Islands Agriculture Show & Guide

Victoria Truck Center!

We’ve worked hard to be Victoria’s #1 source for GM Trucks, and in 2018 we will continue to provide the biggest and best selection of Chevrolet Silverados and Colorados, and GMC Canyons and Sierras.

Driving to be #1 1730 ISLAND HIGHWAY MON. – THURS. 9-8 PM FRI. – SAT. 9-6 PM SUNDAY: CLOSED FOR BROWSING

250-474-1211

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President’s Message 7th Annual Island Agriculture Show e are pleased, once again, to be able to bring the largest agricultural event on Vancouver Island back to the Cowichan Valley.

We have put together a great lineup of speakers and panels addressing some very relevant issues for the future of agriculture on Vancouver Island. From climate change, army worm and wildfire preparedness and recovery, to organic certification, bees and wildlife management, there is a wide variety of topics to learn about. We are excited to present our keynote speaker, Kevin Stewart, who will talk about The Maverick Mentality and how to thrive in the face of constant disruption. We are also looking forward to sharing Cowichan Success Stories and how the Cowichan Valley has embraced collaboration and the changing face of agriculture.

Economic Development Cowichan will be hosting this year’s welcome reception. We invite everyone to attend and network with your colleagues while enjoying some delicious local flavours.

As President of the Islands Agriculture Show Society, I want to thank our Executive Director, Shari Paterson, for her commitment and dedication to

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ON

CONTENTS: Welcome: President’s Message ........................................................................ 3 Welcome from the CVRD .....................................................................................4 About the 6th Annual Island Agriculture Show ................................................... 4 Farm Credit Canada Welcome .......................................................................... 6 Vancouver Island Seedy Saturday + Sunday ...................................................... 7 B.C.’s Small Scale Food Businesses Collaborate .............................................. 8 Show Exhibitors and Map .................................................................................10 Conference Schedule: Saturday, Feb. 2 ..............................................................11 Conference Schedule: Saturday, Feb. 2 .............................................................12 Conference Schedule: Sunday, Feb. 3 .............................................................. 13 Conference Schedule: Sunday, Feb. 3 ................................................................14 Outdoor Exhibitors Map .................................................................................... 15 Vancouver Island – Coast Agriculture Highlights..................................................16 Vancouver Island – Young Farmers ....................................................................17 Vancouver Island – Coast Agriculture Highlights..................................................18 Wildfire Mitigation + Preparedness Workshop ................................................19 How to Save Seeds ...................................................................................... 20-21 Kale Chips Recipe ............................................................................................ 22 Farm to Table Businesses Booming ................................................................. 23

CORY VANDERHORST, PRESIDENT, ISLAND AGRICULTURE SHOW, 2018

27 JANUARY 2018 Brought to you by The Victoria Times Colonist In partnership with the Islands Agriculture Show For submissions into the next Agriculture feature, contact Gary Johnston. Phone: 250-380-5243, email:gjohnston@timescolonist.com

making the Show run smoothly. Thank you to the local support we receive from the Cowichan Valley Regional District and District of North Cowichan, as well as our sponsors and exhibitors and all the volunteers that make the Show a success each and every year.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, welcome to the 2018 Islands Agriculture Show!

THE COVER:

LOIS

JOHN HELLEMOND ARE THE MT. SICKER FAMILY FARM IN CHEMAINUS, BC. AT MT. SICKER FAMILY FARM, NESTLED DEEP IN THE COWICHAN VALLEY, THEY RAISE ABOUT 200 EMUS FROM EGG TO ADULT, AND ARE THE LARGEST EMU OPERATION IN WESTERN CANADA. THEY PROVIDE SUBSTANTIAL FREE-RANGE PENS TO ENSURE PROPER AND

OWNER-OPERATORS OF

DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL IMMUNITY TO DISEASE.

THE HELLMONDS

HAVE BEEN

RAISING EMUS ON THEIR TEN-ACRE PROPERTY SINCE

2010. THEIR

STEVE TAYLOR Certified Irrigation Designer – Agricultural Sales –

EMU OIL IS

THE KEY INGREDIENT IN THE THERAPEUTIC SKIN PRODUCTS MADE BY E3

WITH

NATURALS.

ALL EMU OIL PRODUCTION HAPPENING ON-SITE UNDER STRICTLY CONTROLLED

CONDITIONS,

MT. SICKER FAMILY FARM IS ABLE TO OFFER HIGH QUALITY AND VISIT BCEMUFARM.CA FOR INFORMATION BENEFITS OF EMU OIL.

CONSISTENT OIL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. NATURAL

ON THE

Cell: Phone:

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23160 72nd Ave Langley, British Columbia V2Y 2K2

www.watertecna.com

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Welcome to Warmland n behalf of the Cowichan Valley Regional District and Economic Development Cowichan, we are pleased to welcome you to the seventh annual Islands Agriculture Show. The trade show and conference at Cowichan Exhibition Park provides a unique opportunity to welcome producers and farming representatives from across Vancouver Island to celebrate the many contributions that agriculture and food production make to our communities.

Within the Cowichan Valley Regional District, municipalities and electoral areas, First Nations communities and farming organizations each play a supportive role in contributing to the dialogue on food security and our local food system. We possess an abundance of agricultural leaders who are devoted to ensuring that farming remains an integral part of the social and economic fabric of our region. The Cowichan region is known as a food and culinary destination and as a region where small farm innovations in value-added food production and the meeting of agriculture and

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ISLANDS AGRICULTURE SHOW FEBRUARY 2-3, 2018 COWICHAN EXHIBITION PARK 7380 TRANS CANADA HWY DUNCAN, BC V9L 6B1 4 KM NORTH OF DUNCAN he Islands Agriculture Show is the largest agriculture event on Vancouver Island. This year’s show includes a new lineup of conference speakers and workshops and features 70 trade show exhibitors.

There are ten conference sessions to choose from for the fee of $18 each, or three sessions for $45, which includes admission to the trade show and the welcome reception. Trade show admission only is $5 and the Wildfire Workshop registration is only $5. Please note, space is limited for conference sessions and Wildfire Workshop. You can register at www.iashow.ca, or for more information, call Shari Paterson at: 250-748-0822.

The farming and food community is encouraged to forward their agriculture events to Islandsagricultureshow@gmail.com and they will be included in the monthly mail out and on our website.

To subscribe/unsubscribe to the IAS Newsletter and Agriculture Calendar, sign up at: www.iashow.ca.

Funding for this project has been provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

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technology can take root.

While you are attending the Islands Agriculture Show, take time to get to know the changing face of agriculture by visiting with trade show representatives and attending the many workshops on offer. Cowichan welcomes you year-round to explore our agricultural heritage, award-winning wineries, farm markets and unique agri-tourism destinations.

We hope the Islands Agriculture Show provides you with inspiration and insights to last you throughout the year.

Sincerely, Jon Lefebure, Chair Cowichan Valley Regional District 175 Ingram St., Duncan, BC

Amy Melmock, Manager Economic Development Cowichan 135 Third St., Duncan, BC

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FEED & PET SUPPLIES 4480 MANSON AVE., POWELL RIVER, BC.

FEED & FARM SUPPLIES 7648 ISLAND HWY., BLACK CREEK, BC

Cowichan Family Owned & Operated Supporting the Agricultural Community on Vancouver Island for over 40 years.

FEED & PET SUPPLIES 2901 MORAY AVE., COURTENAY, BC

DEALER STATION FARM & FEED 1290 ALBERNI HWY., PARKSVILLE, BC

DUNCAN YOUR ISLAND FEED SOURCE

DEALER RED BARN MARKET 5500 W. SAANICH RD., VICTORIA, BC

5 locations to serve you

WILLOW WIND FEED A TOP SHELF FEEDS COMPANY 2714 SOOKE RD., VICTORIA, BC

TAKE CONTROL 0F EVERY SEASON Introducing the all new mid-size M6 from Kubota.

With an extra wide Cold Climate Cab and up to 141 available horsepower, this tractor was built to perform–with dramatically cleaner emissions.

It even features an optional instructor seat to train the next shift or the next generation.

Tilt and Telescopic Power Steering Tilt and telescopic steering offers the ideal driving position while power steering makes steering easier even in rough terrain.

Island Tractor Welcomes You to the AG Show 100% VANCOUVER ISLAND OWNED & OPERATED

www.islandtractors.com

Duncan Island Tractor & Supply Ltd.

Courtenay North Island Tractor

4650 Trans Canada Hwy

3663 South Island Hwy

250-746-1755

250-334-0801

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Farm Credit Canada welcomes you to the 2018 Islands Agriculture Show elcome to the Islands Ag Show. There are 10 conference sessions, including the FCC-sponsored keynote address by Kevin Stewart, creator and host of award-winning AGVISION on CTV that you don’t want to miss. You can also visit our booth to speak with our knowledgeable staff regarding all of our products and services.

If you’ve ever needed ag financing on the island, you’ve had a trusted choice for the last 20 years. Farm Credit Canada is a federal Crown corporation, and the only national financial institution solely dedicated to agriculture.

“We take a long-term view; we know

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the ups and downs in the industry and we have had an unwavering commitment to agriculture since we opened our doors in 1959,” says Michael Hoffort, FCC President and CEO. FCC has a team of 1,800 knowledgeable employees operating out of 100 offices in mainly rural communities across Canada. Duncan’s office has four staff members, all with ag knowledge and ag backgrounds.

FCC provides flexible, competitively priced financing, farm management software, and information and knowledge specifically designed for the agriculture and agri-food industry. We work to add value beyond loan transactions by

offering free learning programs and resources like FCC Forum, webinars, videos and newsletters.

FCC also makes a difference in rural communities by supporting projects that make positive community changes through funds such as AgriSpirit, FCC Expression, FCC Aboriginal Student Empowerment and FCC 4-H Club. You can visit fcc-fac.ca for more information.

Last year local FCC staff participated in a number of charity projects including a food drive for the local food bank, Salvation Army collection and events involving the Rotary Club and 4H. Many of our customers on the Island own small- to medium-sized agriculture

operations that span a wide variety of sectors, and our Duncan staff ensure they know your business.

“Our business is built on strong customer relationships, knowing our customer’s business and ensuring they have the support they need through every business cycle,” says Hoffort.

FCC serves the industry that feeds the world and supports farmers, agribusinesses and agri-food operators and the important work they do. Stop by our booth and see what we can do for you.

Vancouver Island Seedy Saturdays & Sundays After a long grey winter, there’s nothing more exciting than the prospect of spring gardening. Not only do the Island’s early spring gardening events mark the beginning of the season of green, they are also a fantastic opportunity to network with others, to learn more about seed saving, sustainability and local food security. Swap some seeds – and some stories!

Denman Island Seedy Saturday Saturday, Jan 27 Book a table location and bring your seeds and garden-related items for sale.

Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds will be promoting his new book, “Awesome Grains & Seeds.”

16th Annual Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday - Saturday, Feb. 3 Theme: “Sow, Grow, Enjoy” This year’s event features two seminars offered by speakers: Donna Balzer -“ Three Tips to Sow & Grow a Better Food Garden” Kathy Claxton - “Keep Calm - Plant on.

Make Gardening Fit You” Salt Spring Island’s 23rd Annual Seedy Saturday - Saturday, Feb. 10 Get ready for your spring planting. Break out of your seed-coats and come celebrate a communal defrosting and re-ignition of our passions, penchants and instincts for plant protection. Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds will be promoting his new book, “Awesome Grains & Seeds.”

Victoria Seedy Saturday 2018 Saturday, Feb. 17 Gardener? Or wish you were? Welcome spring at Seedy Saturday 2018 – Victoria’s premier seed and garden show. Join us at this fun, inspiring, and educational and networking community event for everyone. Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds will be promoting his new book, “Awesome Grains & Seeds.”

Hosted by the James Bay Market Society.

Sooke Seedy Saturday Saturday, Feb. 24 Whether you have been planting for 50 years or

this is your first season, whether you have a farm or small pots in your window sill; whether you want to grow a butterfly garden or grow food for your family or for sale – start your season with a visit to Sooke’s Seedy Saturday.

Seedy Saturday 2018 in Courtenay Saturday, Mar. 3 Visit vendors and exhibitors of organic, non-GE seeds and plants; local community food security groups, educators and learners; the Seedy Cafe and several local and Island experts on growing and saving seeds. Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds will be promoting his new book, “Awesome Grains & Seeds.”

Providing Island Communities with Fresh Eggs for Over 60 Years

Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday Saturday, Mar.10 Community Seed Exchange, Vendors of Heritage seeds, organic seeds, locally grown plants, displays and info. Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds will be promoting his new book, “Awesome Grains & Seeds.” Free admission.

Seedy Saturday in Campbell River Saturday, Mar. 24 A great place to come to find answers to your gardening questions and help you find solutions.

Amazing plants and seeds for sale, and much more.

250 246-9298 • www.islandeggs.com www.burnbraefarms.com

Proud sponsors of the BC Summer Games Cowichan 2018

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COLLABORATION + COOPERATION GROW B.C.’S SMALL-SCALE FOOD BUSINESS

BY BRIAN SAUL hat does small mean to food processors? For the Small Scale Food Processor Association (SSFPA), it means local, pure and simple.

Local jobs, local infrastructure, local taxes.

The SSFPA is a vibrant and growing organization that offers its members access to education, advocacy and business planning tools, and in some cases, access to capital small food processors – needed to operate seasonal businesses.

“Our members are local business people who support and expand local economies, hire local people and create local jobs,” says Candice Appleby, SSFPA’s Executive Director, who advocates for operators at federal and provincial levels. “Our members are well educated and informed, focused on infrastructure and resource development that will support small scale agri-food processing.

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MEMBERSHIP TYPES

The SSFPA offers two categories of membership: Processors (up to 25 full-time employees), and Supporters (growers, large processors as mentors, related associations, technical service providers and others).

“Small scale can lead to large scale, which is why our members are eager to see the next generation of agricultural policy. They are the ones who have the most at stake, and they are the ones who have the infrastructure to facilitate the implementation of the policies,” says Appleby.

Membership benefits include education, workshops and online resources, peer-to-peer networking opportunities, group rates for insurance products and marketing packages, and the inside scoop about upcoming trade shows, mini and major trade missions, consultations, funding and investment opportunities.

ONLINE TOOLS Popular tools include access to an online database for planners, policy makers, community advocates, local organizations to search for policy precedents, and to better understand how local government policy in B.C. is addressing local food systems. Members can search by a range of characteristics to find food system policies that have been adopted by local governments across B.C. The Food Safety Planning Portal for Food Processors is an online resource with background information about regulations and standards, tools to develop a food safety plan, a database of legislation and regulations, and a library of sample documents.

The online BC Specialty Food Directory is a resource for chefs, restaurateurs and specialty food retailers to locate B.C. companies that produce or process great tasting, nutritious foods to enhance the flavour of recipes and dishes.

UPCOMING COURSES The list of workshops is long. Popular courses include the Agri-Food Business Planning Program which focuses on marketing tactics; Recipe For Success, for new and existing food and beverage processors, and a variety of food safety modules.

Established in 2002, SSFPA represents its members on these boards and committees: National Food Processors Round Table, Canadian Food Safety Supply Chain Coalition, BC Food Safety Stakeholders Round Table, MarketSafe Steering Committee and the Minister of Agriculture Agrifood Advisory Committee. In addition, the SSFPA provides support to many allied associations and specific project areas.

To learn more about SSFPA and to become a member, visit: www.ssfpa.net.

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“We provide safe, quality food to the consumer.

We can be honest and transparent because there’s nothing to hide.”

Ravi Bathe, Agvocate Poultry and Berry Producer

Be somebody who does something.

Be an agvocate.

Learn more at AgMoreThanEver.ca.

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2018 SHOW EXHIBITORS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21

Farm Credit Canada Southern Drip Irrigation Ltd. Osborne Seed West Coast Robotics Bank Of Montreal Jeff McCallum Ferris Fencing Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Scotia Bank Watertec Irrigation Tractor Time Equipment Island Eggs - Division of Burnbrae Farms Nissan of Nanaimo Coastal Community Insurance Services West Coast Seeds Vitazyme (Vital Grow Distribution) BC Agriculture Council Harbour City Equipment Harbour City Equipment Harbour City Equipment

FOUNDING PARTNERS:

22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 40 41 42 43

MELLOR HALL

Harbour City Equipment BW Global Structures HSM Insurance West-tech Irrigation Vancouver Island Egg Producers Association Poultry in Motion Poultry in Motion Poultry in Motion Black Creek Farm & Feed Used.ca TD Canada Trust Island Dairy Service Ltd Island Dairy Service Ltd MNP LLP Top Shelf Feeds Clearbrook Grain & Milling Peninsula Co-Op Iritex Pumps and Irrigation Inc. Investment Agriculture Foundation Norseco INC

44 45 46 47 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65

BC Verified Beef Production AgSafe EDC Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. NNZ Inc Island Tractor Country Life in BC Alberni Clayoquot Regional District Coast Capital Insurance Services Ltd, Buckerfields Hi Pro Feeds BC Association of Farmers Markets ICE T Evergro Quality Seed West Lohr - A - Lee Indoor Gardens Inc BC Ministry of Agriculture BC Ministry of Agriculture BC Assessment Terralink Horticulture Inc

PRESENTING PARTNER:

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 MORNING

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CONFERENCE The Islands Agriculture Show features two days of conference sessions and offer the farming community opportunities to learn from the experts. Ten compelling and educational workshops include Keynote Speaker Kevin Stewart, and cover topics like farm tax, wild fire, armyworms, wildlife mitigation, organic certification and breeding queen bees.

TRADE SHOW The tradeshow features over 60 exhibitors,

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including the latest in farm equipment, as well as professional services and programs for farmers of every size and sector.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES The Islands Agriculture Show is an event for all ages. Students and families are encouraged to attend and learn about local agriculture and how farms operate.

Attending the show will be McBarleys Press (mcbarleys.com) with their mega juicer. It can wash, grind, juice, pasteurize and bag 1700

pounds of apples/pears per hour. Poultry in Motion (bcchicken.ca/consumer/poultry-inmotion) will also be attending the show along with the BC Dairy Classroom (bcdairy.ca/dairyfarmers/dairyclassroom).

Learn about the process of raising chickens and cows in these interactive and educational workshops. There also will be a planting station by Dinters Nursery (dinternursery.ca). 4H will be on site for challenges for all ages. There will also be Emu's and a Horse Show on that day.

With over 60 exhibitors, there will be lots to see and do at the 2018 Islands Ag show. Don’t miss this event.

Thursday, Feb 1st: Wildfire workshop 1 to 4 p.m. meet at the Cowichan Exhibition for a guided farm tour.

Friday, Feb 2:Trade show opens at 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 3: Trade show opens at 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

COWICHAN EXHIBITION PARK 7380 TRANS CANADA HWY, DUNCAN, BC V9L 6B1 250-748-0822 OR WWW.IASHOW.CA

GOLD SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSORS:

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AFTERNOON

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Register online for conference sessions: www.iashow.ca Tradeshow and Conference located at: Cowichan Exhibition, 7380 Trans Canada Highway in Duncan, B.C.

BRONZE SPONSORS:

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 MORNING

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 AFTERNOON

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MEDIA SPONSORS:

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OUTDOOR EXHIBITORS McBarley’s Apple press BC Dairy Classroom 4H Planting Station – Sponsored by Dinter Nursery Duncan Vintage Machinery Club SUPPORTED

BY GROWING FORWARD 2, A FEDERAL PROVINCIAL - TERRITORIAL INITIATIVE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE ISLANDS AGRICULTURE SHOW.

HOST COMMUNITY:

SPEAKER GIFT SPONSOR:

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VANCOUVER ISLAND - COAST

AGRICULTURE HIGHLIGHTS EXTRACTS FROM THE 2012 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE FOR VANCOUVER ISLAND – COAST The region produces a diversity of both crops and livestock. Crops include: forage, tree fruits, grapes, berries, field vegetables, greenhouse vegetables, nursery and floriculture. Livestock farms raise beef, dairy, hog, poultry and eggs, sheep, lamb, goats, and horses.

REGIONAL PROFILE > The population of the Vancouver Island-Coast region is 759,366, up 4.4% from Census 2006. > The area includes 7 regional districts: Alberni-Clayoquot, Capital, Comox-Strathcona, Central Coast, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo and Powell River. > There are 3,000 farms in the region, an increase of 5% from the 2,855 farms reported in 2006. The region accounts for 15% of B.C.’s total farms. > The total farm area fell 3% in 2011. The region accounts for 2% of the total provincial farmland area. >

In Census 2011, the total gross farm receipts in this region increased by 2.4% to $168 million from $164 million. >

A total of 69 farms in the region reported producing certified organic products for sale, while 26 farms reported producing products in transition to becoming certified organic.

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FX FX 250.338.5024 250.338.5024

FARM ENTERPRISES There was an increase in the number of hay and other crop farms (+82%), greenhouse vegetable farms (+36%), field vegetable farms (+25%) sheep and goat farms (+23%) and fruit farms (+8%), between Census 2006 and 2011.

At the same time, there was a decline in the number of oilseed and grain farms (-45%), beef farms (-40%); hog farms (-26%); floriculture farms (-18%); dairy farms (-14%) poultry and egg farms (-10%) and nursery farms (-4%).

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YOUNG FARMERS DAY Friday, Feb. 2, 2018 Free Admission You are invited to attend the Islands Agriculture Show as our guests – Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mark your calendar! This is the Islands’ largest agricultural event of the year.

The Islands Agriculture Show provides opportunity to learn about where food comes from. Join us at the show to see the McBarleys Apple Press, Planting Station, 4-H Booth, the Kid’s Activity Center and more. RSVP with the Island Agriculture Show by email: cowex@shaw.ca or by phone: 250-748-0822.

YOUNG AGRARIANS WINTER MIXER Saturday, Feb. 10 to Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018 Join the Agrarians for their Vancouver Island 5th Winter Mixer at Camp Pringle in Shawnigan Lake on beautiful Vancouver Island for two days of farming workshops & networking.

Coast Salish Territory: Camp Pringle, 2520 W Shawnigan Lake Rd., Shawnigan Lake Sliding scale $75 to 125. All funds raised go to cover the cost of the event. Work trade options are available; contact Moss at: westcoast@youngagrarians.org Register: vimixer2018.brownpapertickets.com

RANCHER 420

FOREMAN 500

WANT LAND? GOT LAND? Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018 1 to 6:00 p.m. Land Linking Workshop Running concurrently with the Vancouver Island Winter Mixer. Are you a farmer looking for land? Are you a landowner looking for farmers? Join the Young Agrarians to network, learn about leases, and more.

Email: land@youngagrarians.org.

WARNING: You may find a farmer who can turn your vacant field into a productive farm, or keep your productive farm in production. Land seekers, you may find a landowner with the land opportunity you’ve been seeking. Come with an idea of what you are looking for and a quick synopsis of your vision for your land or future farm. List your land or farm dream on the YA U-MAP today: maps.youngagrarians.org

VANCOUVER ISLAND - COAST

YOUNG FARMERS

COMMUNITY POTLUCK AND SOCIAL 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018 Camp Pringle, 2520 W Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake There is nothing better n’ sharing a community made meal together. The Young Agrarians Community Potluck is free, open to all ages, and for the whole community (not just those attending the mixer).

Please bring a dish to share. Invite your friends and family – the more, the merrier!

For over 40 years, Honda ATVs have delivered unmatched comfort, total control and legendary reliability to tackle the toughest tasks and terrain. Hard work is made easy with a Honda ATV.

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VANCOUVER ISLAND - COAST

AGRICULTURE HIGHLIGHTS FARM ENTERPRISES CROPS > The region’s farmland area allocated to berries more than tripled to 441 hectares (1,090 acres); the area in greenhouse vegetable production increased by 52%; the area in field vegetables increased by 31% to 700 hectares (1,730 acres); tree fruit area increased 25% to 507 hectares (1,253 acres); and the area in sod and nursery products rose 21% and 18% respectively to 74 hectares (183 acres) in sod and 306 hectares (756 acres) in nursery products.

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCTS > The total number of animals on farms decreased in every category except turkeys, which showed an increase of 7% and sheep and lambs (+3%).

> The area in greenhouse flower production declined 14%.

> Of particular note, the region had 1,387 (30%) fewer beef cattle, 213,519 (25%) fewer hens and chickens, and 680 (24%) fewer pigs compared to 2006.

HONEY BEE COLONIES > The number of farms reporting honey bee colonies increased 10% from 155 farms to 171 farms in 2011, but the number of colonies decreased 24% from 7,461 to 5,698 colonies.

THE 2011 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE WAS RELEASED MAY 10, 2012

BY STATISTICS CANADA AT THE CENSUS REGION, PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS. THE PREVIOUS CENSUS WAS CONDUCTED IN 2006.

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WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS + MITIGATION

WORKSHOP THURSDAY, FEB. 1: 1 TO 4 PM. Many agricultural operations on Vancouver Island exist within high risk wildfire interface zones. A wildfire expert, along with other speakers such as emergency management staff, animal handlers and/or producers who have been exposed to wildfire, will cover topics such as building and site layouts, livestock areas, water sources, feed, egress points, nearby road access, likely wildfire behaviour at site, means of fire spread, steps for preparedness and risk reduction, and options to reduce damage and increase safety during a wildfire emergency. Register: www.iashow.ca. Details: 250-748-0822.

This project is supported by Growing Forward 2, a federal - provincial - territorial initiative. We look forward to seeing you at the Islands Agriculture Show.

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HOW TO SAVE SEEDS

OF

BY DAN JASON SALT SPRING SEEDS

think the practice of saving seeds is due for a revival. Seed saving is rewarding in so many ways. It’s very easy. If you find yourself smitten by it, there are ways you can become more expert. Even a little seed saving is empowering.

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Basics Basically, you go to the seeds when they are ready and get them. You make sure they’re really dry, and then you store them.

It’s as simple as that, but getting good seeds at the right time involves knowing the life cycle of a plant and whether a seed will stay true.

You can gather seeds in different ways such as plucking, rubbing, shaking and grabbing. Making sure seeds are dry enough means having a good drying space for them. Storing seeds well involves having appropriate labels and containers for them.

Plant Types and Specifics Plants are annual, biennial or perennial.

• Annuals, such as lettuce and tomatoes,

flower and mature seeds in the same year.

• Biennial plants (such as carrots and beets) are normally harvested as food in their first summer or fall, and do not flower or produce seed until the following year. In mild coastal or southern regions, biennials will survive the winter under cover of hay or leaves. In most of continental North America, biennials must be dug up and carefully stored elsewhere during the winter to be replanted in the spring. Most biennials become tall and bushy when going to seed, taking up more space than they did the previous year. They can be thinned or transplanted to twice the usual spacing.

• Perennials live and bear seed year after year.

Plants are also classified as either selfpollinated or cross-pollinated, although sometimes they can be both.

• Self-pollinated Plants: Pollen is not transferred from one flower to another, either on the same plant or between plants. The process occurs within each flower. The flowers have both male and

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female plant parts and pollination occurs successfully within the single bloom.

The seeds of these plants almost always retain the quality of the parent, or stay “true.” Because they rarely cross with another variety of the same species, isolating them is unnecessary, unless you want absolute purity in a strain.

• Cross-pollinated plants: The pollen from one flower fertilizes another flower, either on the same or another plant.

Either wind or insects carry the pollen.

It is important to know the other varieties of the same species with which a plant has the potential to exchange pollen. For example, if your cabbage and your broccoli flower at the same time, the seed will produce few plants that look like either of them. Allowing only one variety of each potentially cross-pollinating vegetable to flower out eliminates the need to separate plants from each other. As well, barriers can be erected or planted, plantings can be staggered or crops can be covered with garden fabric.

Self-pollinating Annuals These include lettuces, beans, grains, tomatoes and peppers. It is easy to save a diversity of them and they are very significant crops to save.

Lettuce Lettuces are unusual in the manner that they complete their cycle and go to seed. They don’t dry down but instead they grow up. They put up a flowering stalk that can reach waist high and as they do so the leaves become shrunken versions of their former selves. The candelabra-like appearance of many cultivars is so attractive that their aesthetic appeal could be taken into consideration when planning your garden.

A single lettuce can produce hundreds of small yellow flowers atop its stalk. The flowers become bunches of feathery little

seed sites, each flower creating eight to 15 seeds. The seeds are a miniature version of dandelion seeds, having a tiny parachute perfect for riding the breezes.

They are little wedges about an eighth of an inch long and are either white or dark, depending on variety.

Someone wanting to have enough seed for the coming year could simply pluck two or three fuzzy seedheads to easily get a couple of dozen seeds.

The seeds ripen over several weeks, and when they start to appear, there are many flowers still blooming. If you want a lot, it’s best to wait until a third of the seeds are ready and collect them when conditions are as dry as possible.

The plants can be tipped into whatever container you’re employing and shaken to release the seeds. You can also rub the seedheads between the thumb and forefingers of one hand while holding the bucket or bag under them with the other.

I’ve found the plastic pails that are usually available from stores that sell ice cream cones to be perfect for gathering lots of different seeds: seedheads can be easily bent into them and shaken against the sides.

After harvest, lettuce seeds are best dried for another day or two. Spread them out on plates, pans, trays or bucket lids in a warm, airy place. The freshly gathered seed usually comes with a little fluff and flower parts. The fluff quickly dries in the presence of heat and any little bugs you may have picked with the seeds will usually disappear in a few hours.

The seed can be rubbed between the fingers to release the fluff. Most of the fluff can be easily blown away if you’re careful not to blow too hard. Sifting it through an appropriate screen can also clean the seed. For the amateur seed saver, it is not crucial for the seeds to be totally clean, just totally dry.

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It’s wise to have identifying labels accompanying the seeds at each step and to put sticky labels on their containers.

Lettuce seeds take up little space. It’s easy to find small glass or plastic containers for them. Film canisters and plastic bags also work well. Lettuce seed is usually collected in September and October. If you want to be a saver of lettuce seed, it’s best to find those cultivars that produce the kind of lettuce you like but also produce seed before the plants are frozen or rained out. In short season growing areas, it might be

I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 2-3, 2018 • 21

necessary to start lettuces early indoors.

Lettuces rarely cross but it’s best to not allow undomesticated lettuce varieties, such as Wild or Prickly Lettuce, to flower nearby.

If you start saving lettuces, you’ll be amazed by the wonderful shapes, textures and colours of the leaves plus all the diverse ways the flowering stalks shoot up. Lettuce seeds keep a high viability for at least four years.

General Storage Notes Seed should always be stored under cool, dry conditions. Temperatures well below freezing will not harm seeds if

they have been adequately dried. Sealing most seeds from air, except in the case of beans and peas, which like some air circulation, prolongs viability.

Most sound vegetable seeds, if stored properly, will remain viable for many years, with the exception of short-lived onion, leek, corn and parsnip seed.

Put each kind of seed into its own envelope with the cultivar name and the date of storage. You can also put envelopes or just the seeds in airtight tins, glass jars or plastic containers that can be closed to make them moisture proof.

Storing seed containers in the freezer will increase longevity.

Editor’s note: To read the complete article on How to Save Seeds by Dan Jason of Saltspring Seeds, visit: saltspringseeds.com/ pages/how-to-saveseeds. You will find detailed instructions on saving self-pollinating annuals, cross-pollinated annuals, cross-pollinated biennials and perennials.

For further info, contact Dan by phone at: 250-537-5269, or email: dan@saltspringseeds.com

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I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 2-3, 2018 • 22

BC ASSOCIATION OF FARMERS’ MARKETS

KALE CHIPS RECIPE

Opening Soon Our New Langford Location 975 Langford Parkway Langford,B.C.

KALE CHIPS You’ve heard of them – now try them!

This works best with black or curly kale.

Directions: 1. Clean and spin dry kale.

2. Remove spines and chop into smaller bits with fingers, moisten with a teaspoon or two of olive (or preferred) oil. Do not over oil! Some people also add a touch of balsamic vinegar.

3. Spread onto baking sheet and cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning about halfway through cooking process. They are not as nice if they brown.

4. Remove from oven and add salt.

Some prefer them still a bit moist, others prefer them crispy. Insist the kids leave some for you!

OTHER IDEAS FOR KALE AND SWISS CHARD

Save for the winter!

If you can’t make your way through all of the greens now, chop and steam them (you can use beet tops, spinach, kale and/or chard). Once cooled, squeeze into balls and freeze. Then add to soups, stews and chili through the winter when greens are in shorter supply.

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I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 2-3, 2018 • 23

FARM TO TABLE BUSINESSES BOOMING C onsumers’ appetites for local foods are growing, and restaurants have taken notice. Today, many local businesses, including farms and restaurants, have mutually exclusive relationships that make it possible for local residents to enjoy nutritious, locally produced meals.

The popularity of farmers' markets as a 'community shopping experience' has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years as consumers seek out an array of food and non-food items, and the opportunity to interact with local farmers.

Consumer demand and interest is closely aligned with support for local farmers and fresh, healthy food choices.

Farm-to-table remains a growing trend that benefits farmers, restaurateurs and consumers. This is evidenced by the rising number of farmers markets

cropping up in neighbourhoods all across the country, as well as the niche offerings by regional food purveyors.

A 2008 study by the Farmers’ Market Canada examined 508 markets and confirmed “the economic force that farmers' markets have become in the Canadian economy and their hosting communities. The markets play a key role in selling agricultural products with estimated sales of $1.03 billion, and an economic impact range of $1.55 to $3.09 billion annually. That is the purchasing power of approximately 28 million shopper-visits that spent an average of $32 per visit.� Many consumers are now choosing “local� for dining at home and when dining out, and this is making a major impact on the nation’s food systems.

Foodies as well as industry experts

predict that the local foods movement is a permanent and mainstream trend. In 2014, the National Restaurant Association found the desire for local foods dominated its “Top Food Trends.�

The most in-demands foods include locally sourced meats and seafood as well as locally sourced produce.

Consumers also are interested in farm/estate-branded foods. Some restaurants are even producing “hyper-local� food, or herbs and produce grown right on the property.

As the demand for local foods has evolved, so has the term “local foods.� “Local� can be a wide-ranging term that refers to foods produced in a particular town, state or even region.

The growing preference for locally produced foods is great news for the farmers and small food producers that

“THE FUTURE FOR FARMERS' MARKETS IN CANADA IS PROMISING WITH CONSUMER DEMAND AND INTEREST CLOSELY ALIGNED WITH SUPPORT FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION AND FRESH, HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES. CURRENT CONSUMERS WILL INCREASINGLY LOOK FOR MORE PRODUCT SELECTIONS AND CONVENIENCE IN LOCATIONS, PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LIFESTYLE AMENITIES TO ENSURE THEIR LOYALTY. – FARMERS' MARKETS CANADA.

have long fought for footing among the mega-importers. According to the trade publication Produce Business, even though “local� does not place limits on the size of the farm, the growing desire among consumers to go local is benefitting many small and midsized farms, as consumers are increasingly buying foods grown closer to where they live.

In addition to meats, fruits and vegetables, consumers can find many locally made items that expand the potential for farm-to-table. These include, but are not limited to, artisanal cheeses, wines, beer, baked goods, milk and other dairy and honey.

Local, sustainable foods are in demand, helping not only local restaurants and merchants, but also the small and medium farms that service these establishments. –MC

THERE’S STILL $7 MILLION IN PROJECT FUNDING AVAILABLE TO BC’S AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY THROUGH THE AGRI-FOOD FUTURES FUND!

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Here’s to the

GROWER “When I was a boy in India, I never could have imagined the opportunities I’d have in Canadian agriculture. My orchard business takes hard work, but I’m glad to see my kids grow up on a farm, just like I did. My name is Lakhwinder Brar and I grow fruits and vegetables.”

From all of us at FCC, thanks for making Canadian agriculture so amazing.

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fcc.ca

FEBRUARY 13