Darby Farm in Port Alberni was the recipient of the Century Farm Award from the province, celebrating 100 years of history. (submitted/Darby Farms)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

MILESTONE

Vancouver Island farm celebrates 100 years of agricultural excellence

Aug 18, 2020 | 9:38 AM

PORT ALBERNI — A farm located north west of Port Alberni is the latest recipient of an award representing a major milestone.

Darby Farm is the latest location in B.C. to receive the Century Farm Award, recognizing a century of agricultural production.

The third-generation farm specializes in hay, eggs, beef and garlic and over the years has also delivered dairy and produce.

“The Darby family’s story is so rich and an important chapter in our British Columbia family farm history,” Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture said. “They have been providing their community with locally grown and raised products for decades.”

Darby Farm was purchased by Sidney J. Darby and his brother Melville in 1916. After Sidney’s passing in 1960, the farm was passed onto his sons, Jim and Ted.

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Both have since passed, Jim in a farming accident in 1976 and Jim in 2016, leaving Jim’s daughter Heather and her sister Doreen to run operations.

“One hundred years of family and farm history made possible because they were able to live and work together, combining skills and resources to ensure that the farm remained productive and available to future generations,” Heather said.

The BC Government presents the Century Farm Award to celebrate ag-businesses, farms and ranches in operation for 100 or more years.

Farms must be a minimum of two hectares in size and be owned by immediate descendants of the original owners.

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