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Pictured above from left to right are Jim Martin (Mayor of Havelock Belmont Methuen), Bonnie Clark (Warden of Peterborough County and Roundtable Member), Award Winners Kiyotami (Zenryu) Owatari and Ava Richardson of Hello Farm, Garth Stoner (Sunderland Co-op) and Elmer Buchanan (Roundtable Member)
The second annual Peterborough Agricultural Innovation Award was presented on Thursday February 15th, 2024 to Ava Richardson and Kiyotami (Zenryu) Owatari of Hello Farm. The farm was presented with $500 and a presentation plaque. The Award was created by the Peterborough Agricultural Roundtable, and is co-sponsored by Sunderland Co-op.
While Ava previously farmed in our region, she moved to Japan where she met Zenryu and farmed there for eight years. Now, as a new Canadian, Zenryu is bringing techniques used in Japan to their new market garden location north of Havelock.
In order to prepare the land and improve soil fertility, moisture retention and tilth, they have been applying biochar and bran to their soils. Zenryu brought a biochar chimney from Japan, where he used rice husk to create biochar. In Canada, he has successfully substituted spelt husks. In addition to biochar, he adds raw bacteria-rich wheat bran to the soil in place of rice bran. Ava and Zenryu have observed an increase in their overall crop yields due to the resulting increase in soil fertility and beneficial bacteria present.
“Congratulations to Ava and Zenryu for your visionary approach to improving soil fertility on your farm and for winning the prestigious Innovation Award! Your dedication to pushing the boundaries of agricultural excellence is deserving of recognition and celebration. Thank you for choosing to contribute and lead in the agricultural community of Peterborough County.” – Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark
The full text of the application form submitted by Hello Farm can be found here:
