How Maan Farms Overcomes Weather Challenges to Grow Local Strawberries 🍓

Ep. 1 Taste of Abby: Amir Maan, Farmer & Director at Maan Farms

Abbotsford, British Columbia, has faced a slew of weather challenges this past year. From heat domes to cold spells, the region has seen it all. But while some farmers struggle, Amir Maan and his family see opportunities to innovate.

Maan Farms originally bought 25 acres for strawberry farming. Yet, due to unpredictable weather, only 10-12 acres proved viable.

To combat this, they brought their operations indoors, using vertical farming in a greenhouse. Now, they make 10 acres' worth of strawberries from just 2.5 acres.

Amir Maan is not just a farmer but a steward of the land. His day starts at 6:00 a.m., and by noon, freshly picked strawberries are already in customers' homes. "It doesn’t get any fresher than that," says Amir.

I had the chance to try Maan Farms' strawberries, and they're a treat. According to Amir Maan, the Fraser Valley loves the Albion variety for its sweetness and heart shape. I can attest, the flavor was incredibly rich.

Before the switch to indoor farming, berry season would end by summer. Thanks to their innovative greenhouse, Amir expects to offer fresh, local strawberries even into late fall, possibly even December.

This extended season is yet another reason why Maan Farms continues to excel in both flavour and farming practices.

But Maan Farms offers more than just fresh produce. They're pioneers in agritourism. A visit in Fall 2023 promises pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and goat yoga. They even produce award-winning wines with their fruits.

To hear more about Amir Maan and Maan Farms, tune into their episode on the Taste of Abby Podcast Series. It's available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

With its resilient farming methods and diverse attractions, Maan Farms is setting new standards in sustainable agriculture and local food culture.