Options for winter veggies

The typical conventional tomato that is shipped or trucked into BC is sprayed with 35 different pesticides. Since 1987, almost all of BC Greenhouse Association members (96% of the registered greenhouses in BC) have been using a system called, Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM involves the use of ladybugs, mites and other "good bugs" to fight the "bad bugs". Pesticides are rarely and only used when IPM cannot keep up.

The best way to eat is seasonally and locally. It's what our bodies crave during this time of year. In BC, that means kale, some winter lettuces, some root veggies and squashes. But, when you have kids or you are just tired of eating the same old, the best option would be something grown from a BC Greenhouse Association member. Make sure you read the package to ensure the product is grown in BC (e.g. product of Delta). Some local greenhouse companies have greenhouses in Mexico and other parts of the US. These greenhouses may not use IPM.

Village Farms is a Ladner greenhouse that recently bought a power company that converts methane from the landfills and converts it into power for BC Hydro. They also use the power for their greenhouses. They are currently doing a study on the carbon dioxide from landfills and the potential to use that as energy as well.

So if you are desperate for some variety in the winter months, feel good about supporting local greenhouses with produce grown in BC - especially from Village Farms:). Smaller footprint, less space used to grow the veggies, keeping jobs in BC and likely little to no pesticides sprayed on your veggies.

Don't forget this is just in the winter months...in the summer buy:

-organic

-heirloom

-from a local farmer

-grow you own