lake Farm 285 Franklin River Road By appointment only or you can nd Bob at the Spirit Square Market. At Bob’s place we grow everything as naturally and humanely as possible. Phone: 250-720-9242 or 250-724-5027 Cox Lake Farm is a seasonal blueberry farm operating everyday through mid- ❖ CMHA Healthy Harvest Farm July to late September. The hours of operation are from 9am-7pm. We offer Anna Lewis two varieties of delicious blueberries and offer a u-pick option as well. 4890 Beaver Creek Road • Phone: 250-735-0520 ❖ Crackin Yolks Farm Email: [email protected] Snow White and Jumbo Dwarf The CMHA Healthy Harvest Farm strives to create a low stress environment 6144 Drinkwater Road for people diagnosed with mental illness learn, work, create community and 250-720-1752 • Email: [email protected] grow produce. The farm grows a variety of vegetables, greens, herbs and Once upon a time in a not so far away place with forests, gardens and bedding plants. The land is managed using organic growing principles and pastures; Snow White and Jumbo Dwarf were found carefully tending to the follows a biodynamic planting calendar. Healthy Harvest offers their produce land and animals in a natural, loving way. Crackin Yolks Farm is nestled to the community through a self-serve farmgate stand, a CSA box program down a quiet, no-thru country road where we currently raise European as well as a weekly "What's Available" email which people can use to place Mou on, chickens, fruits, and vegetables. Contact us to see how we can online orders. Any surplus will be sold at Farmers' Markets. Come visit, grow or raise something (non-gmo) for you or your business. Also doing farm volunteer and grow with us! gate sales by appointment.

8 | 2017 Growers Guide ❖ Eden Tree Farm and Gardening ❖ Rain Valley Farm Heather Shobe Ann DeBrincat and Darryl Hatch 6220 Karen Place 5873 Tosca Road Phone: 250-724-2175 • Email: [email protected] Phone: 250-724-5594 • Email: [email protected] Website: www.edentreefarm.ca Website: www.rainvalleyfarm.ca Eden Tree is a teeny-tiny permaculture farm, nursery, and homestead. We are a small farm and we believe in raising our animals in the most Heather is a permaculture landscape designer, teacher, consultant, and humane way, without the use of antibiotics or hormones. Come  nd us at the sustainability advocate. The farm features chickens, bees, rabbits, and a Port Alberni Farmers Market or phone to make an appointment. variety of edible, medicinal, and native plants. It also offers organic soil supplements, guided interpretive tours, and garden oriented workshops. ❖ Simples ❖ Leda Organic Farm (since 1974) Ej and Tim Towle Gary, Jacquie, Louis Swann Phone: 250-723-8061 (after noon) 4361 Batty Road Simples grows and sells herbs, creates herbal creams, vinegars/vinegarettes, Phone: 250-723-7692 • Email: [email protected] heritage and native plants. We are a very small urban farm and still growing! We can be found at the Spirit Square Market on Saturday mornings. Leda Farm is an 80 acre farm and eco-forest. It is biodynamically managed. We grow trees, vegetables, fruit, owers and herbs. Louis makes big ❖ leaf maple syrup and manages Highland beef cattle. He also manages a Sun Rae Acres biodynamic orchard. We try to be self-contained within our own footprint, Makenna Rae Cry • Phone: 250-731-5072 except for fossil fuel use. We make about 80 tonnes of biodynamic compost Sun Rae Acres is a small farm located in Port Alberni. It is home to cows, per year. We hold workshops for biodynamic compost making, as well as sheep, rabbits and many other critters as well as a passionate young farmer. making of biodynamic  eld and garden sprays. We also host Training Tuesdays for interested helpers in the garden. We are open for farm gate sales on ❖ Tuesday 9am to noon. We also sell by appointment and at the Spirit Square Steller Jay Farm Farmers’ Market most Saturdays 9am to noon at Harbour Quay. Kat Belisle 5671 Chapman Road • Phone:250 731-8422 ❖ The Lee Farm Email: [email protected] Bob and Vicki Lee Our family farm grows a variety of produce including carrots, broccoli, 7900 Mountain Ranch Road tomatoes, garlic, artisanal greens, strawberries and so much more! Our Phone: 250-723-7472 • Email: [email protected] produce is grown using environmentally friendly methods and is on the way Website: www.theleefarm.com to becoming certi ed organic. Steller Jay Farm offers a 16 week produce The Lee Farm is a small bio-diverse, family farm. Our large greenhouse and delivery program (CSA) and is a vendor at the Spirit Square Farmers Market. garden area allows us to grow a wide variety of vegetables throughout the Curious about how your food is grown and who is growing it? Come say hi and year. We raise meat chickens, heritage and hybrid laying hens and Dexter pick up some delicious produce Saturdays 9-12 in the Spirit Square at the Cattle. We are not certi ed organic but grow all our vegetables and fruits with Harbour Quay! no pesticides or commercial fertilizers. Our livestock is grown ethically with no added hormones or the use of antibiotics. We sell weekly at the Spirit ❖ Stonehaven Farm Square Market. Jamie and Lisa Aylard ❖ Lettuce Be Micro-Greens 8600 Bryson Road Nancy Roussel Phone: 250-724-6449 • Email: [email protected] 2241 Alberni Hwy • 250-735-0412 176 acre farm. We raise black angus beef, sheep, and honey bees. All website - LettuceBeMicroGreens.ca animals are pasture grazed (grass fed). email - [email protected] ❖ View Street Market We grow micro-greens as well as vegetables from the garden. Strawberries, Jane Oliver and Rick Jorgenson raspberries, rhubarb, when in season. We wants to offer the freshest produce from the garden to the table. You can  nd us at the local Farmers Market at 4595 Montrose Street the Quay every Saturday as well as the Sunset Market during the summer. Phone: 250-918-9977 •Email: [email protected] Call anytime 250-735-0412 Web: www.viewstreetmarket.ca ❖ Potter’s Produce Facebook: www.facebook.com/ViewStreetMarket Ben Potter View Street Market Farm Gate is an urban farm in the heart of Uptown Port 6498 Smith Road •Phone: 250-723-5170 or 250-735-3594 Alberni. We are truly urban, located on View Street and 8th Avenue, just 4 Email: [email protected] blocks from City Hall and 9 blocks from Harbour Quay. A small farm containing two glass greenhouses and  ve gardens which Our farm gate is open every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm during the spring, produce naturally-grown vegetables. The property also has the largest chicken summer and fall. We sell our fruit, veggies, herbs and eggs. We are love run in the valley, resulting in healthy hens and  ne free-range eggs. Phone to fermenting food and provide advice and support for those wishing to learn arrange appointment for farm gate sales or come to the Port Alberni Farmers about making their own kombucha, ke r, sourdough and yogurt. Market. 7969732 Dedicated to a resilient, low-carbon society...... because food matters.

www.avtransitiontown.org 250-723-8282 A community kitchen is a community- accessible kitchen where individuals or groups can gather together to cook or process food (usually for a rental fee). The following facilities in the Alberni Valley Community inspected by Kitchens Island Health.

ALBERNI ATHLETIC HALL BEAVER CREEK KUU-US COMPLEX 3727 Roger Street COMMUNITY CLUB 4589 Adelaide Street Bill Surrey (250) 731-6930 8505 Beaver Creek Road (250) 723-2323 www.island.net/~albahall/ (250) 888-5566 The kitchen is available every day but Features 2 natural gas ovens, a convec- [email protected] Saturday. Renters are to supply their tion oven and electric range, griddle, 6 Fully stocked kitchen with all utensils own materials and have usage of kitch- burners, 2 freezers, fridges and coolers, and amenities. Two propane ovens, 4 en (stove, fridge). Area used must be dishwasher/sinks, and two 4x8 counter burners, a grille, fridge, counter space, cleaned and left in an orderly fashion. tops. $50/day dishwasher, comes with hall rental. Lots $35/usage of parking, call for rental rates. ALBERNI VALLEY RESCUE SQUAD THE ITALIAN HALL 4065 6th Avenue 4790 Tebo Avenue CHERRY CREEK HALL Eliot Drew (250) 723-7421 Phone or text Kim Dyler 3720 Moore Road [email protected] (250)720-6085 (250) 724-1660 www.theitalianhall.com Kitchen is adjacent to the hall and [email protected] This spacious hall kitchen is available features two stoves with ovens, two large Fully equipped rental space with com- Mon-Thurs. It features a walk-in cooler, sinks, stainless steel counters, and fridge. mercial stove, 8 burners, double oven, dual oven, 6 burner gas, 30‘ at top, and Cutlery and some dishes are also avail- commercial fridge, sink, dishwasher, and full dishwasher. $150/day able. 75$/day lots of counter space. Call for rates. TRINITY CHURCH ALBERNI VALLEY ECHO 67 AQUATIC CENTRE UNITED CHURCH 4766 Angus Street (at 5th) 4255 Wallace Street (250) 724-4921 3747 Church Street (250) 723-2181 (250) 723-8332 Two stoves, two fridges, double sinks, lots Two options are available at the Echo of counter space, good selection of dishes Kitchen has 2 fridges, 2 stoves and a Center. Larger one has an 8x8 island, in- and cooking implements, dishwasher. microwave, a commercial dishwasher, 4 dustrial dishwater, 6 burner stove, ovens, Renters have to pay an additional insur- sinks, lots of counter space, and a tall large fridge (2 double doors) double sink, ance premium, call for rental rates. center table to work on. Users need to dishes included. $100/day have Food Safe certi cation, call for rates. FRIENDSHIP CENTER 3555 Fourth Avenue Jeff Jeffries (250) 723-8281 The Friendship center runs community canning/kitchen programs that are open to public as well as renting out their kitchen facilities. Electric commercial stovetop and grill, fan, dishwasher, lots of counter space, and two ovens. Rental of pots/pans is available, contact for rates.

10 | 2017 Growers Guide Regional Farmers Markets

To no Public Market Port Alberni Farmers Market Uptown Urban market Saturdays from May 20th - October 7th (AKA Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market) Friday's 12-6, Saturday and Sunday's 10-2 2017. 10am-2pm on the To no Saturdays, 9am-1pm, year round (inside May 5th through September 30th. Village Green and out) 3135 2nd Ave, Port Alberni The To no Public Market promotes and 6211 Cherry Creek Road This small footprint market is located in coordinates a community of local artisan Year-round Farmers' Market featuring the heart of the uptown community, close vendors representing the West Coast of local farmers and fare. Seasonal produce, to the water and a short walk from the Vancouver Island. Our motto is "Make it, plants, grass fed beef, pork & poultry, as local shops. The market provides REAL bake it, grow it and gather it". well as baking, crafts & culinary ven- products to REAL people in a simple old dors. Both year-round vendors & drop-ins fashioned way, with a pay forward positive Anne Weeks, Market Coordinator welcome! attitude. Products range from local pro- (250) 266-5006 duce, eggs, meats, cheeses, baked goods www.to nomarket.com [email protected] and more, to the esoteric and handcraft- facebook.com/To noPublicMarket 250 723 4514 ed. During the off-season, the market moves Ucluelet Friday Night Market Spirit Square Farmers Market indoors, next door at 3147 2nd ave, Fridays 3-7 pm from May 21 - Sept 8 Saturday, 9am-noon, year round and sells products with a shelf life like at 200 Main Street, Ucluelet BC Harbour Quay 5440 Argyle St , Port Alberni jams, jellies, pickles, coffee, honey, and fresh eggs. Outdoors on the Village Green on The Spirit Square Farmer's Market is Ucluelet's historic harbourfront. The situated at the foot of Argyle Street in [email protected] Ucluelet Night Market is also host to the picturesque Harbour Quay. Local 250-720-5470 an indoor Thanksgiving and Christmas farmers offer a wide selection of locally Markets. grown vegetables and fruits all seasonally available. Locally grown chicken, beef, [email protected] lamb, pork, turkey, and local cheeses, as 250-726-6072 well as an abundance of farm fresh eggs are available each week. Local artisans showcase unique artwork and round out the experience of a local Farmer's Market. [email protected] 250-723-7472

2017 Growers Guide | 11 Local Farm Map

1. Avalon Blueberry Farm 14 2. Beardale Farm 12 3. Beaufort Rainbow Farm 4. Bob’s Place 5. CMHA Healthy Harvest Farm 6. Coleman Meadows Farm 13 20 7. Collins Farm/Arrowvale Campground 4 8. Cottonwood Farm 18 15 16 9. Cox Lake Farm 2 19 10. Crackin Yolks Farm 5 11. Eden Tree Farm and Gardening 3 11 12. Leda Organic Farm 8 21 7 13. The Lee Farm 14. Lettuce Be Micro-Greens 15. Potter’s Produce 6 16. Rain Valley Farm 1 17. Simples 18. Sun Rae Acres 19. Steller Jay Farm 20. Stonehaven Farm 21. View Street Market

12 | 2017 Growers Guide 2017 Growers Guide | 13 A Community Garden is a shared green space which is Community maintained by community members for their use and enjoyment. Many different models exist; following is a Gardens sampling of what is available in our region. Dry Creek Community Garden Guide Corner of 4th and Napier Street, Port Alberni This new community garden in Port Alberni is a project of the Young Professionals of Port Alberni. Rental plots are available. Janette Cormier - 250-720-7240 or [email protected] http://ypalbernivalley.ca/ The Maaqtusiis Muuschim Garden , Flores Island Started in 2012, this garden is a community effort to help offset cost of food and travel as we are a remote community accessible only by boat or plane. We have a green house and garden area and the elders and schools have been very involved helpful. We aim to bring: HEALTHY FUN, FOOD SECURITY, ECONOMIC VIABILTY, EDUCATION, PRIDE, AND SO MUCH MORE TO AHOUSAHTS TABLE! Maaqtsusiis Muuschim Garden Contacts Sacheen Pointe [email protected] or Joe James Rampanen [email protected]

ƛułcamis Community Garden Macoah Community at Toquaht Bay Now two years old, this garden was established for food security and fresh foods in the community. Plots are available for annual fee. Kirsten Johnson - [email protected] Tono Community Garden To no Botanical Garden, 1084 Paci c Rim Highway At the beautiful To no Botanical Gardens, this established community garden has 8 plots and is a project of the To no Community Food Initiative. to [email protected] www.to nocommunityfoodinitiative.com Hesquiaht Community Garden Coordinator-Lisa Sabbas 250-670-1101 [email protected]

Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet) First Nation 700 Wya Road, Hitacu A new community garden with raised beds in the heart of Hitacu. Contact Debbie Mundy 250-726-7342

14 | 2017 Growers Guide Educational gar- less attention, but this does growing patterns of each Learning in the dens have become not mean they are not useful species. increasingly popular teaching tools. Art: Painting signs for the in North America Here is a brief list of simple garden, or simply hosting a Garden over the past decade. activities that any educator or group in the garden to draw On Vancouver Island parent can do with a group of and color. - Marcus Lobb alone we have more than 20 children in a garden setting. Writing: Take a trip to the documented school garden Observation Skills: Harvest garden and have the kids programs and the number a bunch of different leaves write a magical story involving is increasing each year as or ower petals in the garden the plants as the main char- organizations such as Farm in advance. Then in small acters in the story and the to Cafeteria continue to offer groups send them out to nd garden as the land in which start-up grants aimed at in- the plant that the leaves origi- they exist. creasing local food consump- nated from. For those who are inter- tion in schools. Geography and Art: Take ested in turning your local The potential of educa- note of all the plants in your schoolyard into an edible tional gardens for learning garden, and then have them education space, there are is vast and never ending. research the country or origin numerous grants and agencies Some schools will choose to of the plant and color little available to offer funding and make the learning be entirely ags that will be place in the technical support. One of the edible, but other schools will garden or attached to the best sites to visit in North choose to grow medicinal plant’s sign. America is the Evergreen plants, or pollinator plants, or Math: Have kids keep track website (www.evergreen.ca/ even showcase native plants. of the growth of a select plant get-involved/resources/). This These decisions are often due in the garden with measure- website has a vast amount to budget, as well as number ments taken each week. They of resources for educators of volunteers available to help can track this info on graph as well as a list of funding maintain the garden. Obvious- paper, and determine the sources. ly native plants require a lot weekly, monthly and yearly

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SEPT 7, 8, 9 & 10 at the Fall Fair Grounds 587 Alberni Hwy. Parksville~250-248-3243 Preserving the Harvest You’ve stocked up on the freshest produce available, your fridge is stuffed, and your garden just keeps producing. Now what??? There are many ways to preserve the best of the season and keep local food on your table year round. Following are a few options.

Freezing Drying At the height of the season, it’s easy to take a load Second to freezing for ease, there are many ways to off by freezing surplus and delaying more intensive dry the season’s harvest. Drying retains a signi cant processing until a quieter time. The biggest down side amount of nutritional value, and can even be done is the need for continued energy consumption and the without any special equipment. risk of total meltdown if the power shuts down. Use for: Use for: • Fresh fruits, vegetables, even meats and sh • Fresh fruits, meats, sh, grains, and vegetables Tips: Tips: • Experiment! Use a standard dehydrator, lay out • Blanch vegetables to preserve color and nutritional items in the sun between window screens, build a value by quickly submersing in boiling water. solar dryer, place racks by your wood stove, or hang • Lay out small or sliced fruits or blanched vegetables herbs from your ceiling. You know how hot your ve- on cookie sheets. Once frozen, transfer into plastic hicle gets in the sun, right? Try driving around for a bags or glass jars. You’ll be able to use them piece few days with a tray of sliced fruit in the backseat! by piece. • Get creative. Dry fruit or vegetable purees on • It’s easy to pit fruits once they’ve been frozen. parchment paper then roll up to make homemade Just thaw out the fruit and separate the pits leathers. You can even add yogurt, nuts, seeds, from the mush. and spices. Think blueberry yogurt or pumpkin pie leather! • The lower the drying temperature, the more nutri- tional value retained. At the same time, it needs to be warm enough to prevent the growth or spoilage organisms. Take extra care with meat or sh, and follow a recipe or the guidance of an expert.

16 | 2017 Growers Guide Fermenting Did you notice what’s missing from this list? Second to freezing for ease, there are many ways to dry the season’s harvest. Drying retains a signi cant Canning! amount of nutritional value, and can even be done Jams, jellies, peaches, applesauce, chicken, sh, without any special equipment. soups...the list goes on and on. Pressure or boil- Use for: ing-water bath canning are often the rst preserving • Fruits, vegetables, juices, tea, milk, even sh or meat! method that come to mind, but they needn’t be. While long lasting and versatile, they require spe- Tips: • Fermenting happens - that bucket of fruit will turn cialized equipment and pose a higher risk if done into wine with very little care and prompting. While incorrectly. it may seem imposing to beginners, fermenting is In all cases, use good quality produce and look for extremely safe, because the lactic acid bacteria speci c instructions or recipes online. Plenty of created kills off other organisms. information is available! Check in the Port Alberni • Saukraut and Kimchi let you create delicious fer- Parks and Recreation Guide, at the Friendship ments from whatever is available. All that is needed Center, or with local businesses and friends for is a vegetable, or mix of vegetable, and salt. courses and training. • You can save money making your own yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and wine! • The probiotics in fermented foods are extremely good for your own guts, and can even increase the Heather Shobe, nutrient content of the food. Eden Tree Farm and Gardening

Cold Storage Many products can be stored through the winter in proper conditions. Cold temperatures, some ventila- tion, and proper packing required.

Use for: • Fruits and vegetable, ferments (including meats) Tips: • Make sure produce is clean and free of physical damage. Eat or otherwise process damaged pieces, or they will contaminate the rest when they spoil. • Place in storage as quickly as possible after harvest. Some fruits, like many varieties of apples, store longest if they are harvested before being fully ripe. • Some products should not be stored together. Onions, cabbages, apples, and banana for example, can transfer odors and/or ethylene (a gas which promotes ripening)

2017 Growers Guide | 17 SPIRIT SQUARE Farmers’ Market at the Harbour Quay FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE, FOODS, BREADS, Oyster Facts! UNIQUE ARTS & MORE Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 noon

• Oysters fi lter 1.3 gal- • Oysters are rich in vitamins 7928468 lons/hour, they can help and nutrients. Oysters con- year round maintain the balance of tain a variety of vitamins a marine ecosystem by and nutrients including reducing excess algae and zinc, calcium, magne- sediment that can lead to sium, protein, selenium Come be a guest on our tug low oxygen levels and harm and vitamin A. They also other marine life contain especially high • Oysters have been eaten by levels of vitamin B12, iron Bed & Breakfast humans since prehistoric and monounsaturated fat, times and cultivated at the “healthy” kind that is least since the times of the found in olive oil. Roman Empire. • Oysters extract carbon • Oysters get their fl avor from dioxide from the ocean do- the environment, because ing their part to help curb oysters fi lter so much water climate change. 7976510 they develop a fl avor of • All of which are good rea- French Moroccan Restaurant • Fresh Local Food their environment. sons you will feel awesome about eating oysters!! WWW.SWEPTAWAYINN.COM 250.918.8298

Support your Alberni Valley farmers! Permaculture-inspired • Farm, Garden, and Professional Consulting • Interpretive Tours BOB’S PLACE • Workshops • Nursery Plants, Biological Locally Grown & Naturally Raised Soil Amendments & Various Farm Products

• Chicken • Spring Lamb • Pork www.edentreefarm.ca www.facebook.com/EdenTree • Free Range Fresh Turkeys [email protected] • 250-724-2175 7969703 (for Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas) See Parks & Rec Guide for upcoming workshops. Always available by appointment, tours on request. Laying Hens and Chicks also available Government Growing with the Inspected! Available at Alberni Valley! Spirit Square Farmers Market or call Bob 250-724-1116

250-723-6399 • www.albernivalleynews.com Thyme Woody, frost hardy perennial that prefers a hot dry location in full sun.

• Leaves can be harvested fresh for use throughout Consider the summer. Flavour is most intense right before ower. Dried thyme is more pungent than fresh. It is a great immune system booster. • Pinch out growth tips to encourage side shoots. Growing a • Thyme aids in the digestion of high fat foods. Thyme tea is a common preparation for sore throats and cough. Few Herbs! • Companion plant to cabbages repelling the cabbage worm. Containers well.

By Marie Knoll Generally speaking, culinary herbs are all relatively easy to Rosemary grow, given minimal requirements with bountiful results. Woody, long lived perennial. (20 years or more) Full sun well drained soil.

Basil • Like other Mediterranean herbs, such as thyme and lavender, rosemary does not take well to heavy With over 60 varieties to choose from, nd one or two pruning. that is right for you and get growing. • Wait until new growth appears and cut back to • Plant after all danger of frost has passes in a sunny lower ones. Provide good air circulation and good location, with good drainage and fertile soil. Fertilize drainage and lots of water. regularly. • Rosemary containers well but like to “live alone”. • Basils come in both culinary and medicinal varieties. • A tea made from the leaves is known to help relieve It has anti-in ammatory properties and may provide symptoms of a cold and headache. Stimulates hair useful for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and growth and is believed to stimulate live activity and in ammatory bowel syndrome. Good source of vitamin improve blood circulation. A and an excellent source of vitamin K • Companion plant to cabbage, beans, carrots and • Great companion plant with tomatoes, increasing sage. It attracts bees and butter ies. yields and avour. • Containers well and can be grown as a houseplant.

Oregano No pasta sauce or pizza would be complete without Chives/garlic chives the wonderful  avour and aroma of oregano. Easy to grow hardy perennial ( well here on the coast any- One of the most ancient of herbs! The rst record of ways), likes full sun, well drained soil. chives dates back 4000 years in China when Marco Polo reported of his culinary appreciation of it. • Do not overwater as leaf tips will turn brown and • A frost hardy perennial, it is one of the  rst plants to only fertilize once a year. send up tasty shoots in the spring. • Companion plant with most crops , but, especially • Part sun/part shade – fertile garden soil with good good for cabbage, or any of the Brassicas. Good for drainage. Chives are not a greedy plant, so once a grapes and cucumber also. year fertilizer application is more than suf cient. • Harvest at any time but, the avour is most intense • Companion plant to carrots, and tomatoes and is a right before owering. friend to all Brassicas. • Like thyme, the avour intensi es with drying.

2017 Growers Guide | 19 Crop Planting Timeline

While tradition dictates garden planting on the May long weekend, we can safely extend the growing season in the Alberni Valley. West Coast Growers and those with a greenhouse or cold frames can extend the season even further. Choose the season, and scroll through the list of what you can plant!

Early (February - April) Mid (May-July) Late (Aug-Nov)

Asian Greens (March-Late May) Basil (Mid-may to mid-June) Asian Greens (Aug to Sept)

Beets (Mid April to mid-Aug) Beans (Mid-May to mid-July) Beets (Mid-April to mid-Aug)

Brocolli/Cauliflower/Cabbage Brocolli/Cauliflower/Cabbage Carrots (Late Mar to mid-Aug) (March-May) (Late June to late July)

Carrots (Late Mar to mid-Aug) Buckwheat (May-August) Clover (mid March - mid Oct)

Clover (mid March to mid Oct) Celery Seedlings (Mid-May to mid-June) Corn Salad (Mid Sept to late Oct)

Fall Rye/Winter Wheat Cover Crop Kale (March to Mid-July) Clover (Mid March - mid Oct) (Mid Aug to late Oct)

Kohlrabi (April to mid-May) Corn (Late May to mid-June) Fava Bean (Sept to mid-Nov)

Cucumber Seedlings Leeks (April to mid-June) Garlic (Mid Sept to early Nov) (late May to mid-June) Eggplant Seedlings Lettuces (April to Late August) Kohlrabi (Mid-July to mid Aug) (Late May to mid-June)

Onion Sets (March-April) Kale (March to Mid-July) Kohlrabi (Mid-July to mid-Aug)

Parsley (Mid-April to late May) Leeks (April to Mid-June) Parsley (Mid-July to late Aug)

Parsnips (Late Mar to mid-July) Parsnips (Late Mar to mid July) Radishes (Late Aug to late Sept)

Pepper Seedlings Peas (Mid-Feb to mid-May) Spinach (late July - late Aug) (Late May to mid-June)

Potatoes (Mid March to mid June) Potatoes (Mid March to mid June)

Radish (March-May) Melon (Late-May to mid-June)

Spinach (March to mid-May) Squash (Late May to mid-June) Swiss Chard (Mid-April to mid-Aug)

Swiss Chard (Mid-April to mid-Aug) Swiss Chard (Mid-April to mid-Aug)

Tomato Seedling (Mid-May to June 15) Turnips (April to Late July) Turnips (April to Late July)

20 | 2017 Growers Guide The Last Ram Standing – Keeping “Local” European Mou on Genetics Alive

A European mou on (Ovis Orientalis Mu- herds directly from Sardinia, Italy to raise simon) ram named “Buoy” is nally get- and hunt on the Island. The Bruneau and ting his chance in the breeding spotlight. Durmuller families phased out of raising Born on the Durmuller Farm and raised mou on (the Durmullers continue to raise on a small Cherry Creek hobby farm with fallow deer and sell local hay) leaving his brothers, Buoy is the last known Buoy and his brothers the last of this European mou on of a small closed genetics to remain in Port Alberni. Buoy herd which was originally brought to Port may be a long way from his original Euro- Alberni in the 1990s by two different pean homeland, but he remains “home”, families (Bruneau and Durmuller). The here in the Alberni Valley with the hope of Bruneau family owned “Beaufort Farms”, his genetics carrying on for future genera- approximately 120 lbs and females 100 a lovely 50 acre property from 1981 to tions to enjoy. lbs. Males are horned, females are polled 2006 and the Durmuller Farm, a beau- European mou on were introduced and occasionally horned. Their native tiful 40 acre property, which has been about 7,000 years ago in Corsica and habitats are steep mountainous woods operational from 1980 to today. Both Sardinia. The mou on is thought to be near tree lines with migration to lower families raised fallow deer and European one of the two ancestors for all modern altitudes in winter months. In Canada, mou on purchased from a breeder (Gary domestic sheep breeds. Mou on are the mou on are classied as domestic Cleggett) in Southern BC. It is said that regal and deer-like in looks and na- sheep. Mou ons yield lean, delicate- a- both species of animals had been trapped ture. They have striped faces, white tail voured bright red meat with none of the and relocated by a team including Mr. patches and underbellies, and body coats “muttony” avour that some people dis- Cleggett on Spieden Island, USA. The ranging in colour from fawn to mahogany like. Some have even referred to mou on wild herds were imported to Spieden Is- with dark back-stripes. Rams develop tasting like a delicious “meat-cloud”. land (then renamed to “Safari Island”) by long, dark manes and white saddle patch- John Wayne who purchased and ew the es on their sides. Adult males weight - submitted by Crackin Yolks Farm

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ARROWVALE CAMPGROUND & COTTAGES collins farm/ 778.421.0899 5955 Hector Road • 250-723-7948 • www.arrowvale.ca arrowvale campground 4662 Margaret St What’s In Season? January February March April May June July August September October November December Apples •• • • • • • • • • • •• Asparagus • • • • • Beans • • • • • • • • Beets •• • • • • • • • •• Blackberries • • • • • Blueberries • • • • • • Broccoli • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Cabbage •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• Carrots ••• • • • • • • • • •• Celery • • • • • • • • Cherries • • • • Cucumbers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• Garlic •• • • • • • • • • • • •• Grapes • • • • Greens/Salads •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• Kale •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• Leeks •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• Onions •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• Peas • • • • • • • • • • • Pears • • • • • • •• Peppers • • • • • • Plums • • • • • Potatoes • • • • • • • • • • •• Pumpkin •• • • • • •• Raspberries • • • • • • • • Rhubarb • • • • • • Squash •• • • • • • • • • •• Strawberries • • • • • • • • Sweet Corn • • • • • Tomatoes • • • • • • • • ••

22 | 2017 Growers Guide The 5 N’s of Local Food

We hear a lot these days about ‘buying local’ and ‘local food’. What does that mean exactly, and why is it important?

De nitions vary and there are many valid interpretations. Generally, local food is grown within the region, distributed through a local system, and contributes to the development of a self-reliant and resilient food network.

Edna Cox describes the bene ts of local Neighbourly: Nutritious: food with the following ‘5 N’s’ concept: A strong social network is one of the There is no doubt about it. Agricultural foundations of a resilient and sustain- products lose nutrition daily following Naked: able community. Farmers’ Markets are a harvest. Sugars turn to starches and Naked??? Yup, no packaging! Local food wonderful place to socialize, meet people, vitamin content decreases. Produce that reduces or frees us from plastic packag- and engage with the community. Buying is purchased freshly picked will last much ing, sticky labels, grocery bags, twist ties, locally helps to keep our communities longer in your refrigerator and taste much aluminum cans, styrofoam trays, and all viable - and strong - economically as well. sweeter and more delicious. It is all relat- that jazz. No manufacturing required and Support your local farmers - they will ed to the nutritional density of the food. no resultant garbage. Visit a local farm- remember you when times get tough! ers’ market with a reusable bag or bin, Whether you buy from a local farmer, and you won’t have to peel those stickers Nearby: glean from a neighbour, or plant seeds in off your apples! Our global market and food system means the ground yourself, the bene ts of eating that products are routinely shipped locally ripple far beyond how cool you Natural: across the world before landing in local sound when you talk about it. Those fresh Natural foods are minimally processed grocery stores. Those bananas may have and tasty local foods are a powerhouse and contain no arti cial chemicals, racked up more air miles than you! Long of nutrition, but they also contribute to additives, hormones, or llers. They’re distance transport adds up to a pretty big the economic, environmental, and social as straight up as can be. In addition, carbon footprint. If that doesn’t convince structure of a thriving and sustainable smaller-scale growers within local systems you, think what would happen if a rise in community. are typically very concerned with and cost, political upheaval, or natural disas- sensitive to environmental issues. They ter interrupted the global supply chain. Heather Shobe, concept by Edna Cox live with and want to protect the same air, Instead of driving across or out of town, water, and earth as you do. They are busi- take a short trip to your closest farm gate ness people and families not industrial or market. Better yet - hop on your bike, corporations. or walk! Check Us Are You Out on Getting Your Facebook! Share Yet?

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Alberni Co-op Returned over the last 6 years to its Members: $946,517 Returned in 2014 $963,644 Returned in 2013 $843,120 Returned in 2012 $737,688 Returned in 2011 $621,598 Returned in 2010 $536,979 Returned in 2009

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