The Archway Urban Farm has received a $100,000 donation from RBC Foundation through RBC Tech for Nature in support of container farm for growing spinach and other greens.
More than 75% of Canada’s fresh vegetables are supplied from imports and in 2021 Canada was the 2nd largest importer of spinach in the world. This project will help develop a strong ‘green infrastructure’ in the region by shortening the food chain, and facilitating access to fresh, local food.
The Archway Urban Farm is a teaching garden that grows produce to sell and for donations to community programs. The funds from the RBC Foundation will support the installation of a container farm for growing hyper-local, pesticide-free spinach and other greens year-round in Abbotsford. The Archway Urban Farm also functions as an innovative and interactive learning space that provides workshops for the public, volunteer opportunities and work experience for students.
“Supporting new ideas, technologies and partnerships to solve pressing environmental challenges is how we bring RBC Tech for Nature to life,” said Mark Beckles, RBC Vice-president, Social impact & Innovation.
“That’s why we’re excited to support Archway and their work through the Archway Urban Farm. This program aims to increase the supply of local greens and reduce emissions from importing produce.”
RBC Tech for Nature is a multi-year commitment to accelerate tech-based solutions that help preserve the world’s greatest wealth: our natural ecosystem.
“We are very excited to add Ag Tech production into our farm system with the help of RBC,” said Marina Gibson, the Archway Farm Manager. “There are so many pressures on the food systems that developing local options is critically important.”
The Archway Urban Farm is part of Archway Community Services and began in 2015 in downtown Abbotsford. In 2022, the Eco-Farm Discovery Centre donated the use of their land which has significantly increased the growing capacity and the farm now expects to grow 20,000 lbs of produce annually.
Those interested in learning more can visit Archway.ca/Farm or RBC.com/TechForNature.
RBC staff getting a tour of Archway Urban Farm.
“We are very excited to add Ag Tech production into our farm system with the help of RBC. There are so many pressures on the food systems that developing local options is critically important.”
Marina Gibson – Archway Urban Farm Manager