Ecofarm: Transforming Rice Farming for Green Sake Production
Ecofarm, in collaboration with Granville Island’s Artisan Sake Maker, is pioneering rice cultivation in B.C. Using previously unused marshy land, the project developed sustainable weed management strategies with BCCAI’s support. This initiative enhances local sake production and contributes to crop diversification.
The problem
While Canada is not traditionally known for rice production, interest in this staple crop is growing. Rice thrives in latitudes similar to those in Korea, Japan, and northern China, making regions in Nova Scotia, Ontario and B.C. suitable for cultivation. Ecofarm (formerly Bakerview EcoDairy) in Abbotsford, began growing rice as a niche crop, driven by a collaboration with Granville Island’s Artisan Sake Maker, who needed a suitable piece of land for rice cultivation aimed at producing sake.
Ecofarm embarked on this undertaking, they encountered a massive challenge due to invasive weeds that compete for vital resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, impacting rice yields. Since Canada does not have herbicides approved for weed management in rice cultivation, Ecofarm needed an innovative approach as effective weed management is essential for the success of rice farming in the Fraser Valley, especially with climate change altering growing conditions.
The solution
To tackle these challenges, Ecofarm launched an agritech project in 2023 with support from BCCAI. The project focused on developing sustainable weed management practices specifically for rice cultivation in B.C. This included creating an Integrated Weed Management (IWM) guideline to control weeds while minimizing environmental impact.
The partnership with Granville Island’s Artisan Sake Maker was crucial, providing the initial impetus for rice production. Ecofarm's commitment reflects its investment in exploring rice as a viable crop in B.C., supporting local sake production and adhering to organic farming principles.
Working with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) and Artisan Sake Maker, Ecofarm tested and refined weed management strategies. UFV researchers evaluated various methods through demonstration field plots, contributing to successful outcomes. The project resulted in incorporating locally grown rice into Ecofarm’s product line, supporting the local economy, and providing sustainable rice options. While Artisan Sake Maker is already harvesting rice at Ecofarm, HydroGreen Canwest, Ecofarm’s associated company, plans to supply hydroponic systems to other rice producers in the Lower Mainland. The project offers insights that could assist other farmers, enhancing crop diversification and resilience to climate change.
Status: COMPLETED
- $52,000 in funds
- HQP(s) trained:3
