Fall Potluck & Barn Tour
21 people came together at the Athabasca Ag Society grounds on Wednesday to tour the proposed Athabasca Grown greenhouse and growing spaces, share locally-grown or sourced potluck dishes, and hear about recent committee activity.
Committee vice-chair Michelle Sulz likened recent Athabasca Grown movements to those of planting itself. “First you prepare the soil. You plant the seeds and a lot happens, unseen, under the ground, before any greens pop up. And that’s roughly where we’re at right now.”
A passive solar greenhouse build is likely still a few years out. With that in mind, and along with construction subcommittee member Steve Sulz and chair Mike Gismondi led attendees on an exploration of the Ag Society’s small barn, a space on offer for potential indoor growing. This could include vertical growing, hydroponics, or growing bags, all under LED lights.
Why the seemingly sudden shift from passive solar to indoor?
As reported by secretary Cara Shan, and determined in our sessions with decision-making professional Juli Rohl of Revivis, “growing food faster was a priority.”
Mike confirmed that our vision in the short term is a pivot from what’s in “the orange book.”
He noted the committee received a grant from AU for $5k that will likely involve inviting indoor growing expertise into the discussion. We have a few leads, and will let everyone know when we have something lined up.
Meanwhile, we are hopeful for a $20k grant from UFA for indoor growing. We should know more when final decisions are made in early October. Another proposal for a $10k Rocky Mountain Equipment grant is also out, and for similar purposes. Fingers crossed!
While actively pursuing these small grants for growing in the barn, the building subcommittee is also preparing documents to be “shovel ready” for possible spring grants to fund the passive solar greenhouse project.
So, while we see little activity “above ground,” the Athabasca Grown committee and subcommittees continue to work away at our common and decided goals.
Why partner with the Ag Society?
Michelle led an engaged conversation on why attendees thought it might make sense. At its very base, “agriculture” refers to cultivating for human use. Naturally, growing food fits with this. Ag societies’ mandate in Alberta is to enhance the quality of life for people living in rural communities. The Athabasca Ag Society has space and resources, and an established governance system. All these seem to the majority to be supportive reasons “that just make sense” and yield a natural partnership.
As we continue down the road of growing and collaboration, the next event on the calendar is our second annual Seedy Saturday, in mid-March. Please remember to collect your saved seeds for sharing at that time (instructions on how to do so here!).
If you have ideas for related events throughout the winter, please let us know! If you are also willing to be a contributor to a subcommittee and help with accessing grants, planning construction, etc. please also let us know - info@athabascagrown.ca!
The food was all fabulous, and everyone loved Gillian Little’s carrot, apple, and rhubarb cake bars, for which she has generously shared the recipe. Enjoy!
Here’s the link to the recipe PDF!
