Category Archives: BAA Organization

Dec 02 NO comments
BAA Organization, BowFEAST, Event, Newsletter, boxprogram

Bowen ag in 2012!

The growing season for this year is behind us, and soon it will be time to start thinking about seeds and spring gardens. We wanted to update you on what the Bowen Ag Alliance (BAA) has been up to this year, and our exciting plans for 2012.

2012 events:
We’re just now planning a series of BAA events for the New Year. We will be back in touch soon with confirmed dates, but this is what we’re discussing… If you have any ideas, or interest in leading a workshop, please let us know!
Jan/Feb – for beginner’s: planning a simple veggie garden—how-to
January 12 – food safety workshop (community offering, see below)
January 14 – seed exchange & sale with BICS student garden kids
March 10 – BAA AGM—all welcome!
April – soil amendment workshop
June to October – BowFEAST monthly community farmers’ markets
mid-August – BowFEAST annual local eating celebration in the cove
Fall – canning workshop

community news:
-Food Safety Planning Workshop:
For food processors, an introductory food safety planning workshop. Learn some basic HACCP theory and, practical monitoring procedures, plus info on employee hygiene and practices. It’s also an opportunity to network and access info that will help enhance your bottom line in these changing economic times.

Jan. 12 (8:30 am to 4 pm, registration fee $20, includes lunch and coffee breaks). At BICS Multi-Purpose Room. Info: www.ssfpa.net/foodsafety
contact: Jane Kelly, 1-866-619-7372, fssi.outreach@ssfpa.net

-Seed bank video:
A fascinating video about the Millenium seed bank:
http://www.nextworldtv.com/page/5829.html

2011 BAA recap:
-BowFEAST farmers’ market:
BAA put on six BowFEAST community farmers’ markets this year from May to October in partnership with BICS, Bowen Community Recreation and the Municipality—five at BICS and one on the library lawn. We had a great turnout, lots of beautiful produce and an enthusiastic community response. Nearly all the growers at our mid-August farmers’ market/local eating celebration sold out. Thanks to First Credit Union for donating the spiffy new tent.

-Harvest box program:
BAA launched a seasonal harvest box pilot project with two Bowen growers, “BowFEAST in a Box.” The program delivered a weekly box of fresh, locally grown produce to 10 customers from May to October. Despite the less-than-ideal spring growing conditions, the program proved a bit hit, and we enjoyed strawberries, plums, asparagus, tomatoes, potatoes and greens galore. Stay tuned for info on the 2012 harvest box program.

-Cheesemaking workshop:
With partner Artisan Eats/Tuscany, BAA presented two fall cheesemaking workshops with artisan cheesemaker and farmer David Asher of Mayne Island. These two popular sessions attracted 16 participants at each and proved lots of fun. So much so, that BAA plans to host another in the New Year.

-BICS school garden:
Despite the rain, BICS students in grades K-6 braved the weather to take part in the annual school garden seed harvest this past fall—including a load of plump potatoes. The harvest marked the end of the “Grow to the Market” program, and the start of our “Farm to School” program. Part of the Farm to School program means that the 12 lbs of potatoes we harvested will be included in the ingredients for the Friday Lunch program as we work towards the goal of having 15% of our school meals include local ingredients. (from Sarah Haxby at BICS)

-Bees on Bowen:
Bowen’s beekeeping group continues to flourish with a dozen active beekeepers throughout the island and a growing number of newcomers planning on getting started this spring and summer. “BOB” greatly benefited from the mentorship of Bruce Dobinson — a long time beekeeper from the North Shore — culminating in a successful queen breeding project this summer. Having rebuilt from the unfortunate loss of bees across the island (and much of coastal BC) in 2009/10, Bowen’s bees are looking healthy and ready for what we hope will be a productive pollinating and honey-producing season in 2012.

BAA board news:
BAA wishes to thank outgoing Board of Directors member Bruce Howlett for his enthusiasm, service and excellent berry jam! We’ll miss you, Bruce. Thanks again! If anyone is interested in joining the BAA board, please contact us. We could especially use an individual with excellent financial, bookkeeping and accounting skills.

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Mar 24 NO comments
BAA Organization, Event

BAA announces membership plan and AGM (April 10)

As announced on the website this fall, the Bowen Agricultural Alliance (BAA) has incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation under the British Columbia Society Act. This step accomplishes a couple of goals:

    • BAA is better able to apply for grant funding; and
    • With more formal membership — and the ability to poll its members — BAA can now formally speak on behalf of the group.

      What are we out to do? BAA’s mandate in brief:

      • Build Bowen’s local food capacity and resiliency;
      • Promote protection and utilisation of land for producing food and raising animals;
      • Help establish and promote farmers’ markets, community gardens and community farms;
      • Facilitate skills development and knowledge sharing around food production, animal husbandry, community health and nutrition;
      • Help establish and operate systems and facilities for preparing and distributing food, compost and soil

      Join us!

      We’re reaching out to BAA supporters and past workshop participants to encourage you to become full-fledged BAA members. By becoming a member you show support for and bring your personal perspective to BAA initiatives. To become a BAA member, please follow the link at the end of this article. In addition to supporting islanders ready to lead ag and food-related projects, we’ll also be offering special discounts and deals to BAA members.

      AGM – April 10, 2pm – 4pm, Collins Hall

      One impact of becoming a registered society is that we must adhere to a few formalities. That includes keeping financial records, electing a board of directors and holding an annual general meeting (AGM). Our AGM will be Sunday, April 10.

      The original incorporators of BAA (Stuart Cole, Kim Howden, Bruce Howlett, Michelle Pentz Glave, and Karen Wristen) are acting board members until a new board is formally elected by BAA members at the April AGM. BAA members may nominate themselves for board election by emailing stuart_cole@shaw.ca or kwristen@hotmail.com by April 8.

      Developing the roots in grassroots

      Recognizing the unique, inclusive atmosphere that has grown up around BAA get-togethers, we debated the pros and cons of becoming a more formal organisation. In the end, we decided we needed more structure to begin accomplishing the many goals identified during our workshops. Our hope is that we can leverage and support the self-organizing enthusiasm of community members and partner organisations by providing some basic structural support in the areas of facilitation, fundraising, networking, and education. With the goal of building community in the pursuit and enjoyment of healthy, local food options, we invite you to become a BAA member today.

      Please click here to register for a BAA membership

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      May 21 1 comments
      BAA Organization

      BAA to seek society status

      On Saturday May 15 the Bowen Agricultural Alliance held a community discussion forum at Cates Hill Chapel, the third of its kind since BAA got off the ground in mid-2009. A major theme for the morning was around the type of structure that BAA might evolve into to advance projects that BAA supporters are involved in.

      At our previous BAA forum (November 28, 2009), we were all pretty clear that we wanted BAA to remain virtual, effective and inclusive—that is, that we would not pursue any organizational structure.  This approach works well if all that’s required is networking and skill-sharing and we have a large network of volunteers who are quite self-motivated.  To some extent, that is happening and some of the initiatives outlined in our founding meeting are well under way on a purely volunteer basis.

      Other initiatives have been identified that need help:  a push, in terms of dedicated human resources, money or organizational support.  These would include a regular farmers’ market; community-supported agriculture; a farmers’ co-op and possibly even a full-scale farm operation.  Some of these have been well explored and it’s clearly an issue of time and money to get organized.

      At our May 15 meeting, we reviewed some of the possible options for organization and the notes (below) outline briefly the advantages and disadvantages of some options that exist. Get the whole story »

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      Mar 29 2 comments
      BAA Organization, Initiative

      VCH Support for BAA Initiatives

      Vancouver Coastal Health LogoThe Bowen Agricultural Alliance is pleased to be the recipient of an Advancing Urban Agriculture grant sponsored by Vancouver Coastal Health. The $2,000 grant will be applied to a number of projects aimed at encouraging youth and community learning around local food and agriculture topics. These projects include: Get the whole story »

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      Mar 26 NO comments
      BAA Organization, People

      Meet your farmer: Clemencia Braraten

      Clemencia

      The Bowen Island Undercurrent published an abbreviated version of this story.

      Bowen actually has quite a few farmers. To name one: Clemencia Braraten. We dropped in last summer at Primrose Farm on Harding Road to talk with Clemencia. She was busy grinding barley for her chickens with a metate y mano (a flat stone and rock used for grinding corn in Mexico).

      How long have you been farming?
      Since I married Mike—23 years ago. I started out with chicks and chickens first. But I don’t do commercial scale. (She also has just about everything you can imagine: vegetables, apples, pears, berries, soya beans, bees, goats, turkeys.)


      How did you get into it?
      I’ve been farming since I was born. My mother raised cows and pigs in Mexico. I learned everything from her.


      What do you love about it?
      Everything! I like plants and everything that goes with them. I leave the mess in the house, and I go! I like the animals, too. I have 27 goats.


      Why should folks buy local?
      Because it’s clean. I don’t use any pesticides. I don’t spray nothing. I only use goat manure. I don’t like chemicals in my garden. Mine is natural.


      What’s your pet peeve these days when it comes to food and agriculture?
      They put so much fertilizer and chemicals in everything. It’s not right! It’s why we are getting cancer in our bodies. Why? We think we’re eating good, and we’re not. It’s terrible.


      What’s your favourite island-grown fruit or veggie to enjoy in August?
      Beans, beets, broccoli, fresh potatoes, corn…


      Can islanders buy from you?
      Anybody can drop by. Any time.

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      Mar 26 NO comments
      BAA Organization, People

      Meet your farmer: Aubin van Berckel

      IMG_2416.JPG

      Adapted from a version published in The Bowen Island Undercurrent.

      Bowen actually has quite a few farmers. To name two: Aubin and David van Berckel, who farm about two acres (all organic) in the Cates Hill neighbourhood. We talked with Aubin last summer.

      How long have you been farming?
      We started 12 years ago. We initially wanted to plant only-edible plants. We didn’t know anything about gardening. If we’d known, we never would have taken it on! It’s only in the past five years we’ve done vegetables and raised beds. This is our first year growing amaranth (similar to quinoa). It will be ripe in October or November. We want to become closer to being self-sustaining.

      How did you get into it?
      We wanted to do something in our ripe old age. There’s an old Chinese proverb that goes something like, grow a garden, keep a man happy and healthy all his life. It’s been a very transformative experience.

      What do you love about it?
      It certainly has completely changed my concept of time. I’ve learned a great deal of patience. And there’s a tremendous amount of natural unfolding. It sounds completely New Age-y, but there’s something remarkably satisfying and incredibly enriching about being surrounded by life.

      This was a clear-cut when we took on this piece of land, an incredibly steep scar of a slope. There was no shade anywhere. To think now…

      Why should folks buy local?
      Because from an environmental perspective, the closer we keep our food sources, the less wear and tear on the earth there is. Also for freshness, the social aspect of supporting your neighbours and our community. Eating local builds a sense of community and puts you back in touch with the earth.

      What’s your pet peeve these days when it comes to food and agriculture?
      Everything, practically! The agro-business, in general; the whole corporate conglomerate that has turned agriculture, the basis of our life, into something totally alien. It’s terrifying.

      What’s your favourite island-grown fruit or veggie to enjoy in August?
      Our artichokes. When they’re young, you can use the stalk: you just have to peel it and it tastes just like the heart.

      Can islanders buy from you?
      We sell at the BowFEAST farmers’ market. Otherwise, we’re mostly self-sustaining and we share with our friends who come to pick.

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      Mar 26 2 comments
      BAA Organization, People

      Meet your farmer: Reidun van Kervel

      IMG_2421.JPG

      The Bowen Island Undercurrent published an abbreviated version of this story.

      Bowen actually has quite a few farmers and growers. To name two: home gardener extraordinaire Reidun van Kervel with husband Bob Kerr. We dropped in last summer at the couple’s place on Harding Road. Reidun served up scrumptious homemade muffins, lemonade and fresh-picked peas and carrots. She has four gardens on 4 ¾ acres, including a giant veggie patch with raised beds, and a peony and rose garden with pond, greenhouse and chickens in back.

      How long have you been farming?
      Ever since we moved here, in 1980.

      How did you get into it?
      I thought it’d be cool to plant seeds and eat the food I grew. I guess because I like healthy eating and I was picky about what the kids ate. Bob is “Mr. Dirt,” and likes “building” the garden. I plan, plant, weed and harvest.

      What do you love about it?
      Being able to walk out the door and pick my supper. Being able to dry, then replant some of the seeds the next year.

      Why should folks buy local?
      A million reasons. It’s good for the soul. It’s good for the environment. I think people should eat food native to the land they live on. I’m trying to use squash, chard and kale into the winter in a more creative way. This is the climate where they grow well. When you grow this way, you’re in tune with your environment.

      What’s your pet peeve these days when it comes to food and agriculture?
      Pesticides and un-organic gardening that drains into our waterways and destroys the integrity of the soil.

      What’s your favourite island-grown fruit or veggie to enjoy in August?
      Tomatoes—in Greek salad.

      Can islanders buy from you?
      We eat what we grow and give it away to friends.

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      Mar 26 NO comments
      BAA Organization, People, Resource

      Meet your farmer: Vivian Pearce.

      IMG_2439.JPG
      The Bowen Island Undercurrent published an abbreviated version of this story.

      Bowen actually has quite a few farmers. To name two: Vivian Pearce with husband David. We dropped in last summer at the couple’s 3 ½-acre Shady Acre Farm mid-island.

      How long have you been farming?
      Seriously, for 12 years.

      How did you get into it?
      We started with a dozen chickens. From there, people wanted more eggs. So we expanded and built a double coop. As people started buying eggs, we got more and more chickens. Now we’ve got egg-laying chickens, a veggie garden, fruit trees, horses and manure (we sell a lot!).

      What do you love about it?
      I really like producing good food for people. I get a lot of satisfaction from that. It’s definitely not to make money! I’m also interested in how everything goes around. We feed the chickens weeds out of the garden; the chickens give us eggs and compost; and the compost goes back in the garden. We don’t waste anything! That’s one of my favourite things: that we’re able to produce so much. Our green house is totally full.

      Why should folks buy local?
      Oh, jeez! Quality. Knowing where your food comes from. Environmentally. Gas. Transportation. All that. The whole sustainability of the island depends on people buying locally.

      What’s your pet peeve these days when it comes to food and agriculture?
      One of the biggest problems is people having no concept of where their food comes from. There’s no concept that you have to start with a seed, then harvest, etc. They’ll phone and say, “I need six dozen eggs tomorrow.” They’re thinking here is like a store. It’s really a serious flaw in the whole system. Because what’s more important than food? We cannot live without it. Then there’s the whole plight of the farmers…

      What’s your favourite island-grown fruit or veggie to enjoy in August?
      Broccoli and zucchini. Maybe tomatoes.

      Can islanders buy from you?
      I cannot produce enough eggs to satisfy the market. (She has a loyal bunch of customers for eggs and chicken meat, including UBC, islanders and the Miller’s Landing Buying Group.) We sell manure in the spring, but we’re all sold out now.

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