Agriculture

Today we bring back two of our very first guests on the podcast: Lia and BrianMcCormick.  We always like catching up with our old neighbours, and this episode is no exception. The Clever Crow duo run a farm filled with ducks and chickens; a store featuring the ever popular and locally produced hand harvested salts; cooking classes; and soon a commercial kitchen. 

This time we head down to Union Bay where we find out what's happening on the Hazel Creek Farm. We take time to talk with chef and "As you Like it" owner, Laura Agnew, to learn about the wonderful things coming out of her kitchen and great eats that are available in Union Bay. Her company offers gourmet products, take home meals, and special event catering throughout the Comox Valley.

   With the new year upon us Darren and Jonathan spend time discussing 2017 and the events surrounding it. This is a chance for the two to reminisce about the previous year. From farming to food banks, they discuss all the interesting events and people they had the fortune of meeting. Darren and Jonathan also spend some time planning for upcoming food challenges, topics, and their ability to interview and learn more in the upcoming year. Feel free to join with us.

On this week's episode we have the wonderful oppurtunity of sitting down with Shannon Simpson and Caroline Fisher and talking about the amazing salad bar program and Huband Elementary. This program provides a healthy nutritious meal available to all the students for a low cost. Students help portion it, serve it, and importantly not waste anything. Grab a plate and dive in with us as we learn about this program and how you could start it in your own school.

Allain Lepine from 'Island of Eden Farms' joins Chef Jonathan and Darren tonight to talk about their use of hydroponics to grow local greens and veggies. Starting their farm within a 2.5m x 2.5m x 12m space, they make great use of newer farming techniques, such as vertical and horizontal farming. With the ablility to produce fresh greens year long, and no need of pesticides or herbicides. Listen in to learn more!   

Lucky us! Tonight, we get to talk to Eduardo Uranga and Thierry Vrain (and Ivan Loubier) of the CCAC - The Community Created Agricultural Co-op. An ambitious venture - they aim to acquire agricultural land to grow pesticide and antibiotic free foods for 300 families. Listen in and see just how far they've come, how well planned and sourced this project is, and how you can still get involved before it's too late! 

Looking for a Chef? Looking for a cook? Join the club! Its becoming more and more difficult to find kitchen staff. Jonathan and Darren discuss what is happening in the 'back of house' across Canada.

  It’s fruit picking time again. This time we have a chance to talk with James McKerricher of Lush Valley to find out what’s happening with their fruit picking program and other programs with Lush Valley. www.lushvalley.org Phone: 250-331-0152  Email: admin@lushvalley.org Mail: PO Box 20008, Courtenay, BC V9N 0A7  

Chef Jonathan Frazier and Darren Howlett sit down with Chanchal Cabrera of Innisfree Farm. Chanchal brings us up to speed on all of the changes that have happened at the farm since the last time we checked in with Innisfree Farm. Most notably, the change to 'Innisfrfee Farm and Botanical Garden'. This is an exciting time for the Chanchal, Thierry and the farm, as this designation does not come lightly or easily. Listen in as she explains all they have had to do and want to do with the beautiful space that is Innisfree, including the upcoming Herb Gathering, daily tours of the gardens, apprenticeship programs, harvests, and more.

Well the survey may be over now, but if you're interested in urban agriculture listen to us catch up with Andrea Cupelli (LUSH Valley Program Coordinator) and James McKerricher (Urban Agriculture enthusiast and LUSH Valley Board Member) to discuss some of the rewards of growing food in the city, and why they want to increase it here in our community. To Contact  Phone: 250-331-0152 Email: admin@lushvalley.org On Facebook: @lushvalleyfood On Twitter: @lushvalleyfood On Instagram: @lushvalley www.lushvalley.org