Written by Karla Olsen
Why did you become a farmer?
“I left my office job to look for more fulfilling work in the environmental sector and through volunteering discovered that organic farming satisfied the environmentalist in me as well as giving me a sense of satisfaction that comes with hard, physical work, and seeing concrete results of your efforts.”
What are the main challenges you face as a farmer?
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“Balancing work-life in the summer – there are endless tasks (and weeds) but not making time for myself only results in burn out. Another challenge is financial stability.”
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?
“My farm is one of two small mixed organic farms in my area of Richmond surrounded by blueberries and cranberries creating an ideal environment for pollinators and birds improving biodiversity.
Through my CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, I introduce people to eating in season, new vegetables and varieties of familiar veggies, and an appreciation for good food.”
How can people in the community support urban agriculture, food security and healthy ecosystems? What is your call to action?
“Talk to your farmer! Ask about practices, connect with them, Certifications are not everything, and you can learn a lot about what grows well, when. Plus a lot of us love to talk about what we do, this is a labour of love.”