The winter solstice is upon us and, as farmers, we celebrate the return of the light as we look forward to longer days and the growing season ahead.
Despite the cooler temperatures, our crew has been out mending fallen fence posts, reinforcing the greenhouse and tents for the snow, digging drainage trenches, organizing barns, packing winter produce and inventorying seed stocks for next year's crop plan.
In these challenging and changing times, Growing Opportunities leans into its strength as an organization committed to bringing people together in the pursuit of a community food system.
We are celebrating the accomplishments of 2022:
14,244 units (think pints of cherry tomatoes, bunches of fresh kale and chard, heads of broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, bunches of leeks, cloves of garlic, hearty winter squash and more!) grown for Nanaimo Foodshare Society's Good Food Box.
126 Farm Gate Crates sold, reflecting over 2,498 pounds of local produce feeding the community.
12 new garden beds for growing, totaling 1,924 feet long.
Meaningful employment for 28 people over the season.
The addition of two furry farm hands, Winston and Oliver, to our operations at Cline Farm. We welcome these eager mouse hunters!
Stay tuned, we've got some good things growing for 2023!