Sweet Digz, a new Steveston-based farm, will partner with Nirvana Organic Foods to host two Saturday Farmer's Markets on Sept. 28 and Oct. 12 to celebrate the arrival of the new organic farm here in Richmond.
Kareno Hawbolt and her partner Kimi Hendess are leasing four acres on the edge of Steveston on which they plan to grow organic vegetables, local organic seed, and medicinal herbs.
"We're excited to be farming here, to be learning from long-time local farmers, and to be part of Richmond's strong agricultural community," said Hawbolt, who was born and raised in Richmond and had been farming for 10 years on Vancouver Island before moving back to her hometown in 2010.
Since then she has served as farm manager at The Sharing Farm, a non-profit society that grows food for the Richmond Food Bank.
Pam Tay, who runs Nirvana Organic Foods at the corner of Dyke Road and No.2 Road, said she is pleased to see more local food being grown, and to support a local farm, especially one that will grow organically.
"I grew up on a farm so I really value healthy food and supporting local farm businesses," Tay said. "I always encourage people to eat healthy."
"When Pam suggested we have our Saturday fall markets at Nirvana, we were overjoyed," Hendess said. "It's a great way for us to partner, build community, and celebrate local food. That's what farming is all about for us."
Sweet Digz Farm will also sell at the final Steveston Summer Farmer's Market on Sept. 29 where they will sell various kinds of winter squash, root vegetables, leafy greens, peas, and beans.
The markets at Nirvana will run from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. on Sept. 28 and Oct. 12, rain or shine.
