Island Bounty
Rural roots and sustainable growing are strong on the islands
Susan Grace of
Moonstruck Organic Cheese
By 1859, Europeans began clearing and farming Salt Spring to provide for their families and their community. In 2007, farming in that same tradition continues, while the rest of the world has changed.
“We’re committed to a more sustainable form of agriculture instead of profit making like the industrial factory farms,” says John Wilcox of the Island Natural Growers group.
According to Wilcox, sustainable means “a view to the next generation. We build up and improve the landscape, feed the soil instead of the plant.”
He uses the example of island beef and lamb. “All cattle are grass-fed beef and our lambs are all pastured on more than one kind of forage. It’s a more wholesome product, not chomped full of growth hormones and antibiotics. Our lambs are famous because they’re free to graze.”
There are around one dozen certified organic farms — it is an arduous and expensive process to be certified organic — but with approximately 175 farms scattered in bucolic settings over the island, rarely are chemical pesticides used.
Saturday markets, roadside stands, supermarkets and various restaurants all carry Gulf Islands produce. Several concerted efforts are currently underway to grow and sell even more locally produced food, including the Tuesday Farmers’ Market in downtown Ganges.
An active local 4H club also teaches animal stewardship and sustainable farming to the next generation.
On September 15-16, 2007, Salt Spring celebrates its roots with the 111th Fall Fair organized by the Islands Farmers Institute. The fair is Salt Spring’s biggest social and cultural gathering of the year.
Mayne Island’s fall fair is on August 18, while Pender’s runs August 25.
The Salt Spring Apple Festival (September 30, 2007) is another opportunity to view organic farms, taste their produce and meet the farmers. The event features historic apple varieties that you’ll taste nowhere else in Canada.
Anne Macey, a long-time Island Natural Growers executive member and an organic inspector, says it’s a win/win situation.
“For the size of the island, there are more producers and a higher interest from consumers, relative to its size.”