AUG 19, 2023: BURNABY, BC – Farm Tour at Big Bend Urban Farm

Posted by Kat Roger on July 24, 2023

You’re invited to a Farm Tour at Big Bend Urban Farm in Burnaby, B.C. If you’re curious about what land matching and sharing is all about – or just want to check out what your local farmers are up to – join us for the event. Come out to connect with other farmers and food lovers, share a meal, and tour this beautiful farm!

This unique community farm hosts 8 different farm projects, many of which were supported through the B.C. Land Matching Program (BCLMP). They produce everything from vegetables and flowers to seeds and bee products, and these are marketed into many different sales channels. This event is a great opportunity to see what it looks like to have multiple farmers on one property and learn about the various ways collaboration is possible. We’ll enjoy a farm tour from Chris Thoreau, a seed farmer and microgreens grower who holds the main lease, as well as from other farmers on the land, including Good Times Growers and Make Do Acres. The day will wrap up with a shared potluck meal and informal time to socialize.

Fai Hui, the Metro Vancouver – Fraser Valley Land Matcher, and Emi Do, YA’s Co-op Coordinator, will be there to chat all things land access and co-operatives. Farm tours connect farmers and farmland holders, and set them up to receive ongoing support through the B.C. Land Matching Program. Fai will share information about how they can help you find a farmer for your land – or find farmland where you can build your dream farm business. Both farmers seeking land and farmland holders thinking about sharing land are encouraged to attend – as well as anyone who loves food, farming, and getting out onto the land.

We can’t wait to see you there!

DATE: Saturday, August 19, 2023 ‱ 5pm-8pm

LOCATION: Traditional Territory of the Hul’q’umi’num’ and Squamish-speaking peoples. 4992 Byrne Road, Burnaby, BC V5J 3H9

There should be lots of street parking along Byrne road.

REGISTER: So that we can plan for the tour and potluck, please register on Eventbrite.

SCHEDULE (times are approximate): 

5:00-6:00 Farm Tour

6:00-6:30 Intro Circle

6:30-8:00 Potluck social

BRING: Please bring a dish to share potluck-style! Bring your own plate, cutlery, and cup for snacks/refreshments. Please include a little card with ingredients if you can for folks with food sensitivities. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and weather and farm-appropriate clothing and footwear.  Big Bend Urban Farm is a working farm with variable terrain and some vicious plants, so it is recommended that you wear close-toed shoes to avoid nettle stings and thistle pokes (long sleeves and pants can also help). As well, wear clothes that allow you to be comfortable in the heat or rain – it is a rather exposed site.

CARPOOL INFO: If you are looking for or can offer a ride to or from the event, please post in the Facebook event discussion to connect with others.

SHARE: Planning on joining us? Invite your friends and share the Facebook Event.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • This event is free and open to everyone!
  • Children are welcome but please leave furry friends at home (unless they are on a very short leash)
  • Please stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms
  • Please wash your shoes before visiting the farm, especially if you work on or have visited a farm recently
  • Please avoid the temptation to pick flowers, berries, or any other plants while on the farm
  • Please do not bring alcohol to this event
  • Not sure what to bring to the potluck? Consider supporting your local, organic farmer and/or food producer and find inspiration from their ingredients

ABOUT BIG BEND URBAN FARM

Big Bend Urban Farm is 2.9 acres of ALR land at the urban-rural crossover in South Burnaby. For more than a decade it has been the home of small-scale urban farmers growing a wide range of crops and livestock. The farm is currently home to 8 different farming entities comprising 15 different growers that grow a range of crops including grains, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and seeds. It is also home to the occasional beehive, workshop, farm tour, and social gathering.

Big Bend has nurtured many farmers throughout the years who have gone on to start bigger, more rural operations across the province. Big Bend offers a unique opportunity for leasing farmers to learn more about managing a business, get peer support from other farmers on the land, and to make a meaningful farming career in proximity to an urban centre.

Check out BIG BEND URBAN FARM online:

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UPCOMING YA EVENTS

Not able to join us for this event? Fear not! Save the date:

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023
LAND LINKING WORKSHOP – LANGLEY

If you are interested in hosting an event at your farm and bringing together the farming community in your area, please reach out to bclmp@youngagrarians.org with your idea!

GOT LAND? WANT LAND? 

Through the B.C. Land Matching Program, Young Agrarians offers support to farmers looking for land for their farm business, and landholders looking for farmers to farm their land. We’ve made more than 283 matches on over 10,425+ acres to date! The Metro Vancouver – Fraser Valley Land Matcher will be attending the event to answer any questions the B.C. Land Matching Program. For those unable to join us, you can send a message to fai@youngagrarians.org for more information.

The B.C. Land Matching Program is funded in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley by the Province of British Columbia, with support from Bullitt Foundation and the Real Estate Foundation of B.C.