Research & Education Laboratory Farm at Colony Farm Regional Park
Opening January 2015
KPU is currently establishing a Laboratory Farm at Colony Farm Regional Park in partnership with Metro Vancouver Regional District for the purpose of research and education in support of industry and our new Sustainable Agriculture program. This farm will be a living classroom for our Sustainable Agriculture students as well as a site for critical research projects in agroecological production systems and sustainable farming methods. Organic production standards will be adhered to.
Stay tuned for updates on our homepage
Objectives:
- Explore a wide range of research, teaching, learning and community engagement opportunities which create and advance a bioregional food system that is respectful of and meaningfully integrated with the immediate and regional ecosystems and communities;
- Establish a multi-acre laboratory farm demonstration facility that can accommodate a wide diversity of crops and ecologically sound agricultural practice;
- Provide a functional production agriculture teaching site with plantings to support a range of technical instruction mechanisms;
- Increase public awareness of sustainable agriculture through demonstration of responsible practices.
What Are We Planning?
- Multiple acres of market crops, including field vegetables and hoophouse production
- 2 acres of perennial fruit crops, including apples, pears, cherries and various berries
- Showcase of various perennial species and cultivars in a demonstration orchard
- Biodiversity enhancement using hedgerows, riparian swales and attractive plantings for beneficial organisms
- Alternative energy, including solar and bicycle powered systems
- Gravity fed irrigation systems
Preliminary Vision (open image to explore):
Design by: Heidi Zutter - KPU Landscape Design & Installation alumni
If you have any questions, please contact the Laboratory Farm Coordinator:
Anna Rallings
Tel: 604.599.2556
Email: anna.rallings@kpu.ca