Written by Karla Olson
Why did you become a farmer?
“I used to work in a government office doing IT and found myself looking out the window all the time longing to be in the fresh air and sunshine. I started volunteering with the permaculture Vancouver meet-up group and loved the experience of gardening and growing food in the community so I decided to get into it commercially.”
What are the main challenges you face as a farmer?
“Having stable and affordable access to land is a challenge. We are on a short term lease so reluctant to invest in infrastructure and permanent/long term plantings of perennials (fruit trees, nuts, berries…)”
Aside from fresh local food, what other values do you provide to your community through farming that people might not know about, for example, a place for pollinators, supporting biodiversity?
“We keep beehives and chickens at our farm and have flower gardens and hedge rows. We try to make habitat for bats, dragon flies, butterflies and other critters, birds and pollinators.”
How can people in the community support urban agriculture, food security and healthy ecosystems? What is your call to action?
“Try growing something! Herbs and tomatoes are what I started out with on my apartment balcony. Community gardens are great places to meet other gardeners and see what grows here. Come visit our farm – we have volunteer days and are happy to connect with people.”
2016/09/01