THE GOODS FROM URBAN DIGS FARM

New Westminster, BC | Factory farming, mislabeled organics, and GMOs are just a few of the issues troubling our food system, and with daily news reports on the topic, eating sustainably is more confusing and complicated than ever before. The subject will be on the table on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at River Market at Westminster Quay, when Urban Digs Farm presents Mindful Meat, an interactive evening exploring sustainable tables and ethical eats.

The evening will feature a special screening of American Meat, a solutions-oriented documentary about pork, beef and chicken production. Thought-provoking and well-balanced, the film centers around farmer Joel Salatin, who uses a system of pasture rotation to produce pork, beef and chicken in a way that is both economically and environmentally sustainable. The film also respectfully presents conventional ways of meat production through the eyes and stories of commodity farmers. While the film features farmers in the United States, the primary issues are just as relevant here in Canada.

Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion exploring the themes of the film and personal choices that support an ethical and sustainable food system. Panel speakers include: Julia Smith, a sustainable meat advocate and co-owner of Urban Digs Farm; Colleen Kimmett, a Vancouver-based journalist who writes about food, science and the environment; Lori Law, a local food enthusiast who endeavours to make a tangible contribution to food citizenship; and Michael Kaisaris, the co-owner of Re-Up BBQ, who will speak about the challenges and benefits of sourcing local, ethical meat from the perspective of a restaurateur; Orlando Schmidt, a Regional Manager with the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Lorne McMillan, Red Seal Chef & head butcher at West Broadway Meats; and Eleanor Boyle, educator and author focusing on food systems and their social, environmental & health consequences.

The screening and panel will be preceded by a reception with bites from Re-Up BBQ and Longtail Kitchen, made from locally sourced, sustainable meat, as well as local craft beer from Coal Harbour Brewing. A limited number of tickets are available for $27.50 per person and include food, one beer ticket, film screening and panel discussion. Tickets may be purchased here.

DETAILS

Urban Digs Farm | Burnaby, BC
Web: www.urbandigsfarm.com | www.beastybox.com
Social Media | Twitter: @UrbanDigsFarm | Facebook: Urban.Digs
Telephone: 604-780-5262 | PRESS

GALLERY

THE PEOPLE

Owners: Julia Smith & Ludo Ferrari

About Urban Digs Farm

Urban Digs is a small farm based in South Burnaby in a pocket of precious Agricultural Land Reserve less than 20km away from the restaurants and families they grow for. Urban Digs strives to grow good, wholesome food in a way that is environmentally, socially and financially sustainable. Urban Digs supplies meat, eggs and produce to Vancouver’s finest farm-to-table restaurants and also offers meat & produce direct-to-consumer through their seasonal subscription programs; The Beasty Box & The Harvest Box. By taking advantage of urban food waste streams, Urban Digs is striving to provide a diet for their animals that eliminates the need for commercial animal feed, is more nutritious and results in better tasting meat.

In addition to enjoying a superior diet, the animals at the farm are raised outdoors in an environment that meets their unique physiological needs and allows them to thrive. Julia and Ludo stay also involved in a number of local projects. They advocate for sustainable agriculture, animal welfare and local food production at every opportunity including community events and social media.

The Urban Digs Community Garden provides raised beds for food production to members of the community who might not otherwise have anywhere to grow food. Julia represented local farmers on the City of Burnaby’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy Sub-Committee and is a founding Director and Co-Chair of FarmCity Co-op, a group of sustainable, small-scale farms in Metro-Vancouver. They are always looking for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded businesses & organizations to build a better local food system.