As spring wanes across Canada, various provinces including British Columbia (BC), Ontario and Quebec are harvesting the first spring crop, asparagus. According to Statistique Canada, spring 2022 brought a record harvest worth C$48.7 million and farmers hope for a 2024 repeat.  One of the farms undertaking this harvest is Armstrong Asparagus Farm Co., located in Okanagan Valley in the heart of BC. With roots going back to 1997, the family operation has become a trendsetter in the region for timely asparagus supplies. The farm now anticipates gradual gains in yields this Mothers Day weekend as the chill gives way to warm weather.

To learn more about the 2024 harvest, Selina Wamucii reached out to Miranda Reimer who co-runs Armstrong Asparagus Farm Co. with her husband, Andrew Reimer. 

Reimer first explains the nature of growing asparagus in BC. 

“It is a crop in high demand in our province as it is not easily grown just anywhere. Armstrong Asparagus is renowned for its taste and quality!” 

And are the prices in Okanagan likely to change this season?

“Our local prices will stay the same. No price hikes! We value our local customer base and think quality asparagus should be available for them at a reasonable price, no matter what. This is partially why we got into the business in the first place. A large neighboring farm that held the market for twenty some years recently went out of business (the crop was too old) so we are filling this void in the local market.”

Early but Gradual Harvest

Despite late April concerns of frost fall, Reimer notes that the harvest started on time.

“It has actually been an early harvest, but gradual because of the cooler weather. This coming weekend, however, we expect that the rising temperatures will increase our yield by 30% to 50%.”

She finishes on that bountiful note.

A Crop Profile of Armstrong Asparagus Farm Co.

Armstrong Asparagus Farm Co. prides in providing two fresh produce back-to-back in spring through summer. The first one is asparagus whose season on the farm runs early May to mid-June. The strawberry season follows in mid-summer, during which u-pick services for the clientele are available. 

Website: www.armstrongfarmco.com