get green
Do You Know Where Your Food Comes From? Local BC Organic Farms You Can Count On By Kristy Hill
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iving a healthier, more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle is quickly becoming a priority in every Canadian household. Families do it for many reasons: to leave less of a footprint on the environment and to protect the future and health of our children. With worries of hormones, pesticides and how they could adversely affect our children’s health and development— parents have made conscious choices on what their families consume, and are choosing to buy local, certified organic food. Choosing to eat local, organic food can be a challenging choice, whether it’s financial or logistical. But it is becoming easier and more affordable as consumers demand certified organic meat, produce and dairy. We found five local organic farms from Richmond to Abbotsford with meat, dairy, produce, and even wine—something from nearly every food group. We can call wine a food group, right?
Lotusland Vineyards
The Lotusland property has not been sprayed with chemicals since the 1970s, so becoming certified organic was an easy choice. Lotusland Vineyard owners believe strongly in local food independence and sustainable living. By not using chemicals or pesticides, they allow microbes, fungi, and worms to act as natural recyclers and aerators, and protect the health and well being of their family and customers. They have four signature wines: Girlsrmeaner a Gewurztraminer blend; NV, a Bordeauxstyle blend; Enigma, our Burgundy-style blend; and Devil’s Spit, a port wine. Give it an organic taste! 28450 King Rd, Abbotsford | www.lotuslandvineyards.com
farmers
markets
Goat’s Pride Dairy
When the original owners of McLennan Creek Dairy decided to retire, their customers worried they wouldn’t be able to continue to buy local, organic goat dairy products. Their cheese maker at the time echoed their worries and encouraged his parents to take over the farm. With over 15 years experience as goat farmers, they were excited to take over and now run Goat’s Pride Dairy, the only one of its kind in British Columbia. They produce a variety of certified organic goat dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and artisan cheeses. A popular choice is their feta, which took third place at the 2011 American Cheese Society Competition in Montreal. They hope to expand their herd of goats, build a larger barn and rebuild the processing plant with more efficient equipment. 30854 Olund Rd, Abbotsford | www.goatspride.com
Sumas Mountain Farms
Wanting to provide local consumers with options which are high in nutrition and healthier for people, animals, and the planet, Sumas Mountain Farms was established and cer tified in 2005. Sumas Mountain Farms produces certified organic chicken, pork, and eggs, and are best known for their grass-fed-andfinished beef. Currently, they build their soil through organic methods and by doing so, hope to improve the health of their animals and increase the density of the nutrients in the food they produce. 32500 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford | www.sumasmountainfarms.ca
Kitsilano Farmers Market
Kerrisdale Farmers Market
West End Farmers Market
Granville Island Farmers Market
Vancouver
1100-Block Comox St Saturdays, June 2-October 20, 9am - 2pm www.eatlocal.org
Trout Lake Farmers Market
Main St. Station Farmers Market
Oak St. Farmers Market
2012
John Hendry Park Saturdays, May 12-October 20, 9am - 2pm www.eatlocal.org
10 WestCoastFamilies.com
Kitsilano Community Centre Sundays, May 20-October 21, 10am - 2pm www.eatlocal.org
Thornton Park at Station St. Wednesdays, June 6-October 3, 3pm - 7pm www.eatlocal.org
East Boulevard between 37th and 41st Saturdays, July 7-October 6, 10am - 2pm www.eatlocal.org Granville Island, 1680 Johnston St. Thursdays, July 7-October 17, 9am - 3pm www.granvilleisland.org Unitarian Church, 49th & Oak Wednesdays, June 6-December, 3pm - 7pm www.oakstreetmarket.ca