After testing the waters with one apprentice last year, Twin Meadows Organics—the couple’s family-owned farm in McBride, B.C.—is offering apprenticeships to three aspiring organic farmers, beginning May 1.
“[We’re offering apprenticeships] basically because we think there’s a serious shortage and a growing shortage, so our collective food security is at risk,” said Gary. “We just want to encourage people to grow more food. That’s the ultimate.”
Twin Meadows Organics has successfully cultivated relationships with both locals and corporations. The weekly food box program is returning to Jasper this season. The farm also supplies organic heirloom produce to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Throughout the past few years, the Lowes have welcomed many helpers through the organization Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), and continue to share their organic farming passion through new endeavours.
Organic farming is becoming a lost art, said Wendy. Aspiring organic farmers need to understand that there’s more to farming than growing food.
The occupation must match their personal values, said Gary. Two key requirements are determination and a willingness to work. “It’s definitely a lifestyle choice … you have to be able to be there all the time, so if it’s raining you still have to work.”
“People buy more than just your food, they buy your story,” said Wendy.
The four-month apprenticeship program is co-sponsored by Farm Management Canada, JPL, Rocky Bear Gifts and the weekly food box members. “This is a broad-based group of people that really want to help us develop young farmers.”
Twin Meadows Organics is one of 20 farms approved by Farm Management Canada to offer apprenticeships. “We’re a little bit different than some farms, we think apprentices should be paid,” said Gary. “Everybody is an employee, they have workers’ compensation and pay taxes.”
Twin Meadows Organics received numerous applications, especially from the US.
Two apprentices are from B.C. and the third hails from Ventura, California. The Californian “is a city boy,” said Gary. “We have really high hopes for him.
“He’s been on a farm up in Washington and he wants to move here and live here and farm here. He’s pretty serious.”
One of the women from B.C. is an engineering student whose parents are farmers, and the other is a university grad who majored in biology.
As part of their hands-on learning, apprentices will be given “growing space” for their own produce. “They can make about $2,500 from their growing space, so it will depend on what types of crops they want to grow,” said Gary. The apprentices don’t have to worry about selling their produce, the Lowes will purchase it from them.
Last year’s apprentice will also return this season for more on-farm training. “We’re in contact with him all the time,” said Gary. “He’s a worker and he knows what he wants.” The man, originally from Vancouver, “has land in Fort Fraser with another four or five young people. They collectively bought this farm.”
Knowing that a large portion of this man’s farming knowledge stems from the Lowes’ mentorship is encouraging. “It was quite rewarding for us because you just don’t imagine what impact you have on a life,” said Gary.
He and Wendy look forward to continuing their organic farming lifestyle and sharing it with others, whether it’s through training, work experience, education, or their delicious produce.
“It’s a wholesome business. You have to be authentic, you’ve got to be doing this for a real reason ... and if it’s real, you’ll have a fabulous business.”
