2021 at Fractal Farm
2020 was a doozie. For the farm, 2021 promises to also bring a lot of changes.
You may have heard that 2020 was the last year we could be on our Richmond site. The good news is: we have secured a new piece of land! The could-be-better news is that while the new site is perfect in many ways, it’s also a ways off from being able to produce veggies.
As such, we will not be running our standard CSA this season. Later in the season, we will be returning to certain markets, and potentially starting a fall CSA.
As we build our farm, we’re going to need a lot of help! Please take a moment to read about the ways that you could be a part of helping Fractal Farm settle into its new digs (pun 100% intended).
Investing in the Future of Agriculture
Our new location is perfect in many ways. It’s a shorter commute for staff and markets, meaning less emissions and easier access. It has been used as pasture for goats for at least 10 years, meaning the soil is rich in natural fertilizer. It has plenty of space to grow, meaning that we could expand into areas like fruits and nuts. The site is also owned by some dedicated farmers. They would like to see the site used for agriculture, but need to take a break after the many years they’ve been at it. Maintaining land in production is crucial to proving to the Agricultural Land Commission that land like this must be preserved.
The downside is that the site has not previously been used for vegetable production, and as such doesn’t have some key pieces of infrastructure. First, we need to dig a well that will supply our needs for irrigation and washing your veggies. Next, we will need power to operate the well pump and other tools. Finally, structures for processing, seedling propagation, and storage need to be established for us to be able to grow your produce. It’s going to take a lot of money, and a lot of time, but we’re happy to do the work. These improvements will remain on the site even if we don’t, meaning that this work and investment will represent a permanent benefit to agricultural capacity in Metro Vancouver.
Join us at the Farm!
There will be lots of physical work at the farm this year! You can also help us out by joining for some physically distanced work outside! (Public health orders permitting, of course). If you’re interested in helping out by volunteering, please sign up here:
