Who We Are

The Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society is a non-profit organization composed of farmers, neighbours of Haliburton Farm, educators, and community members interested in sustainable, organic agriculture. The current members of our volunteer Board of Directors are:

• Purnima Govindarajulu
• Martha Keller
• Lana Popham
• Heather Robinson
• Martha Snow
• Mark Shepard
• Kevin Weir

As well as our 2008 retiring directors:

• Tina Fraser Baynes
• Karen Hurley
• Elmarie Roberts

In addition, numerous members and supporters also volunteer their time and professional services assisting in the planning and start-up phase of the farm. Together, these volunteers bring to the Society a wealth of experience and skills related to organic farming, education, community initiatives and business.

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Our Roots

In the summer of 2001, a group of concerned citizens formed the Land for Food Coalition (LFFC), in response to the threat of having this farm and other lands in the Greater Victoria area removed from the Agricultural Land Reserve and converted to housing. The Land for Food Coalition developed an alternative land use plan to restore Haliburton Farm to a working, organic farm with a community focus, and presented this plan to the Capital Regional District (CRD). As a result of these efforts, the CRD and the District of Saanich agreed to a deal in-principle involving a transfer of the Haliburton lands to Saanich, with the intention of preserving the farm for agricultural use.

The Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society (HCOFS) was then established to develop plans for and manage the farm. The Society is leasing the farm from the District Saanich.

Principles for Haliburton Farm

I. STEWARDSHIP: Stewardship is the act of care-taking; looking after the home or affairs of another. It suggests managing the land as if it does not belong to us, but rather to all species and to future generations.

II. EDUCATION/RESEARCH: Haliburton Community Organic Farm will provide educational opportunities for organic farmers as well as reach out to the broader community to increase public knowledge about small scale organic farming. The Farm will impart the importance of the principle of ecological stewardship in farming and the value of community support of sustainable local farming.

III. ECONOMIC VIABILITY: The Haliburton Community Farm will provide a model for improving the long term economic viability of farming through cooperative and community-based organic farming. The farm will allow farmers entering the profession the opportunity to make a living in agriculture while learning and building skills. This model will demonstrate the importance of financial and community supports for farmers.

IV. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS: Haliburton is a community farm. Although portions of the land will be designated to specific farmers, the public will be welcome to visit and engage in the activities of the farm.