By Crystal Arsenault Innovative technology for agriculture is all the buzz these days and farmers appear receptive to trying new things in an effort to increase their profits as well as make better decisions that support the mitigation of climate change. But, for many, the hard decision is which tech to invest in. Not only… Keep Reading
Atmospheric Rivers Niklaus Forstbauer – Forstbauer Farm, Chilliwack How do I even begin to describe the month of November for those of us who live in the path of catastrophic weather systems that unleashed flooding, landslides, and washouts throughout our region? It is difficult to express the dread: the rain falling, water rising around houses… Keep Reading
By Anna Helmer Well, I am thrilled to discover that the likely theme for this edition of BC Organic Grower magazine is: Composting Chaos. The suggestion that chaos may be composted is encouraging and practical…and it is always a treat to find something compostable that is in such good supply. Further thrills at the possibility… Keep Reading
The Untapped Potential for Agriculture By Chris Bodnar At the end of a recent visit to my colleague Lydia Ryall’s farm in Delta, we agreed that having the opportunity to visit each other’s farms and talk shop is an incredibly valuable practice. But in reality, it’s tricky to fit into a busy schedule. It was… Keep Reading
It is definitely a topsy-turvy world right now—so much is out of balance as we can see in the wildfires around us, as well as flooding and more fires around the world. We’re feeling for Mother Earth and recognize the shifts that humans (particularly the extractivist, endless-growth mindsets) need to make to start to repair… Keep Reading
By Abra Brynne Farmers fulfill a complex set of roles. You grow and raise food that nourishes others—some of whom you may meet and some you will not. You are also entrepreneurs with a vested and real interest in seeing your business survive and, better yet, thrive. When you add organics into this mix, it… Keep Reading
Dear Autumn Anna, I am writing to you from the depths of a “do the best you can” sort of summer season, where the word “pleasant” is never used to describe the weather and the most relaxed you felt was at the 15-minute waiting period after the Moderna. I, a very wilted version of yourself,… Keep Reading
By Emma Holmes The BC Wildfire Service website has information on current wildfire activity, evacuation alerts and orders, wildfire preparedness information, and an interactive map, etc. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries (AFF) supports livestock relocation during emergencies. See website here for more information. AFF supports Wildfire 2021 Emergency Feed Program that is meant… Keep Reading
A Whale of a Story Marjorie Harris Excerpt from the BC Certified Organic Program Operators Manual: 1.4 Principles of Organic Farming 2) To interact in a constructive and life-enhancing way with natural systems and cycles. 5) To develop a valuable and sustainable aquatic ecosystem. 8) To promote the healthy use and proper care of water,… Keep Reading
Arzeena Hamir My husband Neil and I have been growing organic food for our community in the Comox Valley for nine seasons now. As a farmer, an agronomist, a food security activist, and a mother, ensuring the safety of our planet is really close to my heart. I have always farmed with the goal of… Keep Reading
