Thomas Kidd (1846–1930), early Richmond farmer and Renaissance man, is worth remembering, and this is the eve of his birthday.
As a poet, Kidd captured Richmond’s essence as “Child of the Fraser River and the sea.” As a farmer and leader, he strove to make life better for others, looking to the future.
This time each year, my column celebrates present-day Thomas Kidds, residents of substance who tend our natural legacies, making our “Garden City” better. This year, it’s the Sweet Digz Farm family of Kareno Hawbolt, Kimi Hendess and River the dog.
Their organic practices are like Kidd’s, going back to February 1874, when Kidd arrived from Ireland’s County Clare, via New Zealand and California. Since farmland is so costly now, Sweet Digz makes do with far less land than Kidd — just four leased acres.
Still, the Sweet Digz farmers build community like Kidd and his friend Walter Lee, who hosted a kind of community centre. If you take part in Sweet Digz markets this summer and fall, you’ll feel the camaraderie and may soon be a farmer-foodie.
While keeping the market hopping, Kimi and Kareno will chat with you about the produce, from sowing to savouring. You’ll get immersed in the Sweet Digz ethos, “Local organic veggies from the earth to you.” A highlight is River’s cameo appearances.
As well, you can be part of the Sweet Digz CSA (community supported agriculture). In season, Sweet Digz delivers a box of veggies for each of the 100 CSA members each week.
The Sweet Digz community is generous. For instance, when a tug’s diesel spill harmed the Heiltsuk First Nation’s clam beds last October, Sweet Digz sent aid from the market proceeds and customer donations.
When Sweet Digz first leased fields with towering grass, the late Frank Vaupotic lent Kimi his tractor, and veteran farmers Ray Galawan, Bill McKinney and Bob Wright came around to help and share tips about the clay soil.
Kareno and Kimi act in the same spirit.
Somehow, the Sweet Digz farmers make time to create engaging e-news each week for all who choose to belong to the community. A key aim is to involve us as partners in farming.
To reach their blog site, just Google “Sweet Digz Farm.” From there, you can subscribe to the e-news, sign up on the CSA waiting list, and learn about the Saturday market location and hours. Act quickly.
Both Kimi and Kareno are well educated and multi-skilled. In early 2016, Kimi reacted to the Massey Tunnel Replacement Project rigamarole by persuading people with relevant insights to gather from Richmond, Delta, Vancouver and beyond. Kimi managed to cut back her role as her farm days grew longer, and the group continues to defend the Fraser Estuary.
But what else about River, you ask. River is the companion. She watches over the farm and farmers and makes people happy. Thomas Kidd, who wrote good-natured verse about his dog, would love that.
Jim Wright is a long-time Richmond activist
