by Jo Barnes | photos by Kathryn Alvarez Photography –
Upon arrival at the farm, I had to pause while my boots were sprayed to disinfect them. This would minimize the chance of any disease, pests or weeds being transferred to the farm grounds. This was my introduction to a farm where accountability was of highest importance.
Katie Underwood of Peas n’ Carrots Farm on Prospect Lake Road is accountable not only to her own high standards of offering quality produce to her clients, but also to the stringent requirements for her farm’s organic accreditation.
“Peas n’ Carrots is a certified organic farm,” she shares. “Being certified involves farming in ways that follow guidelines and come with restrictions, all of which means accountability. The boot spray is a sanitizing solution to protect the birds and soils from pathogens.”
The two-acre farm is named for the very food staples it grows. “While growing up, my mom would serve peas and carrots. These are basic foods that I eat or my family eats,” says Katie.
The farm produce menu, however, has grown well beyond these staples. Katie’s farm produces a delicious diversity including snow peas, snap peas, shelling peas, various winter squash, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, garlic, zucchini, cucumbers and tomatoes.
Since its initial season in 2021, Peas n’ Carrots has become a viable, sustainable farm operation. “The farm feeds 150 customers and provides food through the North Saanich Farmers Market,” shares Katie. “There are also 26 families who order through my CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box program.”
From seed to harvest, each item is grown with attention to sustainability. “As an organic producer, I use only permitted substances, rotate crops to prevent disease and nutrient deficiency, do cover cropping and follow all Canadian Organic Standards,” notes Katie.
Composting, mulching and planting native flowers; Katie always has an eye out regarding the future of the land. “I planted native flowers which will continue to flourish into the future,” she says. “I think it’s important to stay mindful of what we are doing and make things better in the world.”
Since moving to the West Coast, Katie has been involved in a number of outdoor jobs such as rigger, yacht detailer, and landscaper, but it is farming that really sparked her passion. “In 2018, I went to the Farmer-to-Farmer Conference and learned about Haliburton Farm,” she says. “I took workshops about farming collaboratively and the fundamentals of farming.”
Hands-on experience further developed her skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for this work. She worked for a variety of different farms before branching out on her own. “I worked for Elemental Farm, and when the owner was downsizing, I asked him about the idea of farming by myself,” she remarks. Fast forward to 2020 – armed with experience and a desire to start her own farming venture, Katie applied to the B.C. Land Matching Program delivered by Young Agrarians. The program initiated in 2016 matches farmers who seek land to work with landholders who are interested in someone to farm their land. Access to land was a game changer for Katie. “Land is prohibitively expensive, and this program made farming possible for me.”
As a new farming entrepreneur, there was a steep learning curve juggling the needs of the farm, the needs of the business, and carving out some time for herself. As a farmer primarily working solo, the repetitive tasks and daily farm work is demanding. “It’s not always easy to create work life balance and finding the time to rest,” Katie says. “There are physical challenges such as the stress on the knees and hands.”
Whether words of encouragement or assistance in the greenhouse or in the field, she has appreciated support along the way. “I have lovely friends who help on the farm,” Katie shares. “We chat a lot and work on tasks together.”
All the effort, however, brings a variety of rewards not only in valuable knowledge and experience, but also new friendships and connections with other farmers. “My farm would not be as successful without the help of other people in the farming community,” she acknowledges. “There are so many other farmers out there producing food. I don’t see them as competitors but as comrades. We work in collaboration with each other. Everyone is encouraging and supportive.”
These relationships have served to bring a new awareness of environmental issues, food security, and ways that Katie might participate such as initiating the South Vancouver Island Farmers Institute. “I’m really excited about starting this group. We now have 55 members,” she relates. “It’s valuable for networking and education.”
At the heart of Peas n’ Carrots Farm is Katie’s desire to produce certified organic food which meets the needs of her clients, minimizes the impact on the land, and meets her own standards for being a part of a productive farming community. For her customers, this is accountability they can count on with a bounty that tastes delicious.
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