History
Walking in the red,
beautiful "Woodward's" building in Vancouver, we saw imported
Witloof from Europe, poor quality and $4 per lbs. We thought this
could be improved on. This was 1978. Discouraged by neighbours and
well-meaning farmers ("this has been tried before"), Ria van Eekelen,
coming from a long line of farming families but educated as
home-economic teacher, started with 1 Ha. (2.5 acres) field crop in
1979 in Pitt Meadows and forced this root crop later in the year
in-doors. The marketing of the indoor forced product started rather
well and a highlight was 500 lbs. to Calgary, transported by "Le
Car", which steered lightly towards the airport for delivery by
plane. The growing was difficult in Pitt Meadows as there was no
room for crop rotation and the soil was poor for root crops. In 1981
Van Eekelen Enterprises purchased land in Sumas Prairie, Abbotsford,
formerly known as Sumas Lake but drained 1927. Located between 2
majestic mountain ranges which create a fine microclimate, sandy
soils that proved to be excellent for the crops, and an abundance of
irrigation water, VEE has made this place their permanent home. Now
many years later with a fine-tuning in growing...
Beliefs & Practices
Sustainability
:: crop
rotation, field planning and weed-free lands
:: preventing soil-and-wind erosion
::
clean waterways
::
environmental awareness
Modern Farming
:: crop rotation
:: informed decisions
:: common sense
:: staying up to date with current and future technologies
:: clean and professional farm
:: supply healthy working environment for all employees
Take care of the land and it will take care of you!
