Brining some local farm to your table…

This week we feature Barrie’s Asparagus Farm and the Van Laeken Family Farm

By Carolina Saenz

Warm weather is finally here, meaning it is time to get excited about local farms and all the delicious treats they bring to your table.

Two local favourites, Barrie’s Asparagus Farm and Van Laeken Family Farm, share a bit of their history as well as what we can look forward to this year!

Tim Barrie is a 4th generation farmer at Barrie’s Asparagus Farm Very proud of his family history, he shares a bit about what they do, and the wonderful variety of products found at the farm

“Our family has been providing food for our community since 1892 and we take great pride in continuing while at the same time increasing our product offerings. We feel our founders would be proud,” writes Barrie.

At Barrie’s Asparagus Farm you’ll find a wide variety of local products including chips, salsas, crackers, and preserves. They are open daily, year-round, and are located at 1236 Kings Road in North Dumfries

In the months of May and June, asparagus is harvested daily and available for purchase 9 am to 6 pm. Asparagus are snapped above the white woody bottoms meaning less waste, and they are never sprayed so you can eat them raw and fresh from the field!

In addition to all these products, Barrie’s Asparagus Farm now roasts coffee beans from Colombia offering both mild and dark varieties, as well as coffee infused chocolate

In 2023 the farm will focus not only on their trademark asparagus but also in promoting this

Believe it or not, Barrie’s Asparagus Farm produces more than asparagus! But you shouldn’t be surprised to know the key ingredient in a lot of their salsas and preserves is asparagus! Check out this local business at their booth at Paris Wincey Mills (some products are available at local grocers too) new, exciting addition.

“We expect to continue to focus on increasing our coffee distribution and keep our same hours so that customers can purchase direct from our roaster,” explains Barrie. A definite must if you’ve never been, Barrie’s Asparagus

Farm is a gem in our community where pride and a love for what they do is evident in everything they offer Another well-loved local farm is the Van Laeken Family Farm, located on the outskirts of Paris in Falkland. Michelle and Vince Van Laeken run a 14-acre farm where they follow regenerative and sustainable growing practices. Naturally enhancing soil health by using cover cropping, minimal tilling, crop rotations, reducing artificial fertilizers and increasing natural fertilizers like compost, food grows healthier, say the Van Laekens.

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“We both grew up living and working on our family’s farms and both always wanted to get back to our roots and have our own farm. When we first moved to the farm, we just planned to have a large garden and sell some of our extra veggies at the road side, and the next year we started going to a farmers market, and then the next year, four farmers markets and now we are open year round in the Paris Wincey Mills,” explains Michelle. The Van Laeken Family Farm market stand is open year-round Wednesdays thru Sundays at the Paris Wincey Mills, and offers a wide variety of produce as well as fresh-made hummus, salad dressings, salads, and fresh-cut fruits and veggies.

“We wanted to make some grab and go options that celebrate the delicious flavours of our fresh produce,” writes Michelle.

The Van Laeken Family Farm only practices regenerative and sustainable growing on their farm. They harvest a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

In the summer months, most of their produce comes directly from their farm and a few other local farms. Even in the winter months, many local fruits and vegetables are also available. This year, new additions to the farm will bring different produce to the market.

“Last summer we transplanted many rhubarb plants and raspberry canes and are very excited for this growing season to be able harvest our own rhubarb and raspberries. We are also growing flat head cabbage for the first time this year. We recently discovered how beautiful these are for making cabbage rolls, which we love making in our family,” shares Michelle.

In addition to that, the Van Laekens expanded their garlic patch and honeynut squash patch to keep up with the demand and hopefully not sell out as quickly this year. And of course, they will continue growing cabbage, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, eggplant, carrots, beets, radish, onions, brussel sprouts, broccoli, rhubarb, raspberries and a variety of fresh herbs. All while also trialing a few new things like swiss chard and bok choy. In short, they have all your produce needs covered!

So drop by the Paris Wincey Mills, support local, and you’ll be surprised to find that not only is there quality and variety available but the Van Laeken’s prices are extremely competitive. While you’re there, don’t forget to try some of their most popular items including their apple and green onion salad dressing, coconut curry squash hummus, and once in season their locally grown tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

Stayed tuned for another farm to table feature next week!