Salt Spring Island
Farmland Trust

Bringing Farmland, People, and Knowledge Together. To Grow.

With close to 200 farms, Salt Spring Island is known for its robust food and farm culture. But, did you know that only 6% of the food Islanders purchase and consume is local? Isn’t it about time we create a more viable, secure, and economically prosperous agricultural community?

We say “yes” and invite you to be part of the story to collectively make that happen.

Photo credit: Salt Spring Island Community Services/Harvest Farm

Passionate Builders of Connections, Capacity, and Community

The Farmland Trust is on a mission to preserve, promote, and revitalize local agriculture by:

acquiring, restoring, and maintaining farmland for lease;
developing community gardens and the Island’s first commercial-level food hub;
and stewarding food and farming educational programs to create a more sustainable, knowledgeable, and food-secure community.

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The Root Has Launched 2023!

The Root is Salt Spring’s first and only Food Hub with a commercial-grade kitchen on a mission to empower local farmers, food producers, and the community:

To process, preserve, package, and distribute produce and food products at larger scales;
To centrally store and protect Island seeds;
To educate about food literacy and farming techniques.

Seed Saving Program.

Seed saving is an integral part of building local food sovereignty and resilience. We are so excited to have collaborated with Syd Woodward, from Over Grow The System, to showcase local farmers and their seed preservation techniques.

The 8.5 minute video features stories, advice, and practical tips from such Island seed specialists as Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds, Ben Corno of Heavenly Roots Farms, Moe Wendt, SSI Permaculture mentor Winged Heart Farm, Meghan McEachern of Stowel Lake Farm.

“We hope viewers come away motivated to get involved and become seed savers, knowing there is a need and also the facilities, infrastructure, and mentorship to support their seed initiatives,” says Sheila Dobie, Co-Chair of Farmland Trust. “It all contributes to a stronger community.”