Agriculture

Welcome to this second episode of The Edible Valley Podcast with Gerry Pattison of Pattison farm. In this episode we talk about organic farming , the rewards and challenges of this farming practice. Some may have said in the beginning this would be a fad, but we are lucky to learn some of the tricks of the trade that have help this farm long running farm become such an icon in the Comox Valley. 

Chef Jonathan and Darren are on location at Pattison Farms for today's episode. Gerry (the owner) takes us through the wonderful history of the farm, and the various trials and tribulations traversed to get to where the farm is today - one of the valley's most cherished and venerated farms!

Its finally here, the 200th episode of the Edible Valley Podcast. With the 10th anniversary on the horizon, Jon, Darren and William discuss some of the standout highlights from the last 10 years, covering the most memorable guests and lessons learnt. With some spoilers about the next 10 years, this is a podcast not to be missed. Join us, as we explore your, Edible Valley.

Hey Everyone! In this episode ,we were both rapt with attention as Logan had so much incredible information to share. The episode is packed with tidbits and insights about where we are headed as a community in seaweed farming, harvesting, and consuming. I genuinely cannot wait to have back on the show next year to check in with all of the developments in this exciting new field!

  On this episode, our guest Diane Jackson moved to the valley four years ago from Vancouver where she met her partner Andrew who along with Diane also had a huge passion and desire for a simpler way of life and to farm, they set out creating a list of things that needed to get done, starting with moving here and it is a list they continue to use today. But Diane's passion for all things local and farming can be traced much further back to her time in Toronto where she trained as a sommelier with the international sommeliers guild, …..armed with this knowledge and passion she went on to open a successful casual fine dining restaurant in Flesherton, an all season town of 800 people in rural Ontario.  But after many happy years she heard her province of BC calling her home and moved to Osoyoos where she was a sommelier before eventually heading home to Vancouver where she met Andrew and started her plans for what we now know as Fitzgerald Farms.    If you wish to learn more about the Farm here are a few easy way to contact Diane Address:  Fitzgerald Farm                  6499 Fitzgerald Road                 Courtenay BC, Canada Facebook: Fitzgerald Farm Email: dianejackson22@gmail.com Phone Number: 250-485-2487

How lucky are we?! We got to sit down with The Comox Valley Canning Company to discuss canning and preserves with the exuberant and vivacious owner, JJ! Let's talk about the bounty and harvest of everything good about the Valley and harnessing it in a jar for later indulgences! 

Today, Jon and Darren talk about the relationship between chef and farmer. Not just how they play an important role in each other's lives, but the rippling effect outward, and how far it reaches in the community, local economy, and even food trends. The give and take back and forth plays a strong role in the identity of each other's business and persona. Listen in as we discuss what we feel are the 10 most compelling points.  

Well it may have taken us sometime but we are finally able to upload this interview from an earlier time. With all the chaos in the world to do with the Corona virus its good to know that organization like LUSH Valley (Let Us Share the Harvest) have been looking at food security in our community. Lush Valleys mission is to support the Comox Valley in gaining food-systems skills and knowledge to increase food security, self-sufficiency, and local food production across the region.  We are excited to sit down with Maurita Prato Executive Director of LUSH Valley to learn just a little bit more about all the amazing things LUSH Valley does. We talk about all the program LUSH is involved with such as Fruit tree, Healthy food, Share the harvest and Garden share and learn how they are trying to shape our food community. At this time we would also bring attention to lush valleys Emergency Food Share Program which is aimed at providing food to those in need in the Comox Valley, including those in need of financial and/or food delivery assistance. The program also provides pick-up and delivery of donated food items from businesses and supports neighbourhood food drives. If you are able to donate at this time every little bit counts.   Website: https://lushvalley.org/food-share/ Please direct all questions to foodshare@lushvalley.org or to 250-207-HELP (4357). Call Centre hours of operation are:Monday/Wednesday/Friday – 9:00 am to 1:00 pmTuesday/Thursday – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Do you eat, drink, think, local? We have “Edible Vancouver Island” to talk with us about their new with quarterly publication and online resource, committed to celebrating and promoting the local food and drink culture of Vancouver Island. Dawn Postnikoff (Publisher / Editor) and Danika McDowell (Creative Director) join us to discuss their new project. 

After a long break Jonathan and Darren are back from a busy summer and ready to start interviewing again.  A new event “Farm Fresh Soup Fest” is coming to the Comox Valley. This food competition being hosted at the Black Creek Community Centre with the help of Lush Valley is sure to be a hit. With 10 local chefs using locally sourced ingredients to create masterful soups for 150 lucky guest. In this episode we talk with Jessie Gill marketing and event coordinator for the Black Creek Community centre and learn about the event. We also learn about some of our favourite soup and what goes into a great soup.