Athabasca Local Food: Growing here, now!
While investigating how a (mostly) passive solar deep-winter greenhouse could strengthen the local food system and provide economic benefits, it became clear that there was a bigger conversation around what Athabascans want to eat and how/where their food is produced.
Part of that conversation included some people admitting they didn’t know who was producing food (other than commodities) in the region. They might buy produce from vendors at the Athabasca Farmers’ Market, but they weren’t sure that what they were buying was local.
We want to feature local produce growers and food producers to help connect them with Athabascans seeking delicious, healthy, and locally grown food.
If you are a producer and would like to be added here, let us know!
Norland Brae Farm
Michelle & Steve Sulz
norland.brae@gmail.com
www.norlandbrae.ca
Norland Brae Farm is a mixed, family-run small farm located in Athabasca County, about 20 minutes east of Athabasca. Owned by Michelle and Steve Sulz, Norland Brae has been providing the Athabasca area with fresh produce, highland beef, bread and more for over 8 years!
Michelle has a background in agriculture, and Steve is an engineer. It makes for a great team, with Michelle running the greenhouse and vegetable crops and Steve helping create efficient ventilation, energy and water systems. The greenhouse is a hoop style with a poly cover, and about 3000 sq ft in size.
They grow a selection of warm-weather crops, with the greenhouse allowing them to have fresh produce for the first outdoor Athabasca Farmers’ Market, usually the first weekend of May. Many of their varieties are heirloom, and Michelle is always trying new ones to see what works and what customers like. They are now trying strawberries in PVC piping, allowing for extra growing space and a new crop that folks love.
They use conventional fertilizer delivered through a super-efficient drip watering system. Access to the outside allows pollinators to visit, so they don’t have to worry about that. It does allow pests to invade, too, so they are experimenting with various biological controls and a good old hand vac! They are also experimenting with biochar as a soil amendment.
They also raise Highland Beef and sell meat products like smoked sausage, hamburger patties and frozen fresh cuts.
You can find Norland Brae produce at the Athabasca Farmers’ Market every Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm. Check out their website and social media for colourful pictures of their gorgeous produce!
Photos from Norland Brae Farm:
Olomero Farm
Mika Little-Devito, Michael Bayans, Kevin Devito, and Gillian Little
olomerofarm@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/OlomeroFarm/
One of the newest additions to the fresh food market in Athabasca is Olomero Farm. This is their first season of growing, and they are already producing a delicious assortment of vegetables and herbs. We asked for info for the blog, and Mika provided a great write-up and fantastic pictures:
“Olomero Farm is a family-run market garden growing vegetables near Island Lake, AB. We focus on ecosystem function and use practices that promote healthy soils, plants, and microbial communities. We do not use pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Our mission is to grow the best-tasting, nutrient-dense food we can, and to be able to share it with people in the Athabasca community.
We decided to start a market garden because we were looking for a way to pair our love of food with our knowledge of interconnected ecosystems.
We have a core belief that humans can have a net positive impact on our environment, and we want to be a part of the growing number of people who care about soil and ecosystem health in food production. Collectively, we have backgrounds in soil, plant, and water science, and we strive to put that knowledge to use in a way that can provide locally grown, great-tasting food to our community.
We are selling a variety of vegetables, including a seasonal selection of lettuce, spinach, arugula, beets, carrots, peas, radishes, salad turnips, sweet onions, green onions, parsley, cilantro, dill, kale, Swiss chard, asian greens, and tomatoes. This is our first year, so there is a lot of research and development going on to find out what we can grow successfully, which varieties taste great, and what people want!
You can purchase our items at the Athabasca Farmers' Market. We are hoping to offer delivery or a pick-up option in the future.”
Be sure to check them out at the Farmers’ Market and lend your support to a new ag business here in the region!
Photos from Olomero Farm :
More Local Producers
Martin’s Apiary - You can find selections of raw honey, beeswax products, grass-finished meats and more at their stand at the Athabasca Farmers’ Market or on their website: www.martinsapiary.com
Life Bread - Local wheat producer Otto Rottier offers whole wheat berries for grinding fresh whole wheat flour. They are occasionally at the Athabasca Farmers’ Market, or you can order online: www.lifebreadwellness.com
Elliot Acres - Elliot Acres offers a variety of fresh and dried herbs, as well as amazing fresh garlic and garlic powder. You can find Chris and Serena at the Athabasca Farmers’ Market.
Hutterite Colonies - The Athabasca area Hutterite colonies produce vegetables, eggs, chickens and baked goods. You can find them at the Athabasca Farmers’ Market or stop by one of their farm stores.
Are you or do you know a grower who’s selling their products in the local food economy? Reach out to us to learn more about Athabasca Grown and how you can be involved!
The next Circle of Champions meeting will be online on Thursday, Aug 21, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Register on Eventbrite for the link.
If you would like more information on what it means to be a part of the Circle of Champions, contact us at info@athabascagrown.ca.
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