The latest edition of the Island Farm Fresh Guide is your go-to directory for the incredible agricultural offerings of Greater Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island - and this year, 56 farms are featured as proud members!
This indispensable resource provides locals and visitors alike with detailed information about where and when to find fresh, local produce straight from the source.
“With the current enthusiasm towards buying local and supporting local businesses and farmers, our Island Farm Fresh Guide is the best way to pair locals with direct growers and produce providers,” says Dan Ponchet, President of the Southern Vancouver Island Direct Farm Marketing Association. “The guide is a great way to find what local farms are currently growing and what’s in season at the moment.”
The printed guide highlights more than 100 local farms, showcasing the variety of fruits, vegetables, meats and artisanal products available throughout the year. Whether you’re craving crisp apples in the fall or juicy summer berries, the guide offers a season-by-season breakdown of what’s available and where.
“You can find all the details on our wide variety of seasonal crops and what months those crops will come available here on the Island,” Ponchet adds.
This year’s guide also reinforces the importance of supporting local agriculture. Buying directly from Island farms not only strengthens the local economy and creates jobs, but also helps reduce environmental impact by cutting down on long-distance food transportation.
The diversity of offerings in the region is remarkable, from classic staples to exotic produce, heritage livestock, and cutting-edge organic practices. These farms play a key role in building a resilient, sustainable food system that supports a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
To make things even easier, the Island Farm Fresh website has been completely redeveloped to improve usability. It now features more precise search filters for specific products and expansive listings for each farm, helping you find exactly what you’re looking for - whether you're planning a farm visit or searching for ingredients close to home.
Pick up your guide at locations around the South Island, or explore it online at islandfarmfresh.com.