An upgrade in the water supply at Lohbrunner Farm will mean more arable land and new growing opportunities for farmers at the community farm.
The 5.25-hectare property was once owned by Norma Lohbrunner, who along with her husband, Joseph, farmed and cared for the land.
She donated it to The Land Conservancy and, with the help of Vancity Community Foundation, the land has transferred to FarmFolk CityFolk, a not-for-profit society that serves as a catalyst for projects that support access to and production of local, sustainable food.
The farm is held in trust by FarmFolk CityFolk, who lease the land to a group of farmers in two farm enterprises operating as the Lohbrunner Community Farm Co-op.
Over the years, the Homesteaders, as the group of farmers call themselves, have raised the majority of their own produce to support their families.
While bountiful, the farm has been constrained by a water-supply system installed in the 1970s.
Low water pressure meant farmers regularly admonishing newcomers: “Don’t flush the toilet if I am watering the peas.”
Funding by the Victoria Foundation for an upgraded irrigation will make that warning moot.
“We already have our eye on some land that is currently fallow to take into production,” said Anita Gregory, executive director for FarmFolk CityFolk. “It will allow us to consider inviting another family business to the farm.”
She said that the long-term vision is to create access to affordable land for farmers, who then supply fresh organic vegetables to the community.
Part of that vision is to open an education centre for training on sustainable farming practices. The centre will also serve as a hub for school children and other community groups to learn and participate in food production.
“A community farm is unique in the fact that it can engage children — and even adults — with a hands-on experience to show them how food is grown,” said Gregory. “It is also an opportunity for them to volunteer and serve as stewards of the land.”
The farm is located at 1152 Lippincott Rd. (just off Luxton Road) in Langford. For more information, go to farmfolkcityfolk.ca or lohbrunnercommunityfarm.org.
