The Friends of Madrona Society (FoMF) has entered into an agreement with The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) to purchase Madrona Farm (see madronafarm.com for details). TLC's mission is to ensure that the agricultural productivity and ecological values of Madrona Farm are protected forever. The purchase of the farm by the community it serves, and its placement in a land trust protecting it for farming, will be the first of its kind in BC, part of the solution for the challenges of local food security and climate change.

Madrona Farm features Douglas Fir and Garry Oak ecosystems, four natural ponds and a wooded corridor of diverse native tree species. It is home to many species of birds, including great horned and screech owls, eagles, red-tailed hawks and herons.

Agro-ecology and organic food production demand high ecological standards. Plants and soil sequester carbon. Local, organic food production means fewer fossil fuels burned. Madrona Farm has eliminated the use of plastic bags; baskets are provided for customers.

The four irrigation ponds on the property are now used exclusively for habitat. About 6 of the 27 acres is forested according to its slopes and elevations. Carbon capture is the inevitable result of such conscious ecological management.

Last year, the farm produced over 175,000 pounds of food with virtually no waste or artificial inputs, using less than 700 litres of diesel. Now, Dave is training new farmers; will they have land to farm? Our farmlands are as endangered as any red-listed species.

Despite the property’s ALR designation, there is no requirement that the land be kept in food production. Unprotected, it could be purchased for use as a “hobby farm” or estate, and never again be used for growing food.

The loss of farmland and diverse habitat plays a huge role in climate change. Placing Madrona Farm in a TLC Trust protecting farmland for farming is one solution addressing climate change and food security. And it is not merely a dream to be created; it already exists. The nightmare would be to lose it. Please help us protect farmland – forever! As of November 10th over 4000 donations have been recieved and $864,000 raised. Another $836,000 are required by January 30 2010 to protect the Madrona Farm forever

To donate: www.conservancy.bc.ca/donatetomadrona

www.madronafarm.com