UBC Farm - Centre for Sustainable Food Systems

01/22/2025

Don't forget to register for BC-ACARN and BC Food Web’s Seeding Success: Enhancing Farmer-Centered Science Communication!

🌾 Back for a second year, this training will build your skills in the art and science of effective communication for agriculture extension. The three-part virtual series will offer communications training from industry professionals, researchers, graduate students, agrologists, and consultants. Sessions will cover knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) planning, crafting impactful knowledge products, and levelling up your field days.

🌱 Join us for three virtual sessions on Tuesdays, February 4, 11, and 18 at 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PST

Learn more and register at: https://www.bcacarn.ca/events/5801-2/

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

01/10/2025

Register for BC-ACARN and BC Food Web’s Seeding Success: Enhancing Farmer-Centered Science Communication!

🌾 Back for a second year, this training will build your skills in the art and science of effective communication for agriculture extension. The three-part virtual series will offer communications training from industry professionals for researchers, graduate students, agrologists, and consultants. Sessions will cover knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) planning, crafting impactful knowledge products, and levelling up your field days.

🌱 Join us for three virtual sessions on Tuesdays, February 4, 11, and 18 at 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PST

Learn more and register at: https://www.bcacarn.ca/events/5801-2/

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

01/10/2025

Balancing crop nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) needs on vegetable farms can be challenging!

A recent study across 20 farms in southwest BC found that using compost to meet crop P needs, paired with a high-N organic fertilizer to meet N needs, can work well on farms with moderate to high soil P. However, the best approach depends on compost and fertilizer cost, as well as soil P and organic matter levels. 🥬

🌱 Read the plain language summary of this study prepared by BC Food Web at https://bcfoodweb.ca/briefs/balancing-nitrogen-and-phosphorus-vegetable-farms-southwest-bc

01/08/2025

What steps can we take to address unequal exposure to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions?

Join UBC Sustainability Hub on Thursday, January 16, for an in-person panel discussion and hear from UBC experts Dr. Amanda Giang (UBC Mechanical Engineering) and Dr. Chris Carlsten (UBC Department of Medicine) about how we can address unequal exposure to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Presentations will be followed by a Q&A discussion moderated by Julie Saxton, Program Manager for Air Quality Regulation, Environmental Regulation and Enforcement, Metro Vancouver.

Space is limited! Register by Tuesday, January 14 at: sustain.ubc.ca/events/climate-justice-clean-air

12/20/2024

Wondering whether a plastic or real Christmas tree is better for the planet? 🎄🌍 Dr. Kai Chan, a professor at UBC's Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, and Dr. Johan Foster, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, share their insights into the environmental impact of your holiday tree choice. From long-lasting artificial trees to locally sourced natural ones—or even renting a potted tree—there are ways to reduce your carbon footprint while keeping the holiday spirit alive. Learn more here:

Choosing the most eco-friendly Christmas tree can be tough. We wade through the options: plastic, cut, or something else altogether.

12/16/2024

🔬🌾 Want to connect with the researchers, farmers, and policymakers working to support agricultural resilience in BC?

Lab to Land: Advancing water and soil research for agricultural resilience is a virtual workshop hosted by the BC Agricultural Climate Action Research Network. This event will
feature insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and presentations on current research driving agricultural climate resilience in BC.

💧 Join on Wednesday, January 15 to dive into drought resilience initiatives and strategies across BC, from on-farm adaptation to watershed co-governance.

🌱 Join on Thursday, January 16 to explore soil’s role in ecological and community resilience, with sessions on farmer-led research and soil stewardship initiatives led by
Indigenous knowledge.

🗓️📌Lab to Land is on Jan 15 & 16, 2025, from 9am-12:30pm PST. Register now to secure your spot at this FREE event! https://labtolandbc.eventbrite.ca/

12/14/2024

🎄✨ Looking for the perfect holiday gift? ✨🎄
Surprise someone special with our new Coastal Forest Membership!

𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:
✅ All perks from Farm Gate, Orchard, and Hedgerow tiers
🍽️ 2 tickets to 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 (Summer 2025)
🎟️ 1 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 Farm Gate Membership
🌟 Recognition on our website
🍓 Exclusive 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, member-only 𝘂-𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗸 days & more!

Only $600/year (price increases to $625 in 2025—buy one 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁!)
Head to our website to gift the magic of UBC Farm this holiday season! ❤️

12/10/2024

Save the date for BC-ACARN and BC Food Web’s Seeding Success: Enhancing Farmer-Centered Science Communication! This three-part virtual series happening on February 4, 11, and 18 will offer communications training for researchers, graduate students, agrologists, and consultants. Sessions will cover knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) planning, creating impactful knowledge products, and levelling up your field days. Stay tuned for more information!

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

12/05/2024

A study conducted in Delta, BC found that enrolment in agricultural stewardship programs improved on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Farms experienced an increase in soil organic carbon stocks by 60-70% and improved soil water regulation. Agricultural stewardship programs can help incentivize positive environmental change by helping farmers cover the cost of practices such as growing cover crops and establishing hedgerows.

Read the plain language summary of this study prepared by BC Food Web at https://bcfoodweb.ca/briefs/improving-farm-climate-mitigation-and-adaptation-through-stewardship-programs

11/29/2024

Exciting vendors are lined up for this Saturday’s market! This is the LAST Saturday market of the season, so don't miss out! Explore the full list of vendors, enjoy a live performance from our busker, and meet this week's featured vendor:

Hanceville Cattle Co.:
"We are producers of 100% Grass Fed Beef, in the Chilcotin region of BC. We raise heritage breeds of cattle on large pasture and produce our own hay for winter feed. We have your typical cuts of beef as well as sausages, jerky, savoury pies, chili, and alfalfa honey!"

Happy Bella Designs:
"Adriana, a Romanian orphan and single mother, faces daily challenges in a world that doesn't value or welcome her. She was in my care for four years during her childhood and holds a special place in my heart. To help Adriana with her monthly rent and food expenses, I’ve learned the art of creating resin jewelry. With the help of family and friends, we were lucky enough to be able to make a difference in her life. By purchasing my handcrafted jewelry, you’re not only adding a touch of beauty to your life but also offering Adriana hope and a brighter future."

Come enjoy some lovely live music tomorrow at our market, featuring Norine Braun & Alice Fraser, as well as Sillken.

11/28/2024

A new study led by Dr. Matthew Mitchell, a professor in the Faculty of Forestry and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC, has revealed that preserving watersheds plays a critical role in safeguarding homes and livelihoods. By protecting key natural ecosystems, the study highlights how nature-based solutions can reduce flood risks, enhance climate resilience, and provide long-term benefits for both urban and rural communities.

Learn more here:

A UBC study finds that conserving just five per cent of watersheds (two per cent of Canada’s land) could shield more than half of urban floodplains, safeguarding millions.

11/26/2024

Come join IRES for a Faculty seminar on "The right to food? Conservation, access, and food security" with Dr. Terry Sunderland this Thursday, Nov. 28.

Attend in-person at Henry Angus (2053 Main Mall) or join virtually! Learn more and register here:

Curious about optimal ways forward for conservation that break away from the dichotomous view that pits people against nature and instead embraces the importance of this symbiotic relationship? Join Dr. Terry Sunderland for his talk on conservation, access, and food security

11/22/2024

Exciting vendors are lined up for this Saturday’s market! We only have two markets left, so don't miss out! Explore the full list of vendors, enjoy a live performance from our busker, and meet this week's featured vendor:

Moxie Mushrooms:
"Moxie Mushrooms is a quintessential garage startup, cultivating and delivering premium quality gourmet mushrooms to our appreciative customers. We use natural growing methods and vertical urban farming practices to minimize our impact on the environment, growing food all year round without taking up farmland that can be used to grow other crops."

The Red Couch Bakery:
"The Red Couch Bakery, a family-owned bakery established in 2021 and now recognized as the home of the "World's Best Apple Pie" by both pie fans and critics. Since day one, our mission has been simple: to craft pies that bring people together with the warmth of tradition and the finest ingredients."

Come enjoy some lovely live music brought to you by Devon More tomorrow at our market.

11/15/2024

Thinking of applying to the UBC Farm Practicum? Read some stories from our Practicum graduates, like this one from Megan (a 2022 graduate):

What would you like to tell folks who are considering a career in land and food systems?

"My journey to coming to this career has taken many twists and turns but at the end of the day everything we do is connected to land and food and following my curiosity to explore this field has only been positive. Farming has changed my relationship with my body, the earth and just really appreciate time. It is such hard work and not for everyone but I feel very grateful to be able to experience the seasons, build connection to space and place, and then connect with others over it all. It feels special and these day-to-day acts have tethered me deeper to the larger realities of climate change, human rights, food security and land sovereignty then I ever have before."

Read her full story and apply for the program by Nov. 23 at https://ubcfarm.ubc.ca/learn/practicum/

11/15/2024

Exciting vendors are lined up for this Saturday’s market! We only have three markets left, so don't miss out! Explore the full list of vendors, enjoy live performances from our buskers, and meet this week's featured vendor:

Damaskino Pastry:
"Damaskino Pastry, created by Rana Alkari, brings the delightful flavours of traditional Syrian cookies to your table. Rana specializes in the art of crafting maamoul cookies, which hold a special place in Syrian culinary heritage. Her personal favourite features a delectable filling of pistachio and date, enhanced with the subtle crunch of pecans. With each bite, you'll experience the authentic flavours and textures that have been passed down through generations."

The Indian Pantry:
"Our founder and owner Chef Tushar realized that there was a large gap in the spice industry in Vancouver. Most grocery stores had ambiguous ‘curry’ spice mixes lining the aisles but nothing that was an accurate reflection of Indian cuisine. He also saw a misrepresentation regarding the types of Indian food being sold in Canada – nothing that represented various state-based cuisines."

Come enjoy some lovely live music brought to you by Hot Produce and David & John tomorrow at our market.

11/13/2024

Our squash are ripe and ready for all your cozy fall recipes! You can purchase them at any of our remaining Saturday markets, running from 10am - 2pm until the end of November. Here's a look through [almost] all of the beautiful varieties we have to offer, and what they're great for:

1. Butternut
A classic known for its versatility and mild, reliable flavour. Roast it or turn it into a warming fall soup.

2. Red kuri
Very rich and sweet, a fan favourite at our squash tasting alongside delicata. Roast and blend into soups.

3. Black futsu
Slice and roast without peeling, or try halving and stuffing. Its skin is edible and delicious.

4. Sweet mama kabocha
Rich, sweet, and nutty. Braise in stews, use in curries, or slice and fry up for vegetable tempura.

5. Tetsukabuto
A Japanese butternut/kabocha hybrid with amazingly long storage abilities. Use like kabocha.

6. Autumn frost
Similar to butternut – a mild butterscotch flavour! Perfect for roasting, skin is edible.

7. Honeynut
An adorable, "concentrated" version of a butternut, with a sweet and neutral flavour.

8. Blue hubbard
Roast or blend into soups, also excellent for pumpkin pies!

11/08/2024

Exciting vendors are lined up for this Saturday’s market! Explore the full list of vendors, enjoy live performances from our buskers, and meet this week's featured vendor:

Bakes By Liya:
"Indulge in our handcrafted NYC-style loaded cookies, lovingly baked in our home kitchen with the utmost care and attention. Each cookie is a chunky, chewy delight, crafted from premium ingredients like Belgian chocolate, rich eggs, and high-quality butter, delivering a burst of rich, sweet flavour with every bite. Our gourmet cookies are more than just treats; they’re little bites of happiness, designed to make every moment unforgettable. A little sweetness goes a long way, creating cherishable memories in every bite!"

Chickadee Chocolate:
"Christine was born and raised in Vancouver. With over a decade of pastry experience, she has honed her sweet skills at institutions such as Chambar, Faubourg, Chocolate Arts, and The Hart House, as well as Raymond’s in St. Johns. Her vision for Chickadee is to bring fresh, handmade confections to the city she loves while working with her talented friends who help design, photograph, and build Chickadee."

Come enjoy some lovely live music brought to you by Likewise and Devon More tomorrow at our market.

11/07/2024

A study conducted outside of Vernon, BC found that placing leftover logging debris from timber harvesting in riparian areas can deter livestock from grazing in these areas, leading to better riparian ecosystem health. 🪵🐮

Read the plain language summary of this study prepared by the BC Food Web at https://bcfoodweb.ca/briefs/moo-ve-over-reducing-negative-effects-livestock-grazing-near-streams-cutblocks

Photo: Clayton Bradley