Pemberton Agricultural Tours
 Strawberries, Randy Lincks photo
Spud Valley Designated a Seed Potato Control area in 1947, the protected, narrow valley keeps many potato viruses out of the area thus enabling growers to produce and ship high quality seed for potato farms all over North America. Nicknamed Spud Valley, the Pemberton Valley has 18 certified growers growing 30 varieties of virus-free potato seed.
Pemberton Farm Produce Pemberton soils grow more than just tasty tubers. Through the year there are berries, salad greens, root vegetables, beef, honey and herbs. For example, in addition to seed potatoes, Shaw Creek Farm now grows crops such as beans, beets and corn while McEwan's Farm is a top choice for U-Pick berries, especially strawberries.
North Arm Farm Open daily from the first asparagus in April to the last of October squash, the 22ha/55ac North Arm Farm is a showcase of summer bounty. Rafters are filled with just-farmed garlic or beets. Stacks of carrots await pickling jars. Corn rises as high as an elephant's eye and families flock to the U-Pick flowers fields and hayrides through the pumpkin patch. North Arm Farm have a picnic and play area as well as sheep, pigs, chickens and ducks to enjoy. The restaurant has an in-house bakery and retail items include farm-made preserves, chutneys and sauces. Ask about their summer cooking classes. Pemberton Distillery As the first certified organic distillery in Canada, everything at the Pemberton Distillery incorporates an eco-awareness, from its energy-wise geothermal distilling process to supplying local farms with leftover mash as fertilizer.
Vodka and Whiskey Although most vodkas are made from grain - this spud-inspired operation goes through some 50 tonnes of local taters for its boutique beverage. The result is a silky-smooth sipping vodka that puts its scorching counterparts on the back burner. The distillery's first batch of single malt whisky is currently maturing in oak casks; look for it in 2014!
Slow Food Cycle Sunday This pedal-powered event is the pre-eminent showcase of Pemberton's agricultural largesse. Held every August, local farmers thrown open their gates to attract in excess of 3,000 cyclists on Slow Food Cycle Sundays, who pedal from one farm to the other, grazing their way through delicious local foods such as natural beef burgers and the now famous Pemberton French fries.
Farmer's Market & Fall Country Fair Cyclists also pick up fresh-from-the-fields produce, meet local artists and entertainers. The route is about 26km/16mi but because the entire community gets involved, even non-cyclists can sample treats at various locations downtown. Pemberton Farmer's Market (held every Wednesday at the Legion) and Fall Country Fair also showcase the Valley's tasty organic produce.
|
|