Our Forest Garden CSA is Sold Out
Thank you to all our members!
Farming As Nature Intended
Community Supported Agriculture
is a system where farmers sell shares of their harvest before the growing season and the shareholders not only accept some of the risks that go along with growing/raising food but they share in the abundance. By selling their farm shares in advance farmers insure they have money to buy seeds, supplies, and capital while assuring them of a set income so they can focus on caring for their shareholders food. In return for their purchased share the member receives regular deliveries of bounty from the farm. We believe this is an excellent system that builds a relationship between the farmer and his community year after year. For the most part most CSA programs are run as summer or winter vegetable share, and while we hope to develop a veggie CSA in the future, right now we have other plans.
The Inspiration
We live in the Aspen Parkland Biome . This means that our natural ecosystem consists of groves of aspen poplars and spruce trees with a variety of understory perennial shrubs, vines and ground cover species. This would be interspersed with areas of prairie grasslands that was historically home to massive herds of grazing bison. This biome is extremely resilient and very productive. As this is what nature wants to become why not work with it to achieve its true potential rather than fight natural succession, expending huge amounts of time and resources in the process! Why not set up a farm that mimics our Aspen Parkland biome. Using it as our template we can create a farm that really is as nature intended. What if we swap poplar, birch and box elder for apples, pears, cherries, plums and apricots. Change our native Jack Pine for Korean Pine and we've got pine nuts as big as pistachios! Throw in some walnuts, chestnuts and oaks from the Oak Savannah Biome just south of us and we have our canopy species! The mid story and understory is a little easier as hazelnuts, raspberries, cherries, saskatoons, gooseberries and currants are already native here. However we could add a few extras like mulberries, haskaps/honeyberries and hardy kiwis just to mix things up a bit. As for the ground layer, well we can just stick to strawberries and an incredible variety of medicinal plants that already call this place home. That covers our wooded areas, now what about the interspersed areas of grasslands? We simply plant some native grasses and some legumes in between our groves of fruit and nut trees and we are almost done! The last step is integrating animals into our farm system. Seeing as bison are a little hard to manage and the fact we already have cattle, pigs and some chickens why not let them roam around keeping the trees in check! And there you have it! A farm modelled after nature. If we also implement practical design and management systems already in place like Permaculture, Keyline Design, Holistic Management and a variety of other proven strategies ,we can have a farm that is regenerative, resilient and beautiful. A Forest Garden! A farm that can passively manage water, build soil, sequester carbon, create and manage its own fertility and provide wildlife habitat all while providing our community with a diverse and healthy diet! This may seem like a crazy idea but it has all been done before. In fact there are hundreds of examples of farms like this all over the world that are well established, some are close to 30-40 years old! Don't believe me, just look here , here and here ! In fact we have two small examples of these systems on our farm already! Come see for yourself! We have already planted over an acre of fruit trees totalling over 80 trees and 200 plus support plants in the ground! If all goes well in the summer of 2014 some of these 6- 10 foot plus trees will start to fruit! Please take a look at this video we made about our vision of the Forest Garden, it should help you get a better picture of how it will all come together.
The Inspiration
We live in the Aspen Parkland Biome . This means that our natural ecosystem consists of groves of aspen poplars and spruce trees with a variety of understory perennial shrubs, vines and ground cover species. This would be interspersed with areas of prairie grasslands that was historically home to massive herds of grazing bison. This biome is extremely resilient and very productive. As this is what nature wants to become why not work with it to achieve its true potential rather than fight natural succession, expending huge amounts of time and resources in the process! Why not set up a farm that mimics our Aspen Parkland biome. Using it as our template we can create a farm that really is as nature intended. What if we swap poplar, birch and box elder for apples, pears, cherries, plums and apricots. Change our native Jack Pine for Korean Pine and we've got pine nuts as big as pistachios! Throw in some walnuts, chestnuts and oaks from the Oak Savannah Biome just south of us and we have our canopy species! The mid story and understory is a little easier as hazelnuts, raspberries, cherries, saskatoons, gooseberries and currants are already native here. However we could add a few extras like mulberries, haskaps/honeyberries and hardy kiwis just to mix things up a bit. As for the ground layer, well we can just stick to strawberries and an incredible variety of medicinal plants that already call this place home. That covers our wooded areas, now what about the interspersed areas of grasslands? We simply plant some native grasses and some legumes in between our groves of fruit and nut trees and we are almost done! The last step is integrating animals into our farm system. Seeing as bison are a little hard to manage and the fact we already have cattle, pigs and some chickens why not let them roam around keeping the trees in check! And there you have it! A farm modelled after nature. If we also implement practical design and management systems already in place like Permaculture, Keyline Design, Holistic Management and a variety of other proven strategies ,we can have a farm that is regenerative, resilient and beautiful. A Forest Garden! A farm that can passively manage water, build soil, sequester carbon, create and manage its own fertility and provide wildlife habitat all while providing our community with a diverse and healthy diet! This may seem like a crazy idea but it has all been done before. In fact there are hundreds of examples of farms like this all over the world that are well established, some are close to 30-40 years old! Don't believe me, just look here , here and here ! In fact we have two small examples of these systems on our farm already! Come see for yourself! We have already planted over an acre of fruit trees totalling over 80 trees and 200 plus support plants in the ground! If all goes well in the summer of 2014 some of these 6- 10 foot plus trees will start to fruit! Please take a look at this video we made about our vision of the Forest Garden, it should help you get a better picture of how it will all come together.
The Community
What has this got to do with Community Supported Agriculture ?
Well normally someone with a “business” plan goes to the bank takes out a loan, fulfills the plan, then spends the next portion of their life repaying the bank, a good portion of which is interest. This current economic system places the farmer, and anyone else, under economic pressure that can start a spiral of financial debt that is unescapable. We all know that the current economic system is largely responsible for most, if not all, of our social and environmental problems so what if there was a better way? After all money is just an agreement. What if instead of going to the bank we went to our community and said “ Hey community we have this idea for a new kind of farm that will provide you with food for the next 100 years or more all while healing the planet! How would you like to help us create it? Oh and instead of paying interest to a bank we will give you the best fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, eggs and honey you have ever tasted!”
So Hey community! We are looking to find a group of families/individuals who are looking for 3 things. The most nutritious food you can imagine, a stronger community and a healthier environment! With this group we hope raise a portion of the money needed to start this adventure and in turn give them first crack at the fruits of our labour!
The one downfall to a perennial based farm like this is that it won't happen overnight... or even in 2-3 years. Because we are working with perennial crops some they will take several years to get established and start producing. This means that it will be several years before we can begin to offer proper full fruit/nut shares to the community. Due to this delay in production we think that a multi year share would be the best option as it would give us several years to focus on the our babies in the ground and it will insure you actually get to taste some of the things you helped us plant! Having a multi year share like this would have some distinct advantages it would:
What has this got to do with Community Supported Agriculture ?
Well normally someone with a “business” plan goes to the bank takes out a loan, fulfills the plan, then spends the next portion of their life repaying the bank, a good portion of which is interest. This current economic system places the farmer, and anyone else, under economic pressure that can start a spiral of financial debt that is unescapable. We all know that the current economic system is largely responsible for most, if not all, of our social and environmental problems so what if there was a better way? After all money is just an agreement. What if instead of going to the bank we went to our community and said “ Hey community we have this idea for a new kind of farm that will provide you with food for the next 100 years or more all while healing the planet! How would you like to help us create it? Oh and instead of paying interest to a bank we will give you the best fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, eggs and honey you have ever tasted!”
So Hey community! We are looking to find a group of families/individuals who are looking for 3 things. The most nutritious food you can imagine, a stronger community and a healthier environment! With this group we hope raise a portion of the money needed to start this adventure and in turn give them first crack at the fruits of our labour!
The one downfall to a perennial based farm like this is that it won't happen overnight... or even in 2-3 years. Because we are working with perennial crops some they will take several years to get established and start producing. This means that it will be several years before we can begin to offer proper full fruit/nut shares to the community. Due to this delay in production we think that a multi year share would be the best option as it would give us several years to focus on the our babies in the ground and it will insure you actually get to taste some of the things you helped us plant! Having a multi year share like this would have some distinct advantages it would:
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Allow us to focus on farming not on our debt and let us know we are supported by our community for the long haul!
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Insure there is a desire for this type of farm. We could get a loan and put this system in place only to have lack of interest from the community. This way the we know you are with us from the start!
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We can get feedback from community about what types of perennials to plant
- “Interest” and “Principle” go to local families not distant banks
The Forest Garden Share
Here is how the share would work. You would make a commitment of $500 or $1000 dollars for a full or half share. We think these prices would work best as it will keep the number of individuals smaller to facilitate ease of communication and increase the intimacy we can have with the initial shareholders. Once you make your initial "investment" in the share you just sit back and wait your delicious food! Each year you will be able to redeem a percentage of your initial commitment for some of our farm's bounty . You could think of it as prepaid "farm tab" or a "food investment plan". In addition, b y taking part in this initial Forest Garden Share you will be given first choice of anything our farm has to offer! This will give you an idea of how the break down for our Food Forest share would look.
1st Year
Of course, this is just to give you the basic idea of what we hope to offer! There will be multiple varieties of each crop and dozens of additional food crops we plan to incorporate into the design! And it won't end in 4 years! Once in production we hope to continue operating as Community Supported Agriculture. Our vision would be that each year members would purchase a share in the our Forest Garden CSA then take part in harvesting of the abundance as each crop came into season. This could, of course, be on a sliding scale with some members picking all of their fruit and others opting for us to provide them with weekly boxes. These are minor details we look forward to working with our community to develop a system that works for everyone.
Our plan is not going to happen overnight, but with a clear plan, support of our community, some good weather and a lot of hard work we know that it's possible. The writing is on the wall and we know that if we continue treating our planet the way we have we are in for some uncertain times! So lets start making the changes we need so we can focus on a world that is healthy, abundant and strong! As the old saying goes “the best time to plant a tree was 100 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is now”.
Their are plenty of benefits to this kind of farm like:
We hope to start work as soon as possible in the Spring of 2014 so we would like to start working with our community right now. Twenty five acres of land is already prepared and we have found suppliers for the plants we need. All that is left is to gather the remaining funds we need to take our plans for paper to earth! Here is what your share would help with.
Initial Project Details and Expenses:
Here is how the share would work. You would make a commitment of $500 or $1000 dollars for a full or half share. We think these prices would work best as it will keep the number of individuals smaller to facilitate ease of communication and increase the intimacy we can have with the initial shareholders. Once you make your initial "investment" in the share you just sit back and wait your delicious food! Each year you will be able to redeem a percentage of your initial commitment for some of our farm's bounty . You could think of it as prepaid "farm tab" or a "food investment plan". In addition, b y taking part in this initial Forest Garden Share you will be given first choice of anything our farm has to offer! This will give you an idea of how the break down for our Food Forest share would look.
1st Year
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10% of share value
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The first year would be limited as we would like to use this as our grace period to get our trees in the ground and get other people involved on an annual basis.
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You could expect: garlic, perhaps a small mixed fruit basket of apples, pears, plums, apricots, eggs, beef, pork, medicinal or culinary herbs, some garden vegetables
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30% of share value
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We will be looking after baby trees and starting to get a harvest from our existing fruit trees (We already) have over 80 fruit and nut trees in the ground that are 6-10 feet tall!)
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You could expect: garlic, certainly a small mixed fruit basket of apples, pears, plums, apricots, strawberries, raspberries, currants, haskaps, gooseberries, eggs, beef, pork, medicinal or culinary herbs, garden vegetables, some top bar hive honey!
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50% of share value
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Now its time to settle up. We should be past the uncertain parts and built up other annual members
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We can start inviting members to come to the farm and take part harvesting
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You could expect: garlic, a good deal of apples, pears, plums, apricots, cherries, lots of strawberries, raspberries, currants, haskaps, gooseberries, eggs, beef, pork, perhaps some nuts, medicinal or culinary herbs, garden vegetables, some top bar hive honey!
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20% of share value
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Now its time to pay off the interest to you loan sharks! That's right .You get an additional 10% of the value of your initial share value! This will be our way of saying thanks and rewarding you for your trust and commitment!
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You could expect: garlic, loads of apples, pears, plums, apricots, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants, haskaps, gooseberries, eggs, beef, pork and by now our hazelnuts will be producing so you can expect some locally grown nuts, medicinal or culinary herbs, garden vegetables, some top bar hive honey!
Of course, this is just to give you the basic idea of what we hope to offer! There will be multiple varieties of each crop and dozens of additional food crops we plan to incorporate into the design! And it won't end in 4 years! Once in production we hope to continue operating as Community Supported Agriculture. Our vision would be that each year members would purchase a share in the our Forest Garden CSA then take part in harvesting of the abundance as each crop came into season. This could, of course, be on a sliding scale with some members picking all of their fruit and others opting for us to provide them with weekly boxes. These are minor details we look forward to working with our community to develop a system that works for everyone.
Our plan is not going to happen overnight, but with a clear plan, support of our community, some good weather and a lot of hard work we know that it's possible. The writing is on the wall and we know that if we continue treating our planet the way we have we are in for some uncertain times! So lets start making the changes we need so we can focus on a world that is healthy, abundant and strong! As the old saying goes “the best time to plant a tree was 100 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is now”.
Their are plenty of benefits to this kind of farm like:
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Once in production most fruit and nut trees will stay productive for 30 to 100 years or more! So for a couple years hard work you can have a lifetime supply of food. If thats not food resiliency I don't know what is!
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In 6-10 years some trees will produce over 100 pounds of fruit per tree!
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Will not need toxic chemicals and fertilizers
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Creates many micro climates making in suitable to grow a greater array of trees
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Mimics nature. “Parkland/Savannah” ecosystems are extremely productive and resilient because the animal and plant life is so diverse
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We act as a research site and help other farms develop, letting them learn from our mistakes (yes, there will probably be some mistakes!).
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Wildlife haven
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Sequester huge amounts of carbon in the soil (it won't be cultivated ever again) and in perennial plants like trees trunks and roots.
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Be able to withstand droughts and floods. Perennial plants are far hardier than annuals
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Greatly Reduce soil erosion
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Having local fruit in season! No more apples from Mexico in the summer!
- Beautiful
We hope to start work as soon as possible in the Spring of 2014 so we would like to start working with our community right now. Twenty five acres of land is already prepared and we have found suppliers for the plants we need. All that is left is to gather the remaining funds we need to take our plans for paper to earth! Here is what your share would help with.
Initial Project Details and Expenses:
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Purchase tree seedlings perhaps some older potted trees
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Layout planting pattern to facilitate water management
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Earthworks. Digging swales and constructing dams and dugout
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Plant trees along swales
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Plant companion support shrubs and plants
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Seeding native grass
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Purchase additional fencing for rotational livestock grazing
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Set up hoop green house to start some trees from seed to save money and control plant breeding
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Manage livestock grazing
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Laying mulch to suppress weeds. No chemical herbicides or fertilizers will ever be used on our farm
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Hand weeding and general care for the first few years
- Many many other things
Looking to the Future
Well that is our plan and it has been a long time coming! We have gathered information and inspiration from hundreds of sources around the world and from right here in Canada. We are confident this is the way agriculture needs to move and we look forward to involving our community in this wonderful transition! This is just the first step in our Forest Garden CSA. In the future we would like to continue having people come out to the farm to take part in the harvesting of their food throughout the growing season. Sort of like a Member U- Pick! Of course we can also offer Forest Garden Shares that we pick and deliver to you. This is something that we can adjust as our journey progresses. Nonetheless, our intent to cultivate a meaningful connection to the natural world through food , celebration and education will still be our approach . I will leave you with the Greek proverb that says “a society grows great when old men and women plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in”. If we can work together we can take part in the incredible shift that is taking place on our planet! By simply changing the way we eat and our relationship with the ground it is grown on we can move into brighter future. Not only for us but all the generations to come!
We plan to start our new expansion of the Forest Garden in the spring of 2014. For additional information about taking part in the initial part of our Forest Garden CSA contact Takota .
Well that is our plan and it has been a long time coming! We have gathered information and inspiration from hundreds of sources around the world and from right here in Canada. We are confident this is the way agriculture needs to move and we look forward to involving our community in this wonderful transition! This is just the first step in our Forest Garden CSA. In the future we would like to continue having people come out to the farm to take part in the harvesting of their food throughout the growing season. Sort of like a Member U- Pick! Of course we can also offer Forest Garden Shares that we pick and deliver to you. This is something that we can adjust as our journey progresses. Nonetheless, our intent to cultivate a meaningful connection to the natural world through food , celebration and education will still be our approach . I will leave you with the Greek proverb that says “a society grows great when old men and women plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in”. If we can work together we can take part in the incredible shift that is taking place on our planet! By simply changing the way we eat and our relationship with the ground it is grown on we can move into brighter future. Not only for us but all the generations to come!
We plan to start our new expansion of the Forest Garden in the spring of 2014. For additional information about taking part in the initial part of our Forest Garden CSA contact Takota .
