The Root is a hub for local food education and initiatives, owned and operated by the Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust, for the benefit of the community. The Root will serve as a centre for education on food sustainability, food safety, cooking with locally grown food, processing and preserving. Training programs such as chef certification, youth programs on agriculture, as well as agricultural and local food education for the whole community will be provided at The Root.
It’s a catalyst for change, designed to support our island’s transition from dependence on unsustainable imported foods to greater reliance on food grown right here at home. The Root is a new resource for Salt Spring Island farmers, food producers and the community. The Root is a centrally-located food education, processing, distribution and storage facility, operated on a not-for-profit basis. Our aim is to promote agriculture on Salt Spring by bringing the community closer to local food production as the best way of eating for everyone.
The community seed bank is now up and running at The Root. We will be planting a permaculture landscape on the site that is a demonstration of food production in a changing climate. We are working with the Community Energy Group to incorporate solar energy, water catchment system, and vehicle charging stations.
The permaculture food landscape, designed by Mike Nickels and his apprentices, will be a demonstration of fruit, nut, and vegetable gardens for a changing climate.

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Food Sustainability
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Local Community Development
What has already been accomplished
What still needs to be done
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We thank major supporters: The Salt Spring Foundation—Shaw Family Fund; the Victoria Foundation; the provincial Rural Dividend Program; Vancity Credit
Union EnviroFund. We welcome your help.
We also accept donations in the mail by cheque. Use our address below to send your tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!