A grassy field south of Lougheed Highway in Colony Farm Regional Park could soon be home to an agricultural lab for Kwantlen Polytechnic University students studying sustainable agriculture.
Two dozen students have enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science-Sustainable Agriculture program at Kwantlen and by 2014 they'll likely be trading their laptops and notebooks for gloves and shovels to work in the fields at the Coquitlam park as part of their studies.
The program has cautious approval from the Burke Mountain Naturalists because its small-scale, non-intrusive methods are expected to co-exist well with established wildlife; as well, the farm has been recommended to Metro Vancouver by its environmental and parks committee. The Metro Vancouver board is expected to vote on the proposal today (Friday).
But as a sustainable operation that fits in well with the public park, the project has support from Elaine Golds. The BMN director said her group didn't oppose the project when it was discussed last spring but will be interested in monitoring its progress.
"We were opposed to commercial farming in a public park," Golds said. "This doesn't sound like it. It's a partnership with an educational institute and Metro Vancouver parks. This is to my mind is what is possibly suitable in a park."
HUMAN-SCALE FARMING
Meanwhile, the program's director, Kent Mullinix, said he is looking forward to developing the farm from scratch on 12 acres west of Colony Farm Road and will work with stakeholders, including BMN and the Kwikwetlem First Nation, to ensure that it fits in with the sensitive ecosystem.
"In general, we need to figure out how to conduct crop and stock production in an integrated fashion that is ecologically sound," said Mullinix, the director of the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security program at Kwantlen.
The project is substantially smaller than a $5-million agricultural academy on 91 acres of Colony Farm land that was first proposed by Metro Vancouver - and was criticized by local environmental groups for being too large, obtrusive and ambitious. Environmental groups were concerned that large-scale farming would chase away wildlife and reduce habitat for species such as the Lazuli bunting and barn owls, a species at risk, and that bears would be attracted to a large u-pick berry operation.
Freda Schade, Metro Van Parks' central area manager, said the university proposal fits in with Colony Farm's land use plan. "It's going to be very labour-intensive farming and modern farming that seems to appeal to young people today," she said. "It's the kind of farming we had in mind for the park."
Mullinix said students will learn how to grow a variety of crops, including nuts, berries and vegetables, and may even try some small-scale animal husbandry, such as raising chickens and geese, which are good for manure and keeping down insect populations. Students will not only learn the best way of growing these fruits and vegetables but how to market the produce, he said.
A FEW ACRES TO BE FARMED
For the first few years, only five acres will be in development, with the idea that the farm operation would grow in complexity and size as funding becomes available. The farm would be managed by the university, with student labour, plus a coordinator and some additional help. Buildings will be small and low-impact, and will likely include a modular trailer for a classroom, and a shed.
Machinery would also be small and low-tech, appropriate for a farm of this size but also because the soil tends to be damp and muddy, and, thus, inhospitable to large equipment.
To get started, Mullinix plans to sow nitrogen-rich grasses, which will then be turned under to enhance the soil. Fruit and vegetable production won't start until 2014, when students will translate what they learned in the classroom to field practice.
Mullinix expects the program to teach students about sustainable farming practices, such as what crops do best in this region without commercial fertilizers and pesticides, and how to reduce greenhouse gases during production.
"This is not just about farming," he said. "It's about the food system, and preparing the builders and leaders of a 21st century food system for B.C. and Canada."
Tuition fees are about $5,000 a year for the four-year degree program and Mullinix said graduates will be able be sought after for jobs in the sustainable agriculture industry.
The university farm won't rule out other farming operations for the park. Schade confirmed that incubator farms that fit in with the park could be allowed in the future.
"We we have said we aren't going to initiate anything at this time but we're open to good ideas."
Schade also said the Colony Farm Draft plan is on hold while Metro Park's staff work on a master plan for parks for the entire region.
For more information about Kwantlen's agricultural program, visit kwantlen.ca.
