B.C.'s spring organic vegetable season will likely see a later start this season. "The weather has been pretty cold for early season planting, so we are probably about three weeks behind last year on most of the field crop items," says Discovery Organic's Stefan Misse. He does add that last year saw a much earlier start than usual to the season, so generally, this year's start might be closer to a regular start time.
© Discovery Organics
Two Ees Farm starts their staged planting cycles, planting cooler-weather crops such as kale, cabbage, and kohlrabi right now. Warmer-weather crops will be planted in April as the soil warms. (Discovery Organics sources overwinter leeks, hoop house chard, lettuce, kale, and radish all from Two EEs Organic Farms in Surrey, B.C.)
Meanwhile, greenhouse production is already underway in the province. Cucumber harvesting began in early March out of Delta, B.C., and peppers are starting this week, both from grower Origin Organic. In addition, greenhouse production out of Longview Farms on Vancouver Island is also doing spinach and radishes, which also began harvesting this week. (Longview also began planting outdoor field-grown kale and other items this week.)
Canadians buying local
As for demand, it's expected to be strong for B.C. spring vegetable crops. "This year with everything that's going on in the U.S. with the tariffs, more than any year, the demand for locally grown produce across Canada is going to be higher than ever," said Misse, adding that the province's Ministry of Agriculture's "Buy BC" program continues to help customers determine in-store what is locally grown. "There's a fierce Canadian patriotism right now, and the discussion around food security in our nation is front and center in many circles these days." He adds that there's one customer who has pulled all U.S. produce from its shelves and is now only sourcing from Canada, Mexico, and abroad.
© Discovery Organics
With no acreage changes this year and stronger demand anticipated, there are expectations around pricing. "With all of the costs of inputs going up over the past four years, this is the year growers can probably attain a better product price overall because the demand is going to be there," says Misse.
For more information:
Stefan Misse
Discovery Organics
Tel: +1 (604) 299-1683
info@discoveryorganics.ca
www.discoveryorganics.ca