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.
