Supporting and advocating for agri-tech and ag innovation has been a priority of our Council term, and last week we visited a local business that exemplifies some unique opportunities for agricultural operators in Abbotsford.
On July 22, Deputy Mayor Loewen and Councillors Chahal, Driessen, Gibson and Ross visited EcoFarm Discovery Centre as part of the City’s Business Spotlight series. Owner Bill Vanderkooi told us about the history of EcoFarm and its parent company Nutriva Group, and then led the tour, proudly explaining the innovative work being done on site.
EcoFarm is a non-profit agri-tourism destination that provides an immersive and educational look into farming and agriculture. EcoFarm is also a working farm, meaning visitors can observe the farm’s daily operations first-hand. There are currently about 115 people working on the site, most of whom are Abbotsford residents. EcoFarm was recently able to hire 50 employees in the first half of June to support their increased operations over the summer months.
Last year EcoFarm welcomed more than 10,000 guests from across the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan, and even Alberta and Ontario. The youngest visitors attend camps over the summer and field trips during the school year, where highlights for them include getting up close with the animals and watching the operations of the robotic milker.
Council took a look inside the HydroGreen Barn, a unique vertical farming structure that grows grass specifically to feed to the farm animals. Using two six-level tables, the vertical farm is able to produce approximately 20 acres of feed in 800 square feet. EcoFarm is also home to Canada’s first rice field, where they’ve been growing organic short grain rice and producing saki for the past 15 years.
EcoFarm supports the community in an innovative way by providing space for Archway Community Services’ Urban Farm. It’s an indoor and outdoor teaching farm where students learn about food security and the importance of locally grown food. The Urban Farm also provides work experience for people with barriers to employment, including people from Kinghaven Treatment Centre who were working in the field during our visit. And Seasons Farm Market offers farm fresh food produced right on the farm.
The tour wrapped up in the newly opened Farmhouse Brewing location, where Council visited the production facility and the customer service areas.
Our thanks to Bill and Helinda Vanderkooi and the EcoFarm team for showing us around the property. It was fascinating to hear about the variety of educational and innovative activities taking place there. EcoFarm truly captures the spirit and values of Abbotsford, and we are pleased and thankful to have it as part of our community.
Abbotsford City Council