Meet the new farmer at Nelson Urban Acres

Nelson Urban Acres is under new management, as Jasmin Coffey takes the reins

Jasmin Coffey, shown here with her daughter, Maryjane, is now at the helm of Nelson Urban Acres. — Photo courtesy Jasmin Coffey

Jasmin Coffey sat down with Kootenay Business to have a chat about Nelson Urban Acres (NUA), her new venture. 

Can you tell us about Nelson Urban Acres?

NUA is a multi-plot urban farm in the city of Nelson, British Columbia. We work backyard gardens using low-impact, organic farming techniques to grow fresh produce using urban green space. In its fourth year, we will be growing a variety of vegetables throughout the season for Nelson's community markets, local restaurants and families.

What is your background?

I was born and raised on the West Coast and moved to Nelson a few years back to raise my daughter. Having the desire to do that on fresh homegrown local foods, I found a love for gardening. I have had a passion for the urban farming concept ever since. Looking at all the green lawns in town, they are blank canvases for edible urban gardening. I gained a permaculture design certificate with Kootenay Permaculture in the spring of 2010.

How did you come to be involved with Nelson Urban Acres?

The previous owner was unsure of the future for NUA in the summer of 2011 when he moved back to his hometown in Ontario. I had been interested in volunteering with NUA before and was too busy. Now I have the chance to take it on full time. I took over NUA in the fall of 2011.

Why is local important?

Buying local supports a more sustainable food system. Ttrue sustainability goes beyond the methods used in food production to include every step that brings food from farm to plate.

Local produce keeps us tuned in with our food, it helps the community be more self-sufficient and we get the choice to know how our food is produced by talking to the farmers directly and building relationships. Food is produced closer to home with better handling practices and the food is fresh and picked ripe. We cut down on oil industry impact and carbon emissions, and it is one step closer to sustainability.

How do you feel about your future with Nelson Urban Acres?

Nelson Urban Acres is new to me, so I will be learning lots this year. In the future I want to explore the idea of adding low-impact, low-maintenance edible landscaping, and weekly delivery of produce to those who are unable to make it to the markets. NUA seems to be well known in Nelson. There have been wonderful responses and offers for volunteer help all winter.

I also will have a very eager helper this year with me—my six-year-old daughter, Maryjane.