Island Bounty
Rural roots and sustainable growing have strong history
Shinobu Verhagen of Raven Street Market Cafe, Salt Spring
Farming has been an island tradition since the first pioneers cleared land on Salt Spring in 1859. Traditional farms included everything a family would need to survive the winter, plus excess produce, meat and dairy destined for the larger markets on Vancouver Island.
While the Gulf Islands' demographics and culture have clearly changed since pioneer days, a strong movement is underway to protect small farms and to increase the island's use of local food sources. Early summer brings in sweet raspberries and strawberries, while late summer's bounty can be found at roadside stands all across the island, with baskets of pears, bundles of garlic or bunches of tender new beets and carrots available with payment at the "honour box." Fresh eggs are available year round, and net bags of local walnuts appear in late fall.
People who don't have time to tour the roadways can find everything they desire at the Tuesday Farmers Market, held in the meadow behind the United Church in Ganges from mid-June to early October.
Throughout the Gulf Islands, the Islands Trust Act provides strict regulations regarding land use in areas zoned for agriculture. A Community Farm Plan for Salt Spring, published in January 2008, calls for the establishment of community facilities that would support diverse small farms on the island.
Farming advocates have long embraced island growing, including internationally in-demand speaker Michael Ableman, who can often be seen with his family members selling Foxglove Farm produce at the Saturday market or at their Mount Maxwell farm that often hosts special educational events.
Dan Jason, a founder of Canada's Seed Sanctuary and his own Salt Spring Seeds company, is another modern pioneer who unites ideals with action.
Perhaps most famously, Salt Spring was B.C.'s foremost location for apple production until popularity shifted to the Okanagan region in the late 19th century. Today, local growers are reviving the islands' farming heritage by recovering apple breeds in organic orchards.
Over 350 varieties and many host locations are celebrated at the Salt Spring Apple Festival, held annually during the first weekend in October. Mayne Island has also initiated an autumn apple fest.
Evidence of the islands' deep farming roots can also be seen at popular fall fair events held annually on Mayne, Pender and Salt Spring. Visitors can island hop over the course of the harvest, with stops at Mayne on August 14, 2010, Pender on August 21 or 28 (check for the final date), and then Salt Spring on the September 18-19 weekend.
Salt Spring also hosts an annual Ruckle Farm Day at Ruckle Provincial Park with a horse-ploughing match, old-time skills demonstrations and 4-H animal displays each spring.
- Elizabeth Nolan