ALUS Bayham Establishes First Demonstration Farm
Posted: June 24, 2014
Categories: GoodFoodBites / News from Sustain Members
From ALUS:
On June 6th, 2014 ALUS Bayham, celebrated the establishment of their first demonstration farm. The farm, M&R Orchards produces several varieties of apples and is operated by Helmut and Monika Michel as well as their daughter Jeannine and son in law Uwe Richter. Apples produced on the farm are sold as is and are also used to create gelato ice cream and apple cider, which are all sold at their on site store.
Background:
ALUS began as a vision of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), Manitoba’s largest farm organization, and Delta Waterfowl Foundation. KAP and Delta proposed farmers get paid to provide ecological goods and services from their land, and they proposed that those incentives be delivered through community-based organizations. From those humble beginnings, ALUS projects are now established in four provinces, and the movement continues to affect policy in other jurisdictions.
In September 2007, ALUS was launched in Ontario. Norfolk County, in the heart of tobacco country, started its project with 16 private sector funding partners. Norfolk ALUS has now grown to include more than 50 sponsorship partners and more than 100 participating farm families.
The main purpose of a demonstration farm is to illustrate the use of a variety of agricultural techniques. They can be owned and operated by educational organizations, government ministries or may even be rented from a local farmer. Method of payment can range from being monetary to providing the owner with the surplus produce or livestock.
Visit ALUS Bayham Demonstration Farm, for more details.