Agriculture

In the latest episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, hosts Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer are joined by Mary-Jane Douglas, co-owner of Ridgewood Farm in Merville and an active member of the BC Cattlemen’s Association. Mary-Jane shares insights into her commitment to raising beef, eggs, and pork with sustainable practices, which are offered at the Comox Valley Farmer’s Market. She also highlights her excitement for “Burger It Forward,” a Canada-wide initiative launched by Canada’s beef farmers to support community restaurants and food banks. Last year, the campaign raised over $67,000, and organizers aim to expand BC’s participation in 2025. Mary-Jane encourages Vancouver Island restaurants to get involved, emphasizing the pride local farmers feel in supporting this community giveback program.

CSA's (community supported agriculture) or just 'farm boxes' are a great way to help your local farmers and yourself, with the freshest local produce available. This week Jon and William welcome Arzeena from Amara Farms back to the show and Courtney from Peas and Love Produce. We discuss how you can get involved with your local Comox Valley farm, how it's done and what to expect!

This week we go to the very origins of farming in the Comox Valley, we talk about seeds! Good Earth Farms Seeds based out of Black Creek take things back to basics with a non-nonsense approach to farming and growing a truly local product. Join us, as we explore our Edible Valley!

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.