The pilot project started on June 8, 2003 with a work party made up of Board members, community members, volunteers, and farmers. We removed old fences, including a number of treated posts, which are not allowed on certified organic land. Using donated fencing material, and the donated labour and equipment of Greg Miller, a local fencer, a new fence was erected to keep deer from entering the farm plot. Our volunteers also removed Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry in preparation for tilling. One surprise was the discovery of some grape vines hidden under the blackberries! The plot was tilled by a tractor on June 9th.

Two growers, Samuel Godfrey and Johnny Thiessen  conducted the pilot project with the Society. Samuel and Johnny have tilled the land and planted 800 feet of beets, 400 feet of chard, 500 feet of beans, 400 squash transplants, and 300 feet of carrots. We are grateful for the in-kind donations that we have received to help get this project going, including the use of a roto-tiller, and seeds from local organic farmers.  There was a bountiful harvest and the pilot project was a success!

In 2005 Samuel Godfrey and Karen Hawbolt farmed the plot producing a bountiful harvest that was sold at the farm stand and to other customers throughout Greater Victoria.

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Vision for Organic Farming at Haliburton

In 2007 the land will be divided into three farming plots, and the existing orchard will be a collective space.

Two experienced growers will each lease one farm plot. Each grower will operate a market gardening business, selling produce grown on his or her farm plot through a brown box program, at local markets, and to local restaurants.

The two growers will be selected by the Society through an application and interview process. We are looking for organic growers who are able to demonstrate that they understand the principles of organic farming and are capable of creating a financially viable farming business.

The third parcel of land will be worked by a Farm Manager as both a teaching and demonstration farm, with some agricultural production space. The manager will be assisted in the farming by apprentices, volunteers, students, the Board and community members.

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Organic Certification

Organic describes a process of food production that avoids the use of synthetic inputs such as chemical fertilizers, chemical pesticides, chemical growth regulators/hormones and antibiotics. Organic production is based on a system of farming that uses production methods that minimize the impact on the environment. The primary focus is to maintain a healthy soil and develop a balanced farm ecosystem that is environmentally sustainable. Certified Organic means that a product has been produced in accordance with specific guidelines and organic standards, as established by a certifying agency.

The entire Haliburton Farm property, including the land surrounding the house has been certified organic by the Islands Organic Producer’s Association (IOPA).

All producers and visitors to the site will have to observe the organic guidelines, which will be posted on the property. All farmers and apprentices who use the site will have to sign an affidavit that they will follow the guidelines.

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