A green plant that is in huge demand is poised to become Squamish's newest cash crop.
The plant is wasabia japonica. The root is the base ingredient for the spicy green paste that is often served with sushi.
Most of the wasabi served at restaurants and available in stores is not the real thing because the demand for genuine wasabia japonica greatly outstrips the supply. Most of the wasabi available in B.C. is made from horseradish, Chinese mustard and food colouring.
The Kameya Food Corporation is heading up the new agricultural initiative in Squamish. The company took an interest in Squamish following the creation of the sister city bond that was established last year between Squamish and Shimizu-cho. The Japanese food company has a food processing plant in Shimizu-cho.
"Their plan is to establish the company here in Squamish and then make a factory for making wasabi products," said Kameya Foods Canada local spokesperson Abe Kushida.
Makoto Yoshida will manage the agricultural operation in Squamish. He will become a full-time resident of Squamish next year on a work visa. Yoshida will launch a test of the potential to grow field wasabi in Squamish. The test will take place in a two- to three-acre field on land owned by Gord Phillips.
Along with growing the wasabi, Yoshida plans to try his hand at farming other Asian plants that are demand.
"They are also thinking about a pine mushroom factory," Kushida said. "We found pine mushrooms at our place and there are lots of them around here and Pemberton and Whistler. They will employ people around here."
If the tests go well, the Japanese company plans to expand its operations.
Wasabi is native to Japan and it is difficult to grow. Sawa wasabi is the semi-aquatic version of the plant that traditionally grows in cool mountain Japanese streams and oka wasabi is grown in fields. The semi-aquatic version is a higher quality plant.
A company called Pacific Coast Wasabi Ltd. is successfully growing the plant in Vancouver and selling it to restaurants in B.C. and Alberta. The company claims on its website that the semi-aquatic plants are of a higher standard than the same plants grown in Japan. The field version of the plant is grown under organic conditions.
Yoshida was in Squamish for 10 days in September setting things up and he plans to return in December for a visit then move here permanently in April. Koshida said Yoshida will come with his boss, Ken Kamegai, to mark Squamish's 40th anniversary. The agriculture businessmen will be part of a large delegation coming to Squamish from Shimizu-cho to help celebrate the anniversary. Kamegai also happens to be the leader of a cultural exchange society in Japan.
"It is a good relationship between Squamish and Shimizu-cho," said Kushida.
