Young Agrarians is celebrating the seventh year of the Business Mentorship Network (BMN) program. The BMN offers business mentorships to a diverse array of new and young farmers across BC. Through one-on-one mentorship and peer networks, young farmers develop the skills necessary to operate ecologically sustainable and financially viable farm businesses.
The 2021 Mentee Cohort are hard at work planning for the season ahead and we are thrilled to profile them and celebrate their efforts!
Hi everyone, my name is Katie and my farm is called Peas n’ Carrots and I focus on growing classic staple vegetables and chickens for eggs. My farm is located in West Saanich, the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, on Prospect Lake Road.
I found my leased piece of land through the Young Agrarians B.C. Land Matching Program and this will be my first year growing on my two acre plot. I am working towards my organic certification and am particularly excited about growing food on the cusp of both a Garry Oak meadow and a PNW forest.
I first got involved with growing food at Elemental Farm for one of my farming mentors, Kevin Allen, who also participated in the Mentorship Program. Kevin is a super fresh farmer from the UBC Farm practicum program and full of knowledge, encouragement and enthusiasm to share with me. We have been growing together for three years now and Kevin has always been so open about sharing his tips, tricks and techniques with me. Being a part of the Elemental Farm team has been such a great jumping off point that I look forward to staying on one day a week even as I start my own Farm.
My formal Mentor is the wonderful Robin Tunnicliffe of of Sea Bluff Farm who has been sharing her farming knowledge for 20 years. Robin’s attitude towards seed saving and the power it holds excites me about becoming involved in local politics and advocating for farmers in my region. I also appreciate her ability to make me feel in control of my own business and her encouragement to make decisions based on what I need from my farm. Robin’s extensive knowledge in soil science, pest management and collaboration with other farmers is a huge asset and very much appreciated.
My favourite aspect of farming is gaining access to fresh organic veggies and being able to share with my community. I feel so lucky to live and grow amongst so many talented farmers to whom I can learn from and share experiences with.
My business goals for the season include fully completing my CSA program, obtaining Farm Status for the property owners, organic certification and building up my farm stand to be my best income generator.
The business tools I couldn’t live without would be the google apps and my favourite field tool is my homemade wire weeder. If I had a farming superpower it would be “infinity hands”.
Follow me on my instagram to learn more about infinity hands @peasncarrotsfarm
I love farming so close to the city of Victoria and wish to welcome folks to come for a visit .
Find out more about the Business Mentorship Program here.
This program is made possible with the generous funding support of Vancity and Columbia Basin Trust.