Vancouver Island Farmer Faces Drought Challenges: Adapting to Climate Change for a Sustainable Future

Farmers on Vancouver Island are facing challenges with groundwater access as they prepare for what could be drier summers. While the forecast shows some rain for the upcoming months, farmers are anxious. Historically, winters have been wet, but with the trend toward drier summers, the complexity of accessing water has become a bigger issue.

Recent reports from Environment Canada show that February’s rainfall was slightly above average, bringing some hope to farmers. The snowpack in the region also appears healthy, which bodes well for future water supply. Yet, questions remain. Why are farmers like Jaclyn Kirby concerned about water access?

In British Columbia, all non-domestic groundwater users, including farmers, need a water licence. Unfortunately, as summers get drier, fewer licences are granted, leaving many farmers scrambling for alternatives. Kirby, the owner of Yellow Boot Farm in Comox Valley, is one of many new farmers who lack a water licence. After starting her farm, she sadly discovered that new regulations made it impossible for her to get a licence because of the aquifer concerns in her area. Although her landowners invested in a rainwater collection system, it may not suffice during especially dry spells.

“We found out about the new regulations too late,” Kirby said. “After applying for a water licence, we were told we had to rely on rainwater collection instead.”

A growing number of Pacific Northwest farmers are adapting to these changes by embracing dry farming techniques. This method focuses on using conservation practices to retain soil moisture, instead of relying on irrigation. Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in British Columbia has launched a research initiative to investigate the potential of dry farming on the coast. Seeing a chance to innovate, Kirby signed up for the program.

“It’s about helping each other learn to use less water,” Kirby explained. “With everyone’s wells running dry, capturing rainwater becomes a financial burden.”

Naomi Robert, a Senior Researcher at KPU, is managing the program. “Dry farming is about making the most of the wet seasons,” she said. “The goal is to preserve moisture in the soil to support crops throughout the growing season.”

Collaborating with the Dry Farming Collaborative from Oregon, KPU aims to find effective farming strategies under drought conditions. As part of this effort, Kirby is receiving specific seeds and monitoring soil moisture on her farm throughout the year.

However, dry farming isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. “It really depends on the specific location,” Kirby noted. “The health of the soil and its capacity to hold water are unique to each site.”

The long-term effects of changing weather patterns can significantly alter farming practices. Some farmers in the study have already faced wells drying up and becoming unusable. Robert pointed out that for those who have been on their land for a while, the changes can be stark. “People don’t always realize how much things have shifted until they come back,” she explained.

Although Kirby’s participation in the research project is a positive step, she also emphasized the importance of community support for local farmers. “Buying from farmer’s markets helps sustain local agriculture,” she said. “Ultimately, if we want to help all types of farms survive, we need to prioritize local purchases.”

As the environment continues to change, farmers are adopting innovative strategies like dry farming to adapt. With community support, they can work towards a sustainable future, learning from both past and present practices to ensure local food security.



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