Nelson’s farmers’ markets will be starting in June, and this year they will be different. With everyone’s safety our priority, we’re following the provincial guidelines to run the markets and support our local farmers.
These farmers are the people keeping our markets alive this year. The new rules allow only farmers and prepared foods at the market. Unfortunately, the markets won’t be a place to linger and hang out. It will be a shop, don’t stop set up.
Local food security is a value we share with the farmers and producers. Leading up to the markets, we’re profiling some of our farmers so that you can see how hard they are working to bring you the best local produce and plants and help you make healthy choices that support local businesses.
This week, we’re looking at Bent Plow Farm.
Bent Plow Farm is a family owned and operated farm tucked away in a flat, sunny oasis in Blewett. Owners Emma and Scott began farming in the Ottawa Valley and returned to Emma’s hometown of Nelson four years ago.
The operation is small, consisting of just two acres of garden space, and one other full-time employee, Julie. The farm has been providing high quality, certified organic produce to the Nelson community at the farmers’ markets and through their sold out CSA program for the last two summers.
The farm aims to not just provide high quality produce, they also want to ensure it is done in a sustainable way. Using a holistic approach, Bent Plow Farm builds and feeds the soil and encourages wildlife and pollinator diversity. They source their seeds and materials locally when available, minimizing the farm’s carbon footprint while supporting the local economy.
They also use practices such as no-till farming to maintain soil integrity and decrease erosion. To reduce waste, the farm has transitioned from single use biodegradable plastics for planting to reusable landscape fabric. Bent Plow Farm uses Bullfrog Power, a Canadian green energy company that only sources electricity from renewables.
Emma and Scott love farming in the mountains and being a part of the vibrant farming community in the West Kootenays. They are excited to meet the challenge of this year head on and grow even more vegetables for their community.
This summer, they are offering reloadable market cards, allowing for convenient, cashless transactions. Proceeds from early market card purchases are especially helpful for this little farm and will be used towards essentials such as seeds and compost.
You can find Bent Plow Farm produce this summer on Wednesdays at the Nelson Farmers’ Market and the Cottonwood Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
Follow Bent Plow Farm online at:
https://www.instagram.com/bentplowfarm/
https://www.facebook.com/bentplowfarm/
https://www.bentplowfarm.ca/