Thirteen year-old Thomas De Zwart says he is the only kid in his family who eats tomatoes. Since his entry into the Young Farmer’s of Bowen Island program, De Zwart says he’s asked his mother if he can muck around with the tomatoes in their family garden.
“I think I can make improvements,” says Thomas. “We’ve learned a lot of tricks. Like when you’re transplanting tomato plants, you want to make a very deep hole in the soil you’re putting them into because the little hairs on the stem of the plant will grow into roots and this will make the plant very strong.”
Thomas and his siblings, Robin and Eva, are among the twelve kids participating in the Young Farmer’s of Bowen Island program who made their debut selling produce at the farmer’s market this weekend.
The program was conceived by Community School co-ordinator Sarah Haxby, after taking a group of kids to meet the Collin’s sisters at their farm several years ago.
“I realized that in just a few generations we’ve gone from a situation where most kids were involved in the production of food, to one where most kids don’t know how their food is produced or where it comes from,” says Haxby. “Also, through my food security work, I know that programs like this exist on the mainland, and so it was my goal to bring something similar to Bowen.”
Under the guidance of Vine & Garden Catering’s chef and owner, Matt Matheson, the young farmers have had three two-hour sessions in the BICS garden: working on soil amendment with compost, transplanting and planting from seed. The young farmers have also created a schedule for watering and maintenance of the garden, as well as selling at the farmer’s markets.
“If there’s anyone out there who has a little extra produce they’re interested in selling at the market, these kids will help you out,” says Matheson.
The money made by the Young Farmers at each market, Matheson adds, will be divided up between them as a bit of a reward.
“I think it’s good for the kids to learn what it takes to make a few bucks,” says Matheson.
The level of independence and responsibility placed on the Young Farmers based on the design of the program is another aspect of the program both kids and parents are happy with.
“If the kids have a sense of ownership over it, they’ll take pride in it,” says Heather Kerr, who has four kids in the program. “They planted carrot and radish seeds a week ago, and seeing those plants popping up is really satisfying for them.”
