The Greener Side Farm Named Second 2025 Sooke Region Food CHI Farmer Bursary Recipient

Sooke Region Food CHI is pleased to announce Lo Shrum and The Greener Side Farm is the second recipient of the 2025 Sooke Region Food CHI Farmer Bursary, which supports local farmers seeking to expand or improve their agricultural operations while strengthening the region’s food system. 

Lo Shrum brings more than a decade of farming experience, having worked on farms across Canada over the past 10 years. Today, Lo leases 3.5 acres of land across from Woodside Farm, where The Greener Side Farm has been thoughtfully developed into a productive and diversified operation. 

The farm currently produces more than 40 varieties of seasonal vegetables, which are sold directly to the community through local markets and restaurants. In addition to vegetable production, The Greener Side Farm raises organically pasture-raised pork and laying hens, and utilizes greenhouses to extend the growing season - creating a resilient and sustainable mixed-farm system. 

Lo is also an active contributor to the local farming community, having taught at several Sooke Food CHI workshops on food growing, where their knowledge and hands-on approach have been well received. 

“The Sooke Region Food CHI Farmer Bursary is intended to support farmers who are actively increasing local food production while building economically viable and sustainable farm operations,” said Ellen Lewers, President of Sooke Food CHI. “The Greener Side Farm is a great example of how land use, skill, and dedication can produce an abundance of healthy food for our community.” 

The Greener Side Farm received the bursary to support the installation of a cooling system, a key piece of infrastructure that allows harvested vegetables to be properly cooled and stored, maintaining quality and freshness for market and restaurant sales. 

“Having reliable cold storage makes a huge difference in both food quality and farm efficiency,” said Lo Shrum of The Greener Side Farm. “This bursary helps us protect the vegetables we work so hard to grow and strengthens our ability to serve the community with fresh, local food throughout the season.”  

The Greener Side Farm products can be found at the Shirley and Sooke Country Market, now located across the street from the farm. Community members are encouraged to look for The Greener Side Farm’s vegetables at the market and to ask Lo about their pasture-raised pork and eggs. 

The Sooke Region Food CHI Farmer Bursary is awarded annually to support farmers who are advancing sustainable agriculture, local food security, and economic resilience across the region. 

To learn more about Sooke Region Food CHI, please visit sookefoodchi.ca, or meet the team in person at Seedy Saturday on February 28 at the Sooke Community Hall, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Sooke Region Food CHI is part of the Sooke Region Food Systems Network, a collaborative community of like-minded organizations working to strengthen local food systems. The Network is supported by a District of Sooke Council member and a staff liaison, helping to foster coordination, collaboration, and alignment with community and Council priorities.