In the face of a shrinking farming workforce, one Summerland farmer is stepping up to revitalize agricultural education and local food production. Thomas Tumbach, owner of LocalMotive Organic Delivery, has proposed a groundbreaking greenhouse teaching facility that promises to address both agricultural skill shortages and food insecurity.
The initiative is tied to the Okanagan Food and Innovation Hub, part of the BC Food Hub Network, which already boasts 13 facilities across British Columbia. With $800,000 invested by the province in 2023 to support this network, the Hub is designed to connect food and agri-tech entrepreneurs with essential resources.
A Greenhouse for Education and Food Security
Tumbach envisions the greenhouse as an innovative indoor agriculture and vertical growing system, blending education with production. The facility will:
- Train Future Farmers: Equip participants with hands-on skills in agriculture, including sustainable and high-tech farming practices.
- Support Local Food Security: Dedicate 20% of food production to food banks, soup kitchens, and nonprofits addressing food insecurity.
- Inspire Innovation: Serve as a model for indoor agriculture, leveraging advanced systems to optimize food production year-round.
Tumbach has applied for the federal “Food Securities for Communities” grant, which provides up to $500,000 in funding for projects emphasizing capital expenditures. To qualify, he requires a partner organization to act as the lead applicant—making the District of Summerland an ideal collaborator.
Local Council’s Role
The Summerland council expressed support for the initiative, exploring ways to serve as the lead applicant without financial obligation. Discussions are ongoing to analyze the grant’s requirements and finalize the district’s involvement.
Councillor Adrienne Betts highlighted the importance of supporting the initiative, emphasizing the community impact of such a facility. If successful, the greenhouse will not only educate aspiring farmers but also bolster local food systems through sustainable practices.
Challenges and Opportunities
As Tumbach noted, farming education opportunities are scarce, with fewer young people entering the industry. Traditional agricultural training is often overlooked in favor of other trades. This facility aims to reverse that trend by making farming an accessible and attractive career option for the next generation.
Moreover, the integration of advanced technologies, such as vertical farming, aligns with global trends in sustainable agriculture. These systems reduce water usage, optimize space, and increase yield—key factors in addressing food production challenges amid climate change and population growth.
The proposed greenhouse teaching facility in Summerland represents a visionary approach to addressing two critical challenges: the decline in new farmers and the growing need for local food security. With the support of the Summerland council and the BC Food Hub Network, the project has the potential to set a precedent for agricultural education and innovation across the province.
