What's Happening in December!

It seems like this year is flying by! We, at Burnaby Food First, wish all in our community the best during the holiday season! As well as taking the time to enjoy a home cooked meal with local ingredients. 



Now let's see what is happening around town!



New Westminster Market Day - Dec. 5 & 19



After spending time at the Anvil Centre, why not head up to 5th and Belmont to check out the Winter Farmers Market!



There will be up to 40 vendors offering fresh local produce, prepared
foods and handmade crafts as well as delicious food trucks.



Saturday Dec. 5 & 19

11:00 am to 3:00 pm

5th and Belmont Street, New Westminster



More information: http://rcfm.ca/event/dec-5th-market-day/ 



Vancouver Winter Farmer's Market - Dec. 5, 12 & 19



Every Saturday in December, except Dec. 26th

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver



More information: http://markets.bcfarmersmarket.org/market/vancouver-winter-farmers-market

 



Homesteader's Emporium December Events



Monday Dec. 7th: Holiday Canning (food gifts) - cost: $80



Tuesday Dec. 15th: Natural Skincare Essentials (skin care gifts) - cost: $40



To buy tickets, visit: http://www.homesteadjunction.ca/collections/event-tickets



Support UBC Farms and Forestry Undergraduate Society - Buy a Christmas Tree - Dec. 11 & 12



Friday, December 11� 11:30-4:30pm

Saturday, December 12� 10:00-4:30pm



First come, first served! Cash only.



Both live potted trees and u-cut trees
will be available. Proceeds will help support the FUS (Forestry
Undergraduate Society) and a portion will also be donated to the UBC Farm and Forests Without Borders. 



For information, visit: http://xmastrees.forestry.ubc.ca/ 



SFU's Philosophers' Caf� Water Issues in an Era of Climate Change - Dec. 17



Thursday Dec. 17th at 7:00 pm

Vancouver Public Library (Mount Pleasant branch), Multipurpose room 1, 1 Kingsway

Cost is free.



Join Dr. John Irwin in this talk about being water efficient as possible. 



More information: http://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/events/2015/12/water-issues-in-an-era-of-climate-change.html



Christmas Gift Ideas

With Christmas fast approaching, why not show your support for local community programs!



2016! Get Your Edible Garden Project Calendars



Ok,
the new year is coming up real fast and what a great way to give the
gardener a great planning resource! The cost is $18.50 and monies raised
support the North Shore Neighbourhood House's Edible Garden Project.



Buy your calendar at: http://ediblegardenproject.com/2016-calendar-shop/



Hastings Sunrise Cookbook



Hastings Sunrise Cooks is a local community engagement project
celebrating the neighbourhood's food and drink, community spirit, and
love for all things green. Recipes from local restaurants, cafes and
delis. A awesome gift for the cook in your life!



More information: http://hastingssunrisecooks.bigcartel.com/product/hastings-sunrise-cooks-cookbook



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If you have a farming/gardening/food security event that you would like to share, please email us with the information to: burnabyfoodfirst@gmail.com. We would be happy to share your events on our blog!

Drought in BC and California

Many parts of the West Coast are reeling from effects of the drought, here in BC, in regions of Washington State and in California. This post looks at the impact on our local Food Security in terms of availability and accessibility as part of a series on Food Security outlined here.

Drought in California

The state of California is facing severe weather conditions since four years and over 70% or more of the region continues to suffer extreme drought as recorded by the US drought monitor. A study by the University of California reportedly estimates drought related farm losses of $1.5 billion this year. So farmers there are adapting and crop-switching moving away from bulk commodity crops to high value products like almonds and olives that make more money for the water used.



Currently BC depends largely on these fresh food imports from USA, especially California owing to geographical proximity and transport infrastructure. A report commissioned by Vancity highlights the steadily increasing trend of importing fruits and vegetables that can be grown here over the last two decades so that now 60% to 80% of strawberries, lettuce and other vegetables like broccoli, carrots and cauliflower are imported. The report predicts several price rises that we will have to bear locally as weather conditions in that state force farmers to switch from growing these vegetables to niche products.

Image Credit: Leanne Zmud

These developments are compelling local food producers and all stakeholders in BC to adapt as is the drought here. We explored the water conservation measures and policy response to the drought particularly for households in BC in this recent post. There is also an adverse impact on farming, fishing and power generation.

Drought in BC 

One response in BC to climate change and export demands has been a focus on large scale farming of high value crops such as blueberries, cherries, grapevines. So currently the province grows roughly only half of the food needed by the 4.6 million people living here. However as reported in the media, some initiatives are being put in place to redevelop local food systems and regionalise agricultural production here in BC since we do have the resources and land to become self sufficient in the face of growing uncertainties regarding food imports.

Fishing closures are the response to low water levels that impede salmon travelling to inland spawning grounds increasing susceptibility to disease, sluggishness and death. About 97% of water licensed in British Columbia is for power production and idle dams due to the drought are a cause for concern. Part of the remaining 3% of water is used for farming across much of the 4.7 million hectares of land reserved for agriculture. The current conditions are mandating most efficient use of this water. The government promotes agricultural water management through its various programs. 

Growing food locally

To plan for the likely food price rises, shortages and food insecurity, many decision makers and supporting agencies are looking to increase and diversify sustainable local food production as the solution. Organizations like the Food Systems Network and Food Secure Canada provide platforms to encourage dialogue and provide support for local food systems development. 

Burnaby Food First has also listed several resources for traditional and budding farmers to learn more through collaboration. All members of the community who would like to get involved have the opportunity to access our workshops and resources for sustainable gardening. We offer 'container gardening' workshops as well as canning, food drying and preserving workshops to support better food security through all seasons of the year. Readers are requested to sign up for event notifications regarding upcoming workshops and events. 

Water Management and Conservation

Sunny days seem to be here to stay. This summer particularly gardeners may welcome the following information about Water Conservation Kits. This is because of the current dry weather threatening a more severe drought and more expected water supply shortages going forward. 

Water Conservation Kits

Source: City of Burnaby

Some people question the need to conserve water in parts of the world where we see so much rainfall but in the face of the changing climate and scarcity of resources, the sustainable use of water is in fact a priority these days for all cities. The BC Government has informed that the Water Sustainability Act coming into effect in 2016 will enable better management of all water resources. Surface water and Ground water will be managed as one resource. 

This will hopefully help to also ensure that all users of water resources including businesses, farms, fisheries and home-owners can manage the impact of dry weather conditions and respond to the water supply shortages appropriately. Metro Vancouver has recently restricted water use for discretionary purposes such as lawn sprinkling due to the unreasonably hot and dry weather. 

If you're interested in home water conservation, check out the outdoor and indoor water conservation kits offered to Burnaby residents at Burnaby City Hall. The components of these kits can help you save thousands of litres of water year-round and provide more ideas for conservation. For more information, please visit their web page. 

Conserving water is for our own good. After all, there is no life without water...because water is needed to garden -- and to make coffee!

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We want to know what you think! Write to us and let us know your experiences as well as your tips for saving water at home.