Supporting Sustainable Agriculture and Celebrating Food

Supporting sustainable agriculture and celebrating local food Feast of Fields is our annual local food celebration and fundraiser, held each year on a different farm in Metro Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in the Okanagan Valley. Proceeds raised from these events allow us to develop and operate programs that connect, empower, and inspire people to strengthen BC’s sustainable food systems.  Feast of Fields is a wandering gourmet harvest festival that strengthens the connections between farm folks and city folks. With a wine glass and linen napkin in hand, guests stroll across farmers’ fields, through barns, past tractors, and around chicken coops, listening to live music, and tasting gourmet creations from top BC chefs, farmers, fishers, ranchers, food artisans, and beverage producers.

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

When Anette Marten’s son Kayden was growing up, there was one animal he wanted more than anything else.  “Our son was obsessed with pigs since he was four,” says Martens. “It got to the point where we actually banned the word pig in our house.”  Still Kayden kept pushing and after some careful research during COVID presented a plan to his parents to land a pet pig.  “He was smart enough to have contacted a person that breeds pigs by himself and he had all the information about how to have them as a pet,” smiles Martens. “So after doing a lot of research we thought let’s give it a try.”

Willbert became part of the family in October of 2020 and quickly grew from a cute cuddly youngster into a hefty hog.  “They gain weight incredibly fast and we give our dog a lot of treats on walks and things like that and of course Willy gets them too,” says Martens.  “Literally in no time the weight gain was really, really big, but it doesn’t hinder him from being an incredible house pet.”  When Willbert goes on his daily walks with his other four legged friends, he gets quite a lot of attention.

“Sometimes when I’m on my walks I don’t realize how awkward it must be, he’s just so part of my life that I don’t even give it a second thought,” laughs Martens.  “Then people will come up to me and go ‘is that a pig,’ and I’m like ‘oh yeah, it is.'”  The pig has become a much loved part of the family and the Martens wouldn’t want to have any other pet.  “I know it might sound crazy but I love him, I absolutely love him,” says Martens.  “Once they gravitate towards you and they trust you, the bond is really special.”

They are a certified organic farm producing everything from poultry to cut flowers to a multitude of fruits and vegetables which they distribute throughout Vancouver Island and the lower mainland including farm-gate sales and they also host weddings.

Start your new life together on beautiful Kildara Farm. Located just 5 minutes from the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal, Kildara features extensive English country gardens, a breathtaking ocean and mountain view, mature apple orchard and is just steps away from the beach. Roses ramble along fences and trellises, lilies fill the air with their intoxicating scent, driftwood gates invite you to explore the orchard and ornamental grasses wave softly in the pleasant breeze--each corner of the garden presents another delightful surprise! Have your photos taken right on the property, while your guests mingle in the garden or play bocce ball amongst the roses-whatever your wishes, Kildara Farm offers the very best of country elegance.

Recently renovated - Our recently renovated great barn is a beautiful building carefully constructed with posts and beams milled right from the property. Expansive views over the farm and ocean beyond provide the perfect backdrop for you and your guests to dance the night away! Our barn loft has been elegantly restored to create a rustic oasis for you and your wedding party to get ready in! Bring lunch and champagne, relax and bring your pampering team knowing you don’t have to travel very far to get to your wedding—it’s right down stairs!  The loft has ample space to spread out and get gorgeous, with all kinds of beauty extras at your disposal in case of a hairspray or bobby pin emergency! The Juliet balcony is the perfect spot for fabulous pictures before and after the ceremony.

Get ready to buy some fresh produce, check out some homemade goods and support local in the sunshine.  There are plenty of markets across Vancouver Island and many are ready to kick off their market season!  Check out our page to all the farmers markets on Vancouver Island this summer: 

Moss Street Market

MARCH 25, 2022 Spring Arrives to the Market! The market moves outdoors in April, to the Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards, and Porter Park. In May, we transition from our ‘winter markets’ to our ‘regular season’, adding an extra hour (10am to 2pm) and welcoming back many more farm, food, artisan and craft vendors, live music, and a host of new vendors.

Summer 2020 marks the 31st season of the Moss Street Market. The family favourite offers local and organic produce, handmade crafts, artisan clothing as well as community education.  Moss Street Market now offers an online market with delivery and pick up options. 

The organization also runs a Winter Market (November through April).  When: 10 a.m.to 2 p.m., every Saturday May through October Where: 401 Moss Street, Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park.

Esquimalt Farmers Market

The Esquimalt Farmers Market first launched in May 2015 and continues to be a popular summer market for locals.   The market promotes supporting local business and building community, and features a large list of vendors.  The market runs Monday nights at Gorge Park and Thursday nights at Memorial Park.  When: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm., Mondays and Thursdays Where: 1070 Tilicum Road (Gorge Park) on Mondays and 1200 Esquimalt Road (Memorial Park) on Thursdays.

The Esquimalt Farmers Market exists to provide a marketplace that serves as a community gathering point for relationship-building, access to healthy local food, and equitable sustainability in Esquimalt.

Jamers Bay Market

The James Bay Market has been in operation for 28 years. Visitors can still support local farms, food producers and craft vendors when they visit the James Bay staple.  When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays from May 7th to September 24th Where: Corner of Menzies and Superior Street.

THANK YOU to the James Bay Community for supporting the James Bay Community Market and our LOCAL farmers, food producers and craft vendors for the last 28 years. We appreciate your support, help and attendance in making our market a success.

Goldstream Farmers Market

Everything at the Goldstream Farmers Market is homemade, handmade or home grown.   Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked breads and goodies, unique and quality crafts and textile creations. There is also live music, a water park and food trucks.  When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from May to October Where: Veterans’ Memorial Park, Langford.

Sooke Country Market

From April to October, you can find farm fresh veggies, crafts, baking, art and more at the Sooke Country Market.   The market is located in John Phillips Park, near the Sooke district hall.  When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from April 23rd to October 8th Where: Memorial Park, John Philips, Sooke. You can find us every Saturday from 10am - 2pm (April 23rd - Oct. 8th) in John Phillips Park, near the Sooke district hall. Our products include farm fresh veggies, crafts, baking, art, and more! 

Sooke Night Market

The Sooke Night Market is back for its 7th season, selling products that are made, baked, raised, caught, and wild harvested or 100% grown by the approved vendor.  When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays from June 2nd to September 1st Where: 2070 Phillips Road.

Metchosin Farmers Market

This summer, take a relaxing drive into Metchosin country, where the sheep and cattle graze and the rolling hills beckon.  Buy your fresh vegetables, breads, jams, salsa, baked goods and gifts (or crafts) for your loved ones.  When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays from May 8th to October 30th Where: 4450 Happy Valley Road, Metchosin Municipal Grounds.

North Saanich Farm Market

2022 marks the 15th year of the North Saanich Farm Market!  The market is made possible by the love and work of many local growers, crafters, bakers, vintners and brewers and the dedicated volunteers and board.   When: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturdays from June 5th to October Where: 10990 West Saanich Road.

Peninsula Country Market

The Peninsula Country Market has more than 50 vendors weekly offering farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted meats, organic produce and a fine selection of arts and crafts.  When: 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanich Fairgrounds Where: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from June 4th to October 8th.

Oakland Sunset Market

The Oaklands Sunset Market began as a community celebration, a space for neighbours and local businesses to come together and build community connections.  Now, the annual market features a selection of local farm & food vendors from June to August.  When: 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesdays from June 29th to August 31st Where: 1-2827 Belmont Avenue.

Sidney Farmers Market

The Sidney Farmers Market is back with artisans, baking, clothing, health and beauty, entertainment and more!  Check out their website weekly for updated vendor lists.  Where: Outdoor parking area of Mary Winspear Centre When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays from May 8th to September 25th.

Sidney Night Market

Sidney Thursday Night Market Sidney will also be operating a Thursday Night Market, bringing the fun of the market into the weekday for everyone to enjoy!   Where: Outdoor parking area of Mary Winspear Centre When: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursdays from June 2nd to September 1st.

Duncan"s Farmer Market

The Duncan Farmers’ Market is located in historic downtown Duncan, selling a full array of produce, in-season fruit, honey, eggs, cheese, meat, seafood, wines and spirits, baked goods, plants and flowers, amazing local artisan creations, pastas, jams, pickles, food trucks and more.  The market runs year round, with different operating hours for the fall and winter.  When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, April 2nd throughout the Summer. Where: 200 Craig Street, Duncan.

Cedar's Farmer Market

The Cedar Farmers’ Market features locally grown fruit & vegetables, ethically raised meat, sustainable seafood, potted plants, fresh-cut flowers, pottery, jewelry, food trucks, hot locally-roasted coffee, handmade gelato, all-natural bath & beauty care, home decor, and more!  The market will open at 9:30 a.m. for reserved Shopping for seniors and those with physical and/or neurodevelopmental challenges.   

At 10 a.m. live music will begin and the market will open for the general public.   When: 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Reserved Shopping, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., General Public, Sunday from May 8th to October 31st Where: Woodbank School, 1984 Woobank Road.

Pender Island's Farm Market

The Pender farmers market is sponsored by the Pender Island Farmers’ Institute, bringing together local farmers, craftspeople and food vendors for a fun summer market.   When: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from May 21st to September 3rd Where: 4418 Bedwell Harbour Road.

Saltspring Island Market

The Salt Spring Island Market is a popular market for locals and tourists!   The market operates rain or shine from April all the way through to October and features world class potters, jewellers, fibre artists, woodworkers, fine art & photography, body care, clothing and accessories, island tours and more.  When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday April 2nd to October 29th Where: Oceanside at Centennial Park in the heart of Ganges.