Riding on the coattails of the return of the ever-popular Squamish summer Farmers' Market, where local farmers showcase their wares and people come in droves to purchase them, the Squamish Climate Action Network's (CAN) food group is bringing celebrated farmer, writer and lecturer, Michael Ableman, to town.
Ableman will deliver a presentation entitled "Feeding the Future," sharingbest practices inthe ecological farming movement from rural to urban, from around the world to our own backyards, with the stories of the people and the land that bring the movement to life.
Ableman's presentation will take place on Thursday (May 26) and organizer Katie Pease described the inspiration behind the event.
"The Squamish CAN food group is interested in engaging people in a conversation about what we all can do to create a thriving, healthy community in part due to our food choices by seeking answers to questions such as: If malnutrition and obesity are rampant problems in North America (and increasingly amongst our children), how does eating a diet with lots of whole foods contribute togoodoverall health? Can a local food economy really create jobs, wealth and a better quality of life for people in Squamish? Why does supporting a local farmer make a difference?
"Michael is one of a few people in North America who has experienced firsthand how answers to the above questions are shaping a food movement that is growing exponentially across North America, including in B.C.," she said.
From Ableman's beginnings at Fairview Gardens in California, one of North America's most successful models of local and urban agriculture, to his most recent project, Sole Food Farm, a flourishing urban farm on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Ableman has been pioneering techniques for small-scale agriculture for more than 30 years. Founder of the Centre for Arts, Ecology and Agriculture, he currently lives and farms on Salt Spring Island and is a strong advocate for small-scale farming.
"The difference between small and industrial farming is like the difference between navigating a small boat and a cargo ship," Ableman said. "One requires miles and miles to make a turn. We small farmers can manoeuvre around that.
"Let's get beyond organics and recognize the power of small, sustainable farms and regional food systems. Small farms are 15 to 20 times more productive than large-scale counterparts and yield greater varieties of produce," he said. "My thing right now is seeing farmers like myself as being very important leaders in our communities and holding them up as great models."
His solution to the challenge of feeding future generations is clear.
"The most important message is to develop regional agriculture. It solves just about every problem. The amount of energy spent cooling, storing and transporting food to markets is currently enormous. Growing and selling for a regional market, using super-insulated cooling units, incorporating solar and wind for electricity, are some ways to conserve," he said.
When asked what she sees for the future of food in Squamish, Pease responded, "In order to feed the future with healthy food, communities will need to grow much more food locally. I believe many people will get involved in growing their own food... from a small amount like their salad greens to feeding themselves and their families through the seasons," she said. "Squamish was founded, in part, as an agricultural community and much of that history/knowledge can be learned again."
But learning to grow food is just the beginning, she said.
"Local food production also requires the redevelopment of a distribution network, such as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), farmers' markets, and food hubs a centralized location that serves as a market, distribution centre and commercial kitchen.
"Where this will lead, I hope, will be to a future that sees everyone in the community fed with healthy nutritious food, people sharing great food and stories, an enhanced economy due to the trade of local food products and ecological health due to holistic farming practices."
Thursday's event takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Howe Sound Secondary and will feature a presentation and slideshow by Ableman. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., to allow time to meet local farmers and purchase books. Admission is by donation. Go to www.fieldsofplenty.com for more info on Ableman.
