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 Ravine Creek farm.
Ravine Creek is a family run vegetable farm on 10 acres in the Slocan Valley.
Farmers Alys and Eric are committed to demonstrating vibrant ecological health on a working farm. They work to engage their community in food production, habitat stewardship, and supporting the local economy. They are fostering a revitalization of agriculture at home while maintaining solidarity with other communities engaged in similar efforts.
Their vision is to provide access to truly local, nutritious and ecologically grown food while earning a living wage.
The farm is located on a 10 acre homestead originally established at the turn of the 20th century. Historically the farm has supported grazing animals, hay pastures and a small orchard. In 2007 the farm was reborn as Rebalkin EcoFarm, growing a wide assortment of vegetables in the current 1.75 acre fenced garden.
The farm changed hands in 2008 and was fallow until 2010. Alys and Eric are thrilled to have the opportunity to steward this land in vegetables and pasture again. In 2013, they certified with Kootenay Organic Growers Society.
Ravine Creek farm sells their produce through a CSA program and at the Wednesday farmers’ market in Nelson.
