Agassiz-Harrison Food Coalition
Inspired by Earthwise Society’s work with the Delta Food Coalition, the Agassiz-Harrison Food Coalition (AHFC) was formed in 2023, to bring together a network of community groups to collaborate on addressing food security issues for Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs. Even though we are rural agricultural communities, year round access to fresh food is limited. With rising costs, more people than ever are food insecure. The Covid-19 pandemic and the floods of 2021 highlighted the need for innovative solutions for long term food security. By working together, the AHFC will be able to leverage community resources and coordinate food security initiatives to address these issues. The Coalition will share information on available programs and needs, identify available resources, and make connections between agencies, resources, and people in need.
Community Growing and Sharing Farm
The Community Growing and Sharing Farm was established in 2024 as an innovative pilot project to give locals an opportunity to participate in growing food and share the excess with others. Set on half an acre of land at Earthwise Agassiz, the Community farm was the first major initiative supported by the AHFC.
Education plays a pivotal role in this initiative and Earthwise Society offers training and workshops on topics such as food cultivation, season extension strategies, food preservation, and waste reduction. The project will also implement methods to extend the harvest season into winter to increase the availability of fresh local produce year round. By empowering residents with essential skills, the project aims to actively engage and equip the community with the knowledge to help shape a more sustainable food system. The work of our community farmers directly supports Earthwise Society’s mission to provide fresh, locally grown produce to those in need. Our community based team works together to create a healthier, more resilient local food system.
This project was made possible through the Community Sustainability and Resilience Fund (CSRF) grant, funded by the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund and administered by United Way British Columbia.
Community Orchard
The Community Orchard was created in 2024 in partnership with Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, generously supported by funding from the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. The orchard features 200 heritage fruit trees, tended by volunteers, that will yield fruit harvests for our community year round. The orchard offers opportunities for people to learn about growing fruit and share the harvest with others through Agassiz Harrison Community Services.
Get Involved!
Our farm team is busy getting crops in the ground for this season’s harvest, and we’re reaching out to invite members of our community to be part of this exciting project. If you are interested in growing food, if you have skills and interests to share, or if you would like to learn, we’d love to hear from you. This season, we have introduced a new Regenerative Farming Volunteer Certificate Program. Participants can build practical regenerative farming skills, connect with others, and learn hands-on techniques for growing healthy food in a supportive community setting!
Harvest Sharing
The Earthwise Agassiz Community Farm is committed to supporting local food access by sharing excess produce grown at the farm with community members through partnerships with local organizations and the Agassiz-Harrison Food Coalition. If your organization would like to learn more, please reach out.
Email farm@earthwisesociety.bc.ca for more information about the Community Farm or any of our food security programs