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Warmer weather brings strawberries

The first of this year’s juicy, sweet strawberries are ripening on the Saanich Peninsula. Galey Farms on Blenkinsop Road is turning out big, shiny red berries grown under new “high tunnel” structures that resemble greenhouses.
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Ray Galey, left, and Rob Galey hold freshly picked strawberries at Galey Farms in Saanich on Monday.

The first of this year’s juicy, sweet strawberries are ripening on the Saanich Peninsula.

Galey Farms on Blenkinsop Road is turning out big, shiny red berries grown under new “high tunnel” structures that resemble greenhouses. The first-year strawberries, planted under 70,000 square feet of tunnels in early March, are already bearing fruit.

Farmer Rob Galey said Monday the berries’ sugar level is high, making them extra-tasty. “I think that was the best strawberry I had in my life,” he said after eating one. Another 15 acres outdoors is planted with second-year strawberry plants.

Crops on Greater Victoria farms are ripening amid concerns about the impact of climate change. A new report from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions lists recommendations to deal with the impact of a warmer climate. These include more adaptability by government and increasing resources for the Agriculture Land Commission.

B.C.’s agriculture sector — already stretched by aging farmers and increasing land-use pressures — will become more stressed as climate change continues, the report said.

When it comes to weather, “everything seems to be extreme now,” Galey said.

Tunnels with retractable roofs required a considerable investment, he said, but he decided to buy them after touring larger farms in a number of U.S. states and seeing the benefits. “Now I have some control over the elements.”

The tunnels allow air to circulate, which is good for pollination and keeps fungus away, he said. They also protect plants from the deer and geese, which can destroy crops

Galey has also cut water consumption in half. The farm only uses municipal water for food safety, he said.

Strawberries in the outdoor fields will be picked this week as well, Galey said. Some other crops, such as carrots and potatoes, will be ready in the first or second week of July, about a week later than normal because of fluctuations in spring temperatures.

At Dan’s Farm and Country Market, on Bear Hill Road, early strawberries are being picked. “They are looking very good,” said farmer Dan Ponchet. Berries are ripening about two weeks ahead of last year, which was late.

This year, Ponchet is using more covering material, costing several thousand dollars, for crops than ever before. “I’ve got several acres covered.”

The covering keeps plants warm but extra was put on to help protect them from hungry geese, already going after crops. Normally the geese are not this much of a problem until late summer, he said.

Although it’s early in the strawberry season, it appears prices will be about $5 per pint.

Terry Michell of Michell Bros. Farm, which runs a market on Island View Road, said this year’s rain arrived at the right time, allowing plants to grow well prior to producing fruit.

Local leaf and Romaine lettuce will be showing up in stores this week, he said. Strawberries sold out last weekend but will be back in the market this weekend.

cjwilson@timescolonist.com