For many, farming conjures images of endless sunny fields, but for the resilient individuals working the rugged terrain above the 55th parallel, farming is a constant battle against extreme climate and short growing seasons. Yet, stories of innovation and success prove that a sustainable agricultural existence is possible even in the challenging environment of Life in the North. This article highlights the journey of a remarkable Canadian farmer who turned geographic limitations into unique market advantages. Life in the North demands ingenuity and commitment, traits that define this new generation of northern growers. Their experience provides a crucial blueprint for food security in the challenging environment of Life in the North.
The Challenge of the Climate
Farming in northern latitudes—specifically in territories like the Yukon or regions of Northern Alberta and Saskatchewan—faces two primary obstacles: permafrost and an abbreviated growing period. The frost-free days in these areas can be as short as 60 to 90 days, compared to over 200 days in Southern Ontario. Temperatures can drop below -40°C in winter.
Mr. Alex Turner, a successful “Canada Person” farmer, established Aurora Farms in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, in 2015. He quickly realized traditional methods wouldn’t suffice. Instead of fighting the climate, he adapted to it, developing specialized techniques that turned his challenge into his competitive edge.
Innovation: The Rise of Vertical and Geothermal Farming
Alex’s strategy focused on two key innovations: controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and maximizing local geothermal resources.
- Geothermal Greenhouses: Alex invested in a series of highly-insulated, triple-paned greenhouses, which he completed in 2018. Critically, these structures tap into a shallow geothermal heat source, maintaining an internal temperature of 20°C year-round, even when the external temperature plummets. This extended his effective growing season to 300 days, far exceeding the regional average. The project received a government grant from the Northern Economic Development Agency on Thursday, March 2, 2017, to offset the initial infrastructure costs.
- Specialized Crop Selection: Recognizing the high demand for specialty, locally-sourced produce, Alex chose high-yield, short-cycle crops suited for controlled environments, such as heirloom tomatoes, microgreens, and unique root vegetables like Nordic turnips, which command premium prices. He noted in an interview published on January 15, 2024, that his microgreens are harvested and delivered to local restaurants in Whitehorse within 24 hours, ensuring unparalleled freshness.
Community Impact and Food Security
Alex Turner’s story is about more than just personal success; it’s about bolstering food security for the entire region. The produce from Aurora Farms is distributed to various communities where transporting fresh goods is prohibitively expensive, ensuring local access to nutritious food. Furthermore, Alex actively mentors new farmers. He hosted an agricultural workshop at his facility on Saturday, September 7, 2024, which was attended by 45 aspiring northern growers.
As stated by Regional Agricultural Director Dr. Helen Gao in her address to the attendees, pioneers like Alex Turner prove that Life in the North can be a fertile ground for agricultural innovation. By mastering energy efficiency and adapting technology to the unique constraints of the arctic and sub-arctic regions, this Canada Person is redefining what it means to be a successful farmer.