Stephanie and David Captein run Blue Magic Greenhouses, a second-generation family-run farm specializing in cut flowers. It was founded by Dave’s parents, Leo and Ineke Captein, who brought their cut flower knowledge to Canada when they emigrated from the Netherlands in 1981. Stephanie, who has a degree in environmental science from the University of Guelph, recognized the increasing challenges posed by climate change and environmental concerns. That’s why she sought out the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program.
Farmers who have an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) learn how to reduce agriculture’s impact on the environment. Many Environmental Farm Plan participants enjoy increased efficiency, profitability, and new customers as a result of increased environmental sustainability. (Ministry of Agriculture and Food)
EFP advisor, Susan Van der Ende, visited Stephanie on the farm and helped her to identify improvements that the Capteins could make. “The BC Environmental Farm Plan has helped us refine our management practices, leading to improved sustainability, healthier soils, and stronger crops,” said Stephanie. “It has provided valuable tools to both identify and implement improvements while maintaining high productivity at Blue Magic Greenhouses.”
The Environmental Farm Plan workbook opened the farm up to the Beneficial Management Practices Program (BMP) funding. With the support from the EFP and BMP programs, Blue Magic Greenhouses Ltd. was able to invest in new greenhouse lighting, which reduced the farm’s energy consumption and led to greater energy efficiency, one of the goals outlined in its EFP.
Blue Magic Greenhouses Ltd. Has also recently applied for BMP funding to address another environmental concern that was highlighted in their EFP report. David and Stephanie hope to install four reduced-pressure backflow assemblies (RPBA) on the main water lines, which feed the farm’s irrigation system. This will prevent possible cross-contamination into a shared water source, enhance best management practices, and reduce the risk of system breaks and failure. As a result, their farm will contribute to broader environmental benefits for their entire community.
Funding for these programs have been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Additional funding has been provided by CleanBC. The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).
