Stories

Taste of Abby Podcast Series with Aaron Pete, Bigger Than Me Podcast

Step into the Taste of Abby podcast, a 5 part mini-series, your gateway to Abbotsford, British Columbia—Canada’s farming heartland. Host Aaron Pete guides you through a delicious exploration of food and farming, connecting with local farmers, creators, and restaurant owners. Discover how they cultivate the land, aim for sustainability, and enrich our region with incredible flavors. It’s time to deepen your ties to this fertile ground and experience the food culture of Abby.

The episodes will be launched between September 15th – 23rd during our second annual Taste of Abby week!

Join us as Amir Mann, director and farmer at Mann Farms, walks us through his family’s cutting-edge vertical farming system, their proactive approach to climate change, their enthusiasm for local produce, and their enduring love for Canadian agriculture.

Episode launching on September 15th, 2023.

Prepare for an insightful chat with Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food, as we delve into her transition from Mayor of Mission to an influential Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), explore her dedication to BC’s diverse farming community, and discuss her commitment to ensuring food security.

Episode launching on September 19th, 2023.

Listen in as Aaron Pete engages in a fascinating conversation with Jeff Massey, co-owner and chef at Restaurant 62, exploring the vital role of local farming, the artistry of seasonal menus, the sourcing of local produce, and the complex craft of dish creation.

Episode launching on September 17th, 2023.

Listen in as Paul Sweeting takes us from his early days in a liquor store to becoming the owner of Ravens Brewing Company, where he crafts award-winning beer using locally-sourced ingredients.

Episode launching on September 21st, 2023.

Dive into the buzzing world of beekeeping with Judy and Mike Campbell as they share their transformation from federal public servant and educator to passionate bee guardians, explore the environmental significance of bees, unveil the diverse range of hive-derived products like honey, candles, and mead that you can find at Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery.

Episode launching on September 23rd, 2023.

A Focus on Food Sustainability & Security (2022 Video Series)

Each year we witness environmental change and the impacts of growing demand on food systems. Given the expansive and productive farming happening here, Abbotsford should, and is, taking a leadership role in finding ways to improve food sustainability and security.

Celebrating food and community wouldn’t be complete without spending time discussing ways to maintain healthy food systems and ensuring they serve everyone in that community. As part of Taste of Abby, we are proud to present, in collaboration with the Food & Agricultural Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley, a video series focussing on challenges facing today’s food systems.

Topics covered include food systems vulnerabilities, vertical agricultural, food mapping, urban farms and local cellular dairy.

The Abbotsford Food Map

Archway Urban Farm

Food Systems Vulnerabilities in the Fraser Valley

Local Cellular Agriculture

Vertical Agriculture in Local and Regional Food Systems