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Organic Mexican Chicken Rotisserie Luncheon every Saturday at the Café, beginning on Valentine's Day. Includes organic Alderlea chicken tortilla, beans and rice.
Movie Matinee every third Saturday at Alderlea Farm
Showtime 3:00
Enjoy a delicious luncheon before the Showing
Features Coming up:
Queen of the Sun (third Saturday in February)
The Dirt on Farmer John
Celebrate Valentines at Alderlea Farm Café
Family Luncheon
Adult Dinner
Please call for Reservations
2nd Annual Stinging Nettle Festival
Saturday, April 14, 2012
11:00-5:00
Biodynamic Conference with Dennis Klocek
May 4th – 5th , 2012
Just a bicycle ride west of Duncan, BC, in beautiful rural Glenora, you’ll find our authentic farm café. We make soups, pizzas, salads and bread using as many of our own freshly harvested, biodynamic ingredients as possible. 98% of our remaining ingredients are organic.
We make our espressos, lattes and americanos with locally-roasted, high quality Drumroaster coffee beans.
Come out and enjoy lunch with us soon!
.
Tuesday/Friday/Saturday
11 am - 4 pm
It's your party. Host it in a beautiful, unique location that expresses your values.
We offer on-site catering with healthy, delicious food. If you'd like to celebrate in our cafe, hit the link below and let's chat.
Let me talk to Farmer John and
Katy about my event.
Love Letters
It's like an illustration in a children's story book. Katy welcomed us with her gorgeous smile and a bowl of homemade soup."
Maeve McGuire
Life in the Cowichan Valley
Bound for Stardom
By David Minkow
Have you ever caught an early gig of a band bound for stardom and wondered why the place wasn't packed? Well, that's how I feel each Tuesday when the kids and I visit the Alderlea Farm Cafe. Many times, we're the only ones lunching and it makes me wonder why this is so. It's possible that my fellow CSA subscribers picking up their weekly veggies are rushing home to cook them up, but I think it's simply that most people haven't picked up on what a gem the cafe is. I mean, what's not to like? Scrumpdillyicious food--pizzas made to order, incredible soups served with super-large and super-delicious rolls--made from fresher-than-fresh organic ingredients. At very affordable prices (four of us leave with happy full bellies for less than $20). In a beautiful building with a spectacular view. And to top it off, hay bales with the sign: Please Play on the Hay. I really don't think I could ask for anything more (well, maybe a string quartet).
I hear that there are crowds at other times, but it makes no sense that my kids and I should have the place to ourselves during any of the three noon hours the cafe is open. It's destined to become a valley institution, so why not enjoy the Alderlea Farm Cafe's early incarnation. And if you come soon, you can tell future generations that you ate there before the grand opening. See you next Tuesday!
My name is Marko Tittel, and I live near Berlin. I apprenticed at Alderlea Farm from March to June 2010. I am in the fourth semester of studying agriculture.
I am very grateful that I did my apprenticeship at Alderlea Farm. I chose Alderlea because it is a biodynamic vegetable farm and operates a CSA. In my opinion this is the best form of farming to support regional sustainable farming practices.
Farmer John has a lot of knowledge and is able to teach the apprentices well. He is a patient teacher. In our weekly lessons, we learned a lot about Rudolf Steiner’s life and biodynamic farming practices.
There were a large variety of different work tasks. We created soil blocks and planted them later. We used the biodynamic preparations, weeded and watered. Later we harvested the vegetables. We made biodynamic preparations, mixed the preparations, and sprayed them on the fields. I was also able to practice tractor work.
I especially liked Katy’s wonderful cooking skills. Katy’s cooking is like magic, and she is always preparing very delicious soups, salads, bread, muesli, cheese, cookies, pie (my favourite)… to the table. A lot of the dishes you could and should try for yourself in the Café and because Katy is always using first class food, your health will be happy.
I am very enthusiastic about Alderlea Farm and have learned a lot. Canada is a wonderful country. I am looking forward to coming back. You can be sure that I will enjoy soup at Alderlea Café. Right now I am missing Katy’s delicious dishes.
I want to thank Farmer John and Katy for all.
July 21, 2010 at 7:53 pm
I just wanted to ad my two cents, when it comes to the wonderful experience of visiting Alderlea Farm Cafe. Every week I make a journey to Alderlea Farm Cafe with my two young sons. It has become a beautiful weekly ritual of togetherness. Where else can you take your kids for lunch, that they can climb on the hay, walk around and watch the farmers at work, and see people coming to pick up their food grown where you sit and eat? I feel the importance of connecting our children with where their food comes from, giving them a sense of supporting their local farmers, and respecting local food is of utmost importance. As we sit around our white table cloth covered table, looking out at the farmland, having our special time together, Katy and one of her children are in the kitchen preparing us our beautiful fresh, organic/biodynamic food and Katy’s husband John is in the fields harvesting the bounty, what more of a soul fulfilling experience can you have when it comes to eating locally and feeling connected to your food? My sons look forward to the single serving pizzas that are made from scratch in their kitchen, and I usually opt for the organic, chicken noodle soup with a homemade bun, I can’t explain how delicious and nourishing this is. Of course some people come by just for a great Americano, and others to pick up their share Vegies, but they all stay to chat for a moment with this beautiful family that share their love for food with so many of us lucky enough to visit their farm. I highly recommend you visit!
A. Richards Duncan, BC
When I moved from Victoria to Duncan in 2005, I didn’t have a clue what I was getting myself into. I knew a few things. I knew I’'d be driving on country roads instead of walking city streets. I knew I’'d be breathing cleaner air. I knew I’'d be trading in most of my accustomed human neighbours for birds, horses, cows, donkeys, bears, deer, and elk. And emus and llamas, and the odd cougar. But I had no idea that five years later I’'d count food and food culture as one of the most important and unique parts of life in the Cowichan Valley.
How was I to know? In the city we had neighbourhood and downtown local farmers’ markets, we had nearby berry farms, we had chain “boutique” health food supermarkets, we had good local bakeries... for North Americans, we figured we had it pretty good. We had access to organic produce and a few local items, and that was all we were able to conceptualize.
Five years ago, I would have thought that when I needed to drive the Malahat from Duncan to do a round of city errands, I would be seeking out city food - from the wider variety of restaurants and from the fancy health food chains. As you can see, I just didn’'t have a clue. I hadn'’t yet met a head of lettuce that required two hands to hold. I hadn’'t met the Ehrlichs and their land and their vision of local food security and food in community.
Two recent experiences have reminded me just how sweet our food and community lives can be. When traveling to Vancouver and Seattle, two ultra-fancy west-coast foodie cities, I found myself wandering the towns missing my beautiful, reliable biodynamic veggies. I missed food that I knew - food imbued with depth of meaning - of place and community - as well as with depth of vitality.
Then, the other week, the reality of collecting my bounty of green from John and Katy’s new distribution barn knocked me out. Greeting acquaintances, passing the time of day together while we assembled our groceries - from the farm, on the farm - and watching our children play... wonderful. And to top it all off, my child’'s farming kindergarten teacher (and her son) serving us delicious soup made from their own products... heaven on earth.
When my parents had out-of-town visitors coming from the Lower Mainland this month, one of their first thoughts was to take the gang out to Glenora to experience the marvel of the CSA and the beautiful cafe. My mother and father had caught my bug - I’'m inspired and nourished by Alderlea every day. I see the direction we need to travel as human beings - in terms of caring for the earth, feeding ourselves, and working together - in the growth and ambitions of my CSA.
Thanks for everything, John, Katy, family, and helpers.
Chantell Foss
We Found a Treasure
(a love letter from Emily and Shane)
The moment we walked into the Alderlea Farm Cafe we knew it was a special place. John and Katy, the husband and wife team who run the cafe and biodynamic farm, greeted us with warmth, welcoming us into this delightfully sunlit and cozy cafe. It was mid-February, and despite the cold winter's day outside, we were offered a deliciously tempting menu based almost entirely on ingredients grown at Alderlea Farm. From nearly every table in the cafe, a visitor can savor an amazing view out over the farm, pastures and local valley, and know that their food was grown right here.
My husband ordered an individual-sized pizza and was delighted by a perfect homemade crust, rich flavorful sauce, and delicious selection of Alderlea Farm vegetable and sausage toppings. It was the best pizza he'd ever had-- high praise from a man who truly savors his pizza. (Shane and I met in a food cooperative where he was the local pizza chef!) I ordered the chicken soup, my own favorite comfort food. It came in a generously sized bowl with homemade bread on the side. As I savored the delicious broth, meat, vegetables and bread, I was amazed to think of all the care and attention that went into making this incredible local meal. Every bite is a reminder of the love and dedication that goes into growing and cooking truly high-quality, delicious and nutritious food.
I think anyone fortunate enough to visit the Alderlea Farm Cafe will feel like they've found a real treasure. The food is amazing, the view is incredible and the atmosphere truly warm and inviting. The food is of the highest quality, better than anything you'll find at a gourmet restaurant, yet is offered at astonishingly affordable prices. I know we will be recommending this cafe to all our friends!
Alderlea Farm and Cafe is a beautiful community farm where biodynamic and organic food is grown, prepared and enjoyed. It’s a place where people of all ages come together to be nourished in soul, body and spirit. It’s a place for people who want to eat well, want a direct relationship with the land their food comes from, and want their choices to create a healthy society and planet.
Sound like you?
Welcome!
This is our seventh growing season. Each year we increase our production and shareholders by 30%. We are very grateful for the support of the community. We supply 200 families in the Cowichan Valley, 24 weeks of the year through Alderlea Farm Community Supported Agriculture program. After the season, there is an additional, optional Harvest Box program. With our new greenhouse we hope to supply even more vegetables through the winter. CSA is a way of life and makes so much happen.
“Local” and “Organic” Doesn’t Mean It’s Sustainable. Biodynamic, community supported agriculture (CSA) is truly sustainable, both ecologically and socially. As a shareholder at Alderlea Farm, you take an active part in the well being of your family, the community, and the world.
You Don’t Need Chemicals To Have Disease-Resistant Plants. Biodynamic farms don’t use artificial pesticides or fertilizers, so you never have to worry about toxic chemicals in your food. Instead, we pay attention to the natural properties of the landscape and cultivate a complete, balanced ecosystem. At Alderlea Farm we find the land is happiest, healthiest, and most beautiful when we encourage its natural mix of meadow, stream and forest. Pests are less likely where there is a harmonious diversity of plants and animals.
Plug into the Universe for Abundance. Alderlea Farm might be ecologically independent, but it couldn’t produce the way it does if it wasn’t also deeply connected to the rhythms of the natural universe. The same patterns and dynamic tensions echo from the activities of the minutest cell to the wide swing of the planets. At Alderlea Farm, we harmonize the growing processes with processes in the wider environment. And judging by the quality of the produce the earth rewards us with here, she’s ecstatic about our attention to these affairs.
Smart Soil Makes a Smart Plant. Unfortunately, much of the produce available at the supermarket is wrung out of exhausted, abused soil. But happily, biodynamic farming methods are like medicine that heals the soil. At Alderlea Farm we prepare eight biodynamic preparations. Sprayed on the fields or applied to the compost pile, they steer processes that nourish and revitalize the earth. In a way, it’s like the soil remembers how to be soil. There’s a kind of intelligence at work! The result is that plants have great material to build themselves with—and they pass that vital dynamism onto you.
To participate in CSA and get your share of fresh, biodynamic produce, click "I want to be a shareholder" below.
As a shareholder at Alderlea Farm, you get fresh, biodynamic food, become part of a warm community, and help shape a healthy environment and local economy.
How it Works. Purchase a share of the crop, joining a community of shareholders and farmers and get your share of seasonal, biodynamic vegetables each week for 24 weeks (scroll down for more info).
You can purchase an individual (5-7 varieties for 1-2 people), small family (6-9 varieties for 2-4 people) or large family (7-11 varieties for 4-6 people) share. Each week at the farm, check your name off the list, and then load up with delicious veggies. The little chalkboards in front of each basket of fresh produce let you know how much to take.
Vegetable Varieties
Spring: broccoli, carrots, radish, chinese cabbage, turnips, beets, lettuce, spinach, chard, kale, onions, parsley, herbs.
Summer: broccoli, lettuce, green beans, beets cucumbers, zucchini, chard, basil, tomatoes, potatoes, celery, herbs.
Fall: lettuce mix, spinach, carrots, daikon, beets, potatoes, cucumber, parsley, butternut squash, kale, garlic, turnips, brussels sprouts.
"We are all in this together. Through the support of CSA we support ourselves."
Alderlea Shareholder
The food we grow is for people we know. We want you to be pleased with what you find at pick up time, and we want you to feel the difference in your health. That’s why we choose varieties that taste exquisite right after harvest, and we pick them at their peak vitality, right before you get here. So we relate to our crops in a different way than conventional farmers who grow for consumers they’ll never meet, and who must select crops for shipping and harvest them early.
In Canada, small farms are dropping off the map while massive farms are on the increase. That means increased water wastage, chemical pollution, and loss of soil fertility. CSA lets small-scale farmers with responsible growing practices earn a living. On Vancouver Island, 80% of our food is from off-island, so supporting local food production is extra important for food security. As a CSA shareholder, you help keep small farms in the picture.
"If the farmers know we will support them, they will take the time and care and risk to grow the food."
Who will grow tomorrow’s food?
Fewer young people are choosing farming as a profession. At Alderlea Farm, education is part of what we do, both formally and through the inspiration of direct exposure to farming. The F.A.R.M. apprenticeship program teaches ecologically sustainable, biodynamic farming methods, and the CSA model provides an economically sustainable model, making entry into the profession viable for new farmers. Just as importantly, shareholders' children learn the connection between their food and the land it comes from. We’re thrilled to foster a new generation conscious of land stewardship, food security, sustainability and… just great local food!
"CSA and food security means supporting locally grown food, saving on the cost of transporting produce, fresher food, helping the local economy, and ensuring our farm land stays agricultural. After participating this year in Alderlea, I am more knowledgeable about these issues."
"I loved being on the farm with other families to share the same commitment I have to the Earth, food and community. It made it so real, so hands-on, and so beautiful."
Alderlea Shareholder.
To become a CSA shareholder and get your 24 weeks of freshly harvested vegetables, click "I want to be a shareholder" below.l
Should I
become a
shareholder?
I want to be
a shareholder
Farmer John and Katy
3390 Glenora Road, Duncan, BC, V9L 6S1
250 - 715 - 0799
Contact
Directions
Directions to Alderlea Farm & Cafe
From the Trans Canada Highway take the Miller Rd Exit West (just South of Duncan) across from the Old Farm Market. Take a right onto Koksilah Rd and then a quick left back onto Miller Rd. Take the next left onto Glenora Rd. Approx. 2 kilometers, look for the Alderlea Farm sign on the left, after 3390 Glenora Rd.
To purchase your share in monthly installments, please fill out the registration form below and mail in or drop off your cheque. Or if you prefer, pay for the full share in one cheque, which works out to less per week. Please include the annual CSA membership fee of $25, (waived if you purchase a share before March 15). If paying by installment, please include your membership fee in the first cheque.
I prefer to pay by
CREDIT CARD
OR PAYPAL
$525 - 24 weeks ($21/week)
or 4 monthly payments _ $136
$425 - 24 weeks ($17/week)
or 4 monthly payments _ $116
$325 - 24 weeks ($13/week)
or 3 monthly payments _ $116
PURCHASING YOUR SHARE BY CREDIT CARD OR PAYPAL
1. Select Large, Small or Individual Share here:
Thanks, I'd rather pay by
CHEQUE
"We left Alderlea's farm gathering feeling very whole, very blessed and very connected to the earth, food and each other." CSA member
2. Add your CSA Membership fee ($25) and proceed to checkout here. If you make your purchase before March 15 of the season, you can skip this step!
"CSA means enjoying wonderful organic veggies that are nurtured by farmers who really care about what the community eats and how it is sustained. John and Katy have taught me a lot about food security and I feel more knowledgeable."
CSA shareholder
3. If you skipped step two because you are purchasing your share before March 15, please proceed to checkout here:
Click here for Press
Current and Past
CSA Newsletters
Katy's Announcements
Read the latest blog post below. To view the entire blog, click on "Farmer John's Blog" above.
Information Booklets
apprentice_booklet.pdf
alderlea_consumer_guide.pdf
Alderlea Farm Veggie Share and Cookies.pdf
Small Farm Canada.pdf
News Leader.pdf
Cowichan Valley Citizen.pdf
CSAnews#20.pdf
CSAnews #21.pdf
CSAnews #22.pdf
CSAnews#23.pdf
We Think So! Our Shareholders Say it Best...
“The benefits to Alderlea Farm CSA are access to local, biodynamic veggies, which has huge implications on our family’s and our community’s health. We know that we are supporting local agriculture, which we highly value, and that we are supporting our own bodies; giving ourselves the nutrition, immunity, energy and comfort we require.”
“It is an honour to be a part of the Alderlea Farm Community Supported Agriculture program. We spent many years on our own farm and are aware of the amount of intelligence and energy that is required to plan, organize and complete the hundreds of task that are required in a successful year while also maintaining many human relationships. I believe it is this balancing act that John and Katy do so well. Alderlea Farm is a monstrously useful addition to the community. “
“There are too many wonderful benefits to list in the time I have as well as advantages. Just a few are how delicious it always tastes. Nothing else compares! We all want to be the healthiest we can be. I love belonging to something as meaningful as this. I love how this has helped our communities and feel the awe seeing how much you have grown and developed is special.”
“Too many advantages to list, but there are a few that come to mind - supports local family farm directly, food is fresh and more nutritious (organic and harvested ripe), there is a social component, provides access to foods that might not otherwise be purchased/tried. I don't find a thing challenging about your foods.”
“Fresh rich food, friendly people, opportunity to eat different foods, connection with the land esp. with farm pickup.”
“Access to fresh produce, knowing that we are helping a wonderful family make a living with farming, visiting the Cafe and taking in the gorgeous view, the sense of tranquility and bounty that exudes out of every corner of Alderlea Farm, being connected to all the wonderful shareholders, having to go out of the "comfort zone" and try out new veggies that we wouldn't necessarily buy at the store...some of these have become perrenial favorites now in our third season.”
“For me, it is a beautiful thing to have such abundant and gorgeous vegetables, so full of life, grown so close to where we live and distributed in a way that promotes community and a feeling of wholeness.”
“Fresh organic and biodynamic veggies at a very reasonable price compared to buying them in the grocery store. Also supporting a community run farm.”
“Having a source of outstanding, healthy vegetables that are locally grown. Support of farmers and the planet. Very little carbon footprint. Knowing where the food is coming from and supporting local business”
OK, I want to share the
love! Where do I sign up?
HARVEST BOX SIGN-UP
