Episode 89 " What to do with Food Prices"

Switching gears for this episode, we invited a few friends (Arzeena Hamir and Blayne Prowse) to discuss the issue of rising produce costs. Specifically, 'How did we get here?', and 'What can we do about it?'.  We are living in a time when our current models are starting to fail us, and new models, or outright change from the ground up is required. It was an illuminating chat with some great ideas and options, and an interesting new format for the Edible Valley. We hope to pepper in a few of these throughout the year - let us know what you think!

Episode 85 "Clever Crow"

Today we check back in with wonder-couple Brian and Leah of Clever Crow and Clever Crow Farms. There have been many exciting developments with these two in their forays into the local food scene and local food culture; including buying a farm (!) and developing a commercial kitchen / retail shop (!!). Listen in as we get a chance to discuss the last two years with these two - their struggles, achievements and victories! Oh, and the debut of a new product that truly speaks to the Comox Valley's sensibilities...  Don't forget to visit Clever Crow at the Farmer Market which has now moved inside to the Native Sons Hall.

Episode 81 " Hazelmere Farm with Michelle Hua

Michelle Hua of Hazelmere farms stopped into the studio today, and what a treat it was! A staple of the Comox Valley Farmers Market, Hazelmere Farms' booth has been a highlight for years. Michelle, who has just returned to the Valley with her husband, was able to give us a wonderful history of the farm and talk about where it's headed as she and her hubby take a more active role in the farms' future. We wish them all the best!Hazelmere
Farm
3222 Grant Rd, Courtenay,
BCPhone: 250-336-2608Email: huawongs@telus.net 

Episode 78 "Doug Smith of Natural Pastures Cheese"

Doug
Smith of Natural Pastures was gracious enough to join us tonight to discuss
cheese! As one of the Comox Valley’s cornerstone food producers that help put
our humble, beautiful Valley on the map, Doug is one of those key talents that
took a small business idea, and turned it into a national brand! He walks us
through the process of getting started, growing to fit your market, and
establishing yourself amongst your peers. We had a great time with Doug – who is
just a wealth of information of Valley history, business planning and above
all: Cheese!

Episode 77 " Tannadice Farm with Allen McWilliam"

Allen McWilliam of Tannadice Farms sat down with Chef Jon and Darren in the studio today. Allen treated us to the background story of how the farm has grown from its' humble beginnings to the cornerstone-of-the-valley it has become. Humble and gracious, he shared a loving history of the Valley, and was able to relate his unique view on the farming scene here and how it has evolved and grown over the years. And he brought sausages!

Episode 74 "Carmon Wakeling of Eatmore sprouts"

 Carmen Wakeling of Eatmore Sprouts sat down at
the Edible Valley table today to talk sprouts, farming, and the beautiful
Comox Valley. Carmen took us back to the beginning, those many years ago,
where it all began. It's amazing that a small backyard venture has become a
food juggernaut, producing an incredible amount of food for the entire province.
Truly one of the forefront food growers of our area, we are thankful that
Carmen was able to come in and share her story, and hopefully inspire all of
us!
Eatmore Sprouts and Greens Ltd.2604 Grieve RdCourtenay, BC, V9J 1S7Telephone:  250-338-4860Fax:  250-334-0216Email: eatmore@shawbiz.ca
Website: http://www.eatmoresprouts.com
Facebook: Eatmore
Sprouts

Episode 72" Arzeena Hamir of Amara farm"

Arzeena Hamir of Amara Farms, Merville Organics and
many others organizations came into the Edible Valley studio today to talk
organics. Arzeena is a noted food activist from Richmond BC who relocated to
the Valley years ago to establish a farm. An authority on organics and
sustainability, she is the driving force behind Merville Organics - a group of farmers upholding high standards for collective organic farming. It was
great just to hear her take on the entire process and where organic food is
heading here in the Valley. We look forward to checking in with Arzeena on a
regular basis to see how things develop for organic farming here in the Comox
Valley. 
Amara Farm 
2631 Kirby Rd,
Courtenay, BC V0R,
Canada
Phone:
(250) 331-0543
Website: http://mervilleorganics.ca/
Email: mervilleorganics@gmail.com
Facebook: Amara Farm
                  Merville Organics
 

Episode 58 "Permaculture & Blayne Prowse"

Today we bring you up to speed on the original co-host of the Edible Valley. Blayne Prowse left the podcast nearly two years ago, after an interview on this very show. During an interview based on permaculture, it resonated with him so astutely that after the taping, he began to dig deeper, and opted to pursue a life of permaculture and sustainable living. 
  We are very privileged and proud to bring you up to speed on Blayne's findings and adopted lifestyle. 
  Tell us what you think - we would love to hear from you!

Episode 56 "Grace Obal Bates Beach Farm"

Chef Jonathan Frazier and Local Food Entrepreneur Darren Howlett get a chance to sit down with Grace Obal of Bates Beach Farms, to talk about all of the wonderful things happening in the local farming scene during this incredible summer of amazing crop yields. Grace relates to us how her and her husband developed this special little farm, tucked away in an incredibly beautiful and lesser known area of the Comox Valley. What began as a rock filled swamp (seriously - take a listen!), was worked and reworked with love and determination into an incredibly verdant and bountiful farm. She also divulges the inside scoop on a few secret (and amazing) projects she and her husband are developing for her farm, the local youth and our community! Take a listen!

Episode 50 "Gillian Watt BC Meats for BC markets"

Do you ever wonder where your food comes from? What makes it so special? This week with our first studio audience we got a chance to talk to Gillian Watt from the BC association of abattoirs about BC Meats for BC Markets. We learned first of all BC does have a beef industry and a new BC beef net will allow local chefs the ability to buy BC beef. The program allows chefs to buy whole or half carcasses and have them process to there liking as well as giving a price per portion. With the North Vancouver Island Chef Association as our guests in studio we learned about the future of where our beef industry is going and how we will soon see local BC beef in many of our restaurants in our amazing province.