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.
