The Root Building community; nourishing local food
Salt Spring Island Farm Centre for Food Security A new facility for food processing, distribution, storage and education Production Processing Storage Making the links between farmers, food processors and consumers to increase local food production and local food accessibility in our community Education Climate Action
Where it all began Area Farm Plan Community Consultations 2008
The SSI Farmland Trust established in 2009 Owns 62 acres of farmland in the Burgoyne Valley Six new farms through rental agreements 70 community allotment food gardens for families. Half acre of land for SSI Community Services to grow fresh food for the food bank, low income families, vulnerable seniors, and people with disabilities In 2012 acquired 0.6 ha. of land at 189 Beddis Rd. Worked with the SSI Agricultural Alliance to design the site for the SSI Farm Centre for Food Security, the first multi-function local food hub in the region.
Benefits A resource supporting increased food sustainability & food access. Storage for local produce will expand supply through all seasons. Food education centre for the whole community , providing space for training related to food production and processing, and food safety. It demonstrates new & innovative approaches and will be an example for other rural communities. A resource supporting increased farm viability for small-scale to medium-scale farmers. Shared space and resources eliminates the need for duplication of investment. It can house grower group shared equipment and events. A catalyst for the development of new markets and new value-added products based on local farm produce. Facilities for processing, storage and distribution allow for expansion & diversification of local agricultural economy.
Environmental Impacts A means to reduce community GHG emissions. Replacing non-local food with locally produced food reduces emissions from transportation. Solar energy and other green technologies are included in the building design. A demonstration of environmental responsibility & increased resilience to climate change: Degraded brown site rehabilitation, effective storm water management and rainwater catchment; permaculture demonstration incorporating food production and food processing; seed vault for storage of locally produced seed and maintenance of biodiversity.
Operations • Not-for-profit with social, environmental, ecological, and sustainable economic goals • Modest fees to rent space and equipment, or to use services, in order to recover operational costs and ensure financial viability • Managed by one full-time paid staff, supported by volunteers with oversight by SSI Farm land Trust Board of Directors • Collaboration with community organisations such as SSI Agricultural Alliance, SSI Community Social Services, Community Economic Development Commission, and SSI Conservancy on the development of related services that increase community food sustainability.
Project Timeline Phase 1: 2015-16 Planning & Design Development Permit Barn Renovation Hydro upgrade Well drilled Building permit Investment to date $150,000 3,250 volunteer hours Funding support from Vancity Credit Union, Victoria Foundation, & Salt Spring Foundation Phase 2: 2017-18 Main building construction Kitchen installation Water catchment & solar energy Greenhouse Permaculture food landscape enviroFund ™ program
Funding Targets Funds needed for full site development: $750,000 Work and fundraising are underway. Please join in. The SSI Farmland Trust can provide charitable donation receipts
For more information: Patricia Reichert, President, SSI Farmland Trust Society 250 537 4282; chair@ssifarmlandtrust.org Anne Macey, Chair Project Working Committee 250 537 5511; annemacey@shaw.ca www.ssifarmlandtrust.org www.plantofarm.org SSI Area Farm Plan & background document archive
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