The first thing that strikes you when you meet Ebsa is that he is full of energy! He is so passionate about farming and is excited to share that with those around him.
Ebsa is an Ethiopian farmer who moved to Canada in 2014 and grows vegetables right outside of Edmonton. He has 32 acres of leased land, which is divided into blocks of onions, potatoes, corn, kale, chard, and beets. Before Ebsa started farming on this piece of land, he grew and experimented with many vegetables at his house using grow lights and pots and the results provided the basis of his current farm.
2023 was Ebsa’s second season farming here and there have been a few big upgrades that have allowed him to grow more food. In the spring he was able to buy a small tractor, which has helped with seeding and weeding. He was also able to purchase a three-season greenhouse.
The greenhouse is a prominent feature of the farm and one that he is particularly proud of. He bought the 100 foot greenhouse last fall and with the help of a group of friends, he was able to set it up and get it ready for this growing season. Inside the greenhouse there are hundreds of tomato plants of various varieties. Ebsa has even started to breed his own tomato varieties.
The vegetables grown here are all sold directly to the people in the community. His customers think that his tomatoes are the best tasting around!
There are a lot of plants that Ebsa is experimenting with on his farm. He has various pepper and kale varieties that he’s trialing and many of them are specific to Ethiopian cuisine. He is especially excited about the success he’s had with growing anchote, a staple of Ethiopian kitchens. Anchote is a traditional food of the Oromo Community and is served during celebrations, including marriage ceremonies, big gatherings and holidays. This vegetable is a nutritious tuber high in calcium and many people eat the plant shoots as well.
Ebsa has a whole block of his field dedicated to anchote and he can’t wait to be able to share this bounty with his community. He’s currently selling anchote locally in Edmonton and further afield in the prairies, British Columbia, and Ontario. Growing anchote in Edmonton is an inspiring way to diversify agricultural fields and to bring important foods to local plates.
Strong and hard worker Since back home.
I appreciate ibsa silga good job good job good job
This was the source of your moral strength which we were discussing in those days. Great job, with the best wishes!
Great produce. Need more farmers like him.
Very good job by Ebsa. Fresh produce is all what we need.
Maal godhugaa utuun sibira jirradhee silaallee ittibeeka waanan ishee godhu. keep it up bro this is something new most of our people do not like to struggle with land but there is something in it.
Inspiring great work!
What an amazing work! I am so proud of you.
Amazing test! good job, kept up!
The Bible says , ‘’Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.” (Proverbs 20:4). Ebsa Silga, you have proved for all of us that you are a clever farmer. Keep it brother!