The Farmlands Trust (Greater Victoria) Society
The Farmlands Trust (Greater Victoria) Society (“FLT”) is a not-for-profit charitable organization.
Founded in 2008, our main objective was the preservation of farmland, ecology and farming capability in the Mount Newton Valley.
In 2012, we became the steward of Newman Farm in Saanichton, B.C., which is owned by the District of Central Saanich.
Since 2012, we have farmed Newman Farm to provide a consistent and reliable food supply to Greater Victoria area communities in support of their food insecure community members. We donate our harvest to local communities and community organizations.
Our operations are funded by grants and donations, both monetary and in-kind.
Our vision…
To achieve and facilitate food sovereignty in Greater Victoria where the communities we serve define their own food and agriculture systems, where we produce healthy and culturally appropriate food using ecologically sound, regenerative and sustainable methods.
Our mission is to…
Relieve food insecurity by providing a safe, healthy, reliable supply of fruits and vegetables to local communities and community organizations, by
Donating fresh produce to local communities and community organizations who offer free grocery or meal programs to those experiencing food insecurity or poverty
Engaging with our community on food sovereignty, our Farm Plan directly reflects the stated needs of our local community and community organization members
Protect and preserve farmlands for the benefit of current and future generations. At Newman Farm, we demonstrate:
Farmland stewardship - Newman Farm maintains standards of farm stewardship through the Provincial Environmental Farm Plan
Biodiversity – Our annual farm plan includes the cultivation of an ever- changing variety of vegetables that reflect beneficiary needs and the needs of the land while maintaining areas that support essential ecological services for soil biodiversity and health, pollinators and beneficial insect populations
Agro-ecological farm practices – We assess the impacts of our farming practices on soil health and farm ecology, using emerging and current technologies and best practices that minimize our footprint and maximize biodiversity
Provide education and learning opportunities to the community about the heritage, value, management and operations of farmlands, by
Providing volunteer opportunities to those who want to contribute to their community and increase their food cultivation skills
Hosting corporate and community work parties, the traditional farming community practice used to tackle a large job
Offering and conducting hands-on learning opportunities for local schools and community groups
Dedicating a portion of the farm to formal and informal agro-ecological researc
Board & Management
Chair, Interim Secretary/Treasurer - Tammy Neske
Directors – Ravi Gunasinghe and Steve Grossnickle
Farm Manager – Shellie MacDonald
Supporters
Celtic Tree Service
Bartlett Tree Service
BCMAF
Empress Tree Service
District of Central Saanich
Haliburton Community Organic Farm
Juniper English Designs
Laings Lock and Key
Lifecycles Project Society
M&M Excavation
100 Women Who Care
Peninsula Co-op
Provincial Employees Community Services Fund
Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse
Site One Landscape Supply
South Island Farmers Institute
Sovereign Order of St. John
Thrifty Foods
United Way of British Columbia
Victoria Foundation
West Coast Seeds
Western Communities Foundation
Western Forest Products