Just 10 minutes from Port Alberni is 140 acres of land that grows more than just produce. It grows opportunities and hope. Shelter Farm is a social enterprise, a business operated by The Port Alberni Shelter Society.
In addition to growing sustainable salad greens, root vegetables and fruits, Shelter Farm is home to the “market gardener training program”. This program is a partnership between the Port Alberni Shelter Society and North Island College. Instructor Guy Langlois has been working hard to attract and teach a new generation of farmers. In fact, his efforts have already garnered him a Green Business Excellence award from Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre!
More than a dozen youths (age 15 to 29) have enrolled in the eight-month course, and have already started their training.
The training program was established last year with a $94,600 grant from BC Rural Dividend, which assists rural communities of 25,000 or less. More funding from the Government of BC is expected. Future plans include the installation of a greenhouse, electrical service, well, produce washing station, packaging station and produce cooler. Successful students can expect to graduate this November.
Next spring, Shelter Farm hopes to start an incubator farm program and hire a full-time farm supervisor.
Big thanks to everyone who is making Shelter Farm such a success. You too can help, please support your local farmers markets.
