September brought new light to a number of topics consistent with the "Fresh from the Island Diet."  The first of these was the annual Saanich Fair where our Island Farmers' Alliance (IFA) shared an information booth with the Peninsula Agricultural Commisssion (PAC).  The "Question about Agriculture and Food" Wheel of Fortune wheel was a hit with young and old alike.  Also, we unveiled our first sign depicting the IFA Rooster Logo and "diet" included at the bottom.  Enthusiasm for the IFA T-shirt continues and we sold out of all but "Small " and "XXL". People are becoming aware and concerned about where their food comes from. The recent pet food issue of major contamination resulting in illness, even death, of some pets moved people's awareness forward on buying local food.  This is combined with an intuitive wisdom, especially from women I speak with, that we need to support local farmers with our purchasing power and asking for "local food" in all our grocery stores.

Also, at the Saanich Fair, I was delighted to see the maps of the Saanich Peninsula depicting "Primary Land Use Activity", livestock and garden/orchard distribution. This is a great motivator for other Island areas to follow suit and help municipalities and provincial agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and health authorities like VIHA (Vancouver Island Health Authority) address food security (availability and safety) for Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Another major issue affecting both our health and our food production acutely is water. I attended a water concern breakfast in Duncan at which the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) presented its findings and concerns about a long-term plan. At present the CVRD appears to be leading the province in this regard. The event, sponsored by the Cowichan Agriculture Society, included other data as well. Our aquifers are dropping and water for agricultural use will cost more and be harder to obtain.  Also, there is a "modern" ultrasound/infrared measurement device for measuring well depth that is quick and non-contaminating. Measurements showed that one local farmer's well dropped 50 feet within one week's irrigation of his hay fields. Furthermore, it took a week to recover 45 feet of this drop.  Another story from the Comox Valley tells of BC water selling for $22 Euros (about $35 Canadian) per liter at water bars in Europe and New York. It is time we included water in our concern for a "Fresh from the Island Diet."

On a more personal note, I have had a large pond dug at the top of our 7.5-acre property. This in not only in keeping with our "Environmental Farm Plan" (sediment collection) but will provide water for our garden, fruit trees and emus during the summer. Some suggest I am more in keeping with my prairie roots by having a dugout. A local friend and professional agricultural consultant stated: "We need lots more of these on the Island if we are going to produce more food." I look forward to the "Big Wet" filling the said pond, as it drains to it from several acres of grassland and forest.  Stayed tuned for a fish story as well!