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Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): A Partnership Between Farmers and Community

February 14, 2017 By newwestfarmers

By J. Dennis, farmer at Zaklan Heritage Farm

Have you noticed local farmers selling CSA shares and wondered what they are all about? CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and it is a partnership between farmers and community members who wish to support local sustainable agriculture. The idea is that community members buy a share of the harvest before the season begins and they receive their share in the form of a weekly box of vegetables (or sometimes grains, fish, eggs, fruit, meat) over the course of the farm season.

CSAs help farmers by providing revenue at the beginning of the season before there are crops to sell, but there are many input costs such as seeds. CSAs are also great for farmers as it is a guarantee that a certain quantity of product is sold and helps farmers plan what to grow. CSAs are one form of direct marketing, which means that farmers are able to sell their produce directly to a customer. This direct link between the farmer and people eating the food they grow is an essential component of CSA programs as well as farmers markets. Connecting customers with farms and farmers is a way for people to learn about where their food comes from and for individuals to support the creation of more sustainable food systems in their communities. As with farmers markets, community is an important aspect and CSAs bring community members and farmers together through food and farming.

Now is the time of year that many small-farms are selling CSA shares for the coming farm season. Zaklan Heritage Farm is a small-scale farm that practices ecological agriculture and grows a wide diversity of vegetables in Surrey. We are a vendor at the New West Farmers market and have a CSA program that is open to people in the Surrey and New West communities. Members who join our CSA can pick up their share either at the New West Farmers market during opening hours (Thursdays 3pm – 7pm) or at our farm in Surrey (Saturdays 10am-2pm). We have weekly share options or biweekly share options with the option of adding on eggs from our laying hens and fruit from an organic farm in the Okanagan. We also have three season options: spring, summer and fall programs. You can register for one, two or all seasons. We are growing our CSA program this year and are looking for new members to join us.

If you are interested in signing up for Zaklan Heritage Farm’s CSA Program you can find full program details and register on our website: http://zaklanheritagefarm.com/csa/

 

Filed Under: Blog

Farmers Market Challenge – Unexpected Absence

February 9, 2017 By newwestfarmers

What do you do when you walk into a world of veggies only to discover there are no veggies?

That was the dilemma I faced last market day. For days I had excitedly anticipated carrots and kale, beets and squash filling my bags. We had been without the über fresh for over a month due to weather extremities; it had been far too long.

I got there early, right as the clock struck 11 a.m. I walked up and down the vender rows. I went inside the tent. I did a second run through. My eyes were surely deceiving me. The only vegetables they saw were potatoes, a beautiful buffet of potatoes, but only potatoes. That was it. Nothing more. After the second run-through, I started asking questions.

The ladies at Kiki’s Kitchen filled me in. The aforementioned weather extremities that had made market conditions too dangerous to proceed a couple weeks earlier, had also wreaked havoc on our farmers’ crops. Winter had come.

I could have walked away. I am sure some did walk away. But what is a challenge without the challenge?

This was an opportunity.

This is what farmers’ markets are all about.

They are unpredictable. They are at the whim of the weather. Nothing is guaranteed.

Except, of course, new discoveries.

Had the veggies been there: I would not have spent $12 on a bag of smoked chanterelles; I would not have stopped before the row of $10 homemade soups; I would not have indulged in that sample of award-winning honey. In my budget-minded books those were luxuries, not necessities. But had I not indulged, those new flavours would forever have been lost on me.

That would have been a shame.

Without the vegetables stealing my attention, this shopping adventure was all about splurging.

Market Loot:

Wheelhouse Seafoods: • 2 salmon burgers ($9)

Kiki’s Kitchen: • 1 jar ginger-beet soup, 2 servings ($10)

Your Wildest Foods • 1 bag of dried smoked chantrelle mushrooms, 6 servings ($12)

Honey Bee Zen • 1 500 ml jar wildflower honey ($9)

Total spent: $40

The salmon burgers and dried mushrooms were not new purchases. We had purchased the salmon in our first week of the summer challenge, and the mushrooms were purchased the first week of the winter challenge. Experienced forager Matt McAllister travels all over North America seeking his mushrooms; he had just got back from a trip to California where he had found “exotic” black trumpet mushrooms. But it was the smoky ones I was interested in. Previously I had tried his fire morels that had been foraged from areas devastated by fire. When you have had smoked mushrooms, it is real hard to go back. The smokiness is deep and dominant. I would recommend pairing them with a dish that is not already overly flavoured. We used ours in risotto and omelettes. We contemplated putting them into a stir fry, but we thought better of it figuring the mushrooms and soy sauce would be in an all out battle for flavour power.

The honey was for my four-year-old, who has been struggling the past month with a cold, turned flu, turned ear infection, turned lingering, hacking cough. As such, he’s been gobbling up our honey stores like crazy. At Honey Bee Zen, I sampled a few of the options, but it was the Harvest Moon that had me salivating for more. Turns out, plenty others too. This flavouring, which has placed first in B.C. the last four years running, was awarded third in its class at the American Beekeepers Federation’s annual Honey Show in Texas the week prior – where it was also auctioned off for $120!

I paid $9 for the same flavour and size.

The soup was all me. After a month of dealing with a sick child, my belly needed comfort, health and ease. Of the three soup vendors on site, I opted for Kiki’s Kitchen. I sampled the super greens and ginger-beet, and the ladies would have allowed me to keep going with the other flavours, but I needed to show restraint, if only for my budget. I was already blown away by the first two.

The super greens was creamy, with a definite, but not overwhelming vegetable note, and a pleasantly, surprising, heated kick at the end. Comparably, the ginger-beet was all ginger. For those who love ginger, this is your soup. Topped with a dusting of parmesan and a few slices of avocado – Oh. My. Yum. I do not know if I have ever had a pureéd soup so delicious. Lucky for me, Kiki and Paula felt they needed a boost of colour in their flavour options, which is how the ginger-beet came to be.

The quantity of my expenditures may not have filled my bags, but they sure did fill my belly.

Filed Under: New Westminster, Uncategorized Tagged With: Belmont Street, clean living, eating frugal, farmers market, frugal shopping

Kikis Kitchen – Serving up all the Soups

February 7, 2017 By newwestfarmers

Meet Michelle and Kathryn of Kiki’s Kitchen!

Q: How long have you been in the soup business?
A: We began at home in January of 2015 and started the commercial kitchen in January of 2016.

Q: What’s your future plans?
A: We want to offer home delivery service and expand to more farmers’ markets that are located further afield. Also moving into a brick and mortar store in 2017.

Q: Where is the kitchen located?
A: In North Vancouver in the Northshore Auto Mall.

Q: What’s your favourite soup?
A: Michele’s favourite is the roasted corn and potato. chowder (sorry – it’s offered during the summer only!)
Kathryn’s is the lentil.

Q: What excites you about your business?
A: We buy directly from farmers or from discovery organics. We’ve had the opportunity to meet and support female farmers. We also get to pick some of our own stuff to make the soups!

Q: Do you have a company mascot
A: Dogs! We have two ridgebacks and a Scout [RCFM note – Scout is a dog, not a breed!]. All soup is dog approved!

Check out their instagram for some great foodie-porn pics as well as some Scout and ridgeback photos!

They also have a website and you can follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Filed Under: Blog

Saturday February 4th Market Day

February 2, 2017 By newwestfarmers

The weather has been beautiful and we’re hoping the snow holds off and the blue skies remain for the market! Feeling heavy with everything happening in the world? Spend time with members of you community supporting local farmers.

Join us on Saturday February 4 from 11am to 3pm on Belmont Street between 6th Street and 7th Street. Our location is nestled in the heart of Uptown New Westminster and is accessible by transit, car, bike and for those of you walking from nearby neighborhoods.

Be sure to visit the vendors situated in our big marquee tent sponsored by the wonderful folks of the Uptown Business Association. You’ll find many of your favourite vendors under the tent as well as some new faces.

Driving to the market? FREE PARKING is available at Westminster Centre, directly across the street from Belmont Street. If you are taking transit the #106 bus stops at 5th avenue and 6th street.

Join us on Belmont Street for lunch! Enjoy a relaxing chai tea at the recently re-opened Uptown Parklet!

A list of our vendors for January 21 can be found below. Please check out Facebook Page or Twitter for any last minute cancellations or updates.

 

What’s happening at the Market?

Visit the Boucher Institute Of Naturopathic Medicine booth to get some information about the school, programs, workshops and all your naturopathic needs.

Entertainment 

  • Roland Kaulfuss Music Stage presents Larry’s Brother!

Farm Fresh Produce

  • Ossome Acres -winter squash, kale, kalettes, Brussels sprouts, micro-greens, spinach, salad mix, lettuce, herbs, hand-milled soap, walnuts
  • Bose & Sons Family Farm – cauliflower, potatoes
  • Your Wildest Foods – foraged mushrooms, dried teas and fresh mushrooms
  • Nutrigreens – microgreens
  • Country Village Market – berries, frozen blueberries

Beef, Eggs, Poultry and Seafood

  • Rockweld Farm – BCSPCA-certified frozen chicken and chicken products including eggs, dog and cat food
  • Wild West Coast Seafoods –  flash frozen fillets of rock sole, petrale sole, rockfish, ling cod, Pacific cod, sablefish, chinook/spring salmon, coho salmon, sidestripe shrimp, halibut, albacore tuna loin.
  • Wheelhouse Seafoods – seafood pasta and crab cakes, frozen salmon and spot prawns
  • Local Beef & Eggs – purslane, onions, chives, rhubarb, eggs, kale

Artisan Breads

  • A Bread Affair – breads, baguettes, ciabattas, rolls, scones (Certified Organic)

Bakery

  • Sweet Thea Cakes – tarts, pies, cookies and cakes
  • Simply Scones – traditional English-style scones
  • Samaya Delights – turmeric muffins, baklava
  • Baguette & co. – french baguettes and pastries
  • Gesundheit Bakery – breads, pretzels

Snacks

  • Gary’s Kettlecorn – kettle corn (traditional and caramel)
  • Handworks Coffee – single drip and hand-whisked matcha teas
  • KICS Lemonade – delicious lemonades and syrups

Eat On Site

  • Wheelhouse Seafoods – salmon burgers
  • Country Village Market – pakoras!

Prepared Foods (Pantry Staples)

  • Jam Shack Preservery – savoury spreads and jams
  • Lilise Applesauce -delicious gourmet applesauces
  • Old Country Pierogi –frozen pierogies (gluten free and vegan options available)
  • Muy Rico – salsas, mayonaise, mole sauces, tortilla chips and corn tortillas
  • Simply Delish Soups & Salads – delicious mixes for soups and more!
  • BobAli – tasty dips and hummus spreads
  • Real Meals – prepared frozen foods for healthy meals at home
  • Honey Bee Zen Apiary – New West honey and honey infused products
  • Anne’s Gallery -jams, chutneys and preserves and spiced peach jam!
  • Tasty & Nourishing – soups and stews
  • Sidney’s Smokehouse – locally made jerky
  • Kiki’s Kitchen – vegan soups
  • Roasters Hot Sauce – flavoured hot sauces
  • Sidney SmokeHouse – flavoured beef jerky
  • The Salt Dispensary – craft salts

Jewelry & Artisan Crafts

  • New World Felting -beautifully made felted scarves & hats
  • Ildiko Jewelry – handforged sterling silver jewelry
  • Quality Oak Accents – handmade quality cutting boards

Health, Beauty & Services

  • Oh La La Cosmetics – all natural facial and haircare products

Wine, Beer & Spirits

  • Dragon Mist Distillery – locally made vodka and gin
  • Steel & Oak – locally brewed beer

 

Special Thanks to our Music Stage Sponsor Roland Kaulfuss:

rolandkaulfuss logo

Filed Under: Featured, Next Market Tagged With: artisans, bc, bread, craft beer, Farmers, farmers market, Fresh, local, locavore, lower mainland, new west, New Westminster, Produce, RCFM

Saturday January 21st Market Day

January 19, 2017 By newwestfarmers

eggs

Have you missed us? We sure have missed YOU!

We want to wish every single one of you a wonderful New Year! May our produce be fresh and your appetites grand! Let’s start the year with a good basket filling!

Join us on Saturday January 21st from 11am to 3pm on Belmont Street between 6th Street and 7th Street. Our location is nestled in the heart of Uptown New Westminster and is accessible by transit, car, bike and for those of you walking from nearby neighborhoods.

Be sure to visit the vendors situated in our big marquee tent sponsored by the wonderful folks of the Uptown Business Association. You’ll find many of your favourite vendors under the tent as well as some new faces.

Driving to the market? FREE PARKING is available at Westminster Centre, directly across the street from Belmont Street. If you are taking transit the #106 bus stops at 5th avenue and 6th street.

Join us on Belmont Street for lunch! Enjoy a relaxing chai tea on one of the Uptown Parklet adirondack chairs!

A list of our vendors for January 21 can be found below. Please check out Facebook Page or Twitter for any last minute cancellations or updates.

 

What’s happening at the Market?

Entertainment 

  • Roland Kaulfuss Music Stage presents Barry Wilson.

Farm Fresh Produce

  • Ossome Acres -winter squash, kale, kalettes, Brussels sprouts, micro-greens, spinach, salad mix, lettuce, herbs, hand-milled soap, walnuts
  • Bose & Sons Family Farm – cauliflower, potatoes
  • Your Wildest Foods – foraged mushrooms, dried teas and fresh mushrooms

Beef, Eggs, Poultry and Seafood

  • Rockweld Farm – BCSPCA-certified frozen chicken and chicken products including eggs, dog and cat food
  • Wild West Coast Seafoods –  flash frozen fillets of Rock Sole, petrale sole, rockfish, ling cod, Pacific cod, sablefish, chinook/spring Salmon, coho salmon, sidestripe shrimp, halibut, albacore tuna loin.
  • Wheelhouse Seafoods – seafood pasta and crab cakes, frozen salmon and spot prawns
  • Local Beef & Eggs – purslane, onions, chives, rhubarb, eggs, kale

Artisan Breads

  • A Bread Affair – breads, baguettes, ciabattas, rolls, scones (Certified Organic)

Gluten Free Breads & Baking

  • Marie’s Guilt Free Baking – bread, cookies, pizza dough and snacks

Bakery

  • Sweet Thea Cakes – tarts, pies, cookies and cakes
  • Simply Scones – traditional English-style scones
  • Half Pint Pies – frozen mini-pies to take home and bake
  • Samaya Delights – turmeric muffins, baklava
  • Gesundheit Bakery – breads, pretzels

Snacks

  • Gary’s Kettlecorn – kettle corn (traditional and caramel)
  • Handworks Coffee – single drip and hand-whisked matcha teas

Eat On Site

  • Wheelhouse Seafoods – salmon burgers
  • Eli’s Serious Sausage – serious hot hogs

Prepared Foods (Pantry Staples)

  • Jam Shack Preservery – savoury spreads and jams
  • Lilise Applesauce -delicious gourmet applesauces
  • Old Country Pierogi –frozen pierogies (gluten free and vegan options available)
  • Muy Rico – salsas, mayonaise, mole sauces, tortilla chips and corn tortillas
  • Simply Delish Soups & Salads – delicious mixes for soups and more!
  • BobAli – tasty dips and hummus spreads
  • Real Meals – prepared frozen foods for healthy meals at home
  • Honey Bee Zen Apiary – New West honey and honey infused products
  • Anne’s Gallery -jams, chutneys and preserves and Spiced Peach Jam!
  • Tasty & Nourishing – soups and stews
  • Sidney’s Smokehouse – locally made jerky
  • Kiki’s Kitchen – vegan soups

Jewelry & Artisan Crafts

  • New World Felting -beautifully made felted scarves & hats
  • Ildiko Jewelry – handforged sterling silver jewelry

Health, Beauty & Services

  • Purely Clean – an all natural way to clean your home
  • Oh La La Cosmetics – all natural facial and haircare products

Wine, Beer & Spirits

  • Dragon Mist Distillery – locally made vodka and gin
  • Steel & Oak – Locally Brewed Beer

 

Special Thanks to our Music Stage Sponsor Roland Kaulfuss:

rolandkaulfuss logo

Filed Under: Next Market, NWFM News Tagged With: artisans, bc, craft beer, event, farmers market, Fresh, local, locavore, new west, New West Farmers Market, Produce, RCFM, Uptown

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Land Acknowledgement

Our market is grateful to operate on the unceded land of the Qayqayt, Kwikwetlem, and other Halkomelem speaking Peoples. We acknowledge that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. We acknowledge the incredible gift this land is to our market and BC Agriculture. We commit to the ongoing work of decolonization and allyship.

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