The County Sustainability Group recently announced the recipients of the County Ecological Farmer awards for 2023.

Bursaries of $1,000 each were awarded to Hans and Judy Ning of Paper Kite Farm and Mike Barnes of Lamb’s Quarters Farm.

Paper Kite Farms are investigating the use of BioChar as a peat moss replacement, while Lamb’s Quarters Farms are hoping to further expand their educational mission.

Hans and Judy Ning began converting their two-acre lawn on Mitchell’s Crossroad into a market garden and permaculture “food forest” two years ago.

While there is still work to be done in the forest, Paper Kite Farm’s market garden produces enough food that the couple sells through both their CSA farm stand and Picton Farmer’s Market.

Paper Kite is an organic farm operation with no need for pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. It uses only local sources, such as compost, wood chips, straw and mushroom blocks to build up organic matter in the soil.

“One of the most important inputs Paper Kite uses on the farm is BioChar, an ancient indigenous innovation that has the potential to improve agriculture in remarkable ways,” CSG’s Don Ross explained.

“They produce it with brush from their property by way of using a controlled burn with limited oxygen. Last year, they participated in a farmer-led research program to find an alternative to peat moss in seed-starting mediums. The results showed that not only was BioChar a viable alternative, but likely a superior one. BioChar not only reduces the damage done by harvesting peat but also actively sequesters carbon,” said Mr. Ross.

With the bursary, Hans and Judy plan to conduct more studies on BioChar and conduct workshops on its production and usage.

“By sharing our knowledge with the community we hope that more people will be able to make it one of their gardening staples,” Mr. Ross said. “The benefits would be pretty much miraculous if it were widely adopted.”

Don Chisholm and Jennifer Ackerman with Mike Barnes of Lamb’s Quarters Farm. (Submitted Photo)

Learn more about them at www.paperkite.farm and follow on Instagram at @paperkite.farm or search for Paper Kite Farm on Facebook.

Mike Barnes’ Picton-based Lamb’s Quarters Farm is demonstrates ways to grow food without the use of added chemicals and fertilizers, while revitalizing natural habitat for insects and wildlife. Their motto is “Growing for Today and Thinking of Tomorrow.”

Mr. Barnes will give tours and education to school  and not-for-profit groups with the bursary. Mike and Rachel Barnes have three children who have gone through the local school system, and they are concerned that the agriculture sector and farming in general are not a prominent part of the curriculum. They want to provide workshops on topics such as:

• How to grow food without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and plastic

• How livestock can help create a “closed loop” farm

• How integrating wild birds can be part of a pest-management plan

• How native bees and pollinators are our allies

• How to integrate the community into a farming business model

Recently, Lamb’s Quarters opened a small open classroom building where guests can come to learn about the farm. With this award, the Barnes will enrich their education plans.

The public can join them Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. for a Farm Animals Experience and Full Farm Tours. Participation is limited. Tickets can be purchased online at their website: www.lambsquarters.farmThe Farm Stand at 240 County Rd 4 ( Talbot St. ) is open seasonally. Customer favourites include Romaine Lettuce, Snap Peas, Watermelon, Old Fashioned Sweet Corn (non GMO, non Hybrid), Duck Eggs and French Filet Beans.

The County Sustainability Group, founded in 2006, is a local not-for-profit organization that supports sustainable solutions to complex problems associated with food and fuel security.

-Staff