Taking a serious look at farming in Sooke

Seeds planted for farm mentorship program

When Curt Maxwell and his wife moved to a small acreage close to Gordon’s Beach, they wanted to work the land for the supplementary income as well as the health and wellness factor.

The Maxwell’s arrived in the area from Calgary and the recent downturn in the economy made the couple rethink their future. For Maxwell it’s a part of wanting to be settled.

“We thought it was time to take a serious look,” said Maxwell. “We don’t want to make a ton of money — but enough. We want to work the land, for health and fitness, and to get connected to the community in a different way. There’s big questions there,” he said.

His curiosity and need to know is timely. The Sooke and Area Food CHI (Community Health Initiative) has initiated a project for new and wannabe farmers. It’s a mentorship program where  new farmers can get expert advice from those who have gone before.

“The public keeps thinking we need more markets, but what we need is more farmers,” said Mary Alice Johnson of ALM Organic Farm. “All we have is two farmers and a co-op table at the Saturday Market.”

She said she has been mentoring would-be farmers for years and if it was just her on her own she’d not only be run off her feet, but it would be less exciting. On board with the project is ALM Organic Farm, Ragley Farm, Silver Cloud, Ellen Lewers and Phil Wilford. The project is funded through Vancouver Island Health Authority, Farm Folk/City Folk and the Juan de Fuca Economic Development Commission.

They are seeking up to 10 participants.

Participants do not need to have their own land or plan to farm full time to get involved.

What the participants would get in the mentorship program are farm visits, workshops and individual consultation. Experienced farmer/mentors will assist with needs such as; selecting land, laying out the farm, choosing the right crops, harvesting, sourcing input, marketing, etc.

“I see participants choosing a farmer as a mentor,” said Johnson.

“The mentorship program is so important,” said Maxwell. “You get first hand experience.”

The project has hired a coordinator, Keeley Nixon, who will do research and interview the participants in regard to their specific needs.

At the end of the project they hope to print a booklet, “So You Want to Set Up a Farm in the Sooke Area.” The project runs from October to March, 2010.

Farming is not a business where one gets rich — it is a lifestyle. Mary Alice Johnson has been farming and teaching farming for a long time. Her farm makes good use of World Youth participants and exchange students. It’s a viable enterprise in a way. While the farm isn’t rolling in big bucks it has all kinds of benefits which can’t be counted in dollar values.

“I feel like royalty,” said Johnson. “My body is in great shape for a 66-year-old. It’s poverty wages, but it’s a good supplement. There are lots of benefits. If you get farm status, you lower your tax status, and you get the best food straight from your garden. We’re the privileged poor.”’

For more information, go to www.sookefoodchi.ca

editor@sookenewsmirror.com