Columbia Basin food producers are turning to solar energy and experimenting with new crops through two Columbia Basin Trust programs aimed at reducing costs and strengthening regional food production.
Eight farms will install solar arrays through the first intake of the Trust’s Farm Solar Grants program, while four producers will test new crops through its Resilient Food Crops program.
“People in the Basin rely on local farms, growers and producers for healthy, nutritious food,” said Justine Cohen, Senior Manager, Special Initiatives with Columbia Basin Trust. “By helping farms, ranches and other local food producers remain affordable, these projects will help keep local communities nourished and Basin food production innovative and thriving.”
The solar program helps primary food producers install solar panels on buildings or the ground to generate electricity for their operations. The Trust said reducing costs associated with heating, cooling and irrigation can make local food production more affordable.
The crop program supports producers experimenting with varieties that are not widely grown in their area and may be better suited to a changing climate.
Honey Bee Zen Apiaries in Wynndel is among the operations receiving solar funding.
The apiary manages about 600 beehive colonies and produces honey under the Honey Bee Zen and Swan Valley Honey brands.
Solar arrays will be installed on two of its main buildings to help reduce operating costs and provide reliable power during the operation’s busiest production period from June to October.
“Solar power for our honey house will be a real benefit for us, especially as we use the most electricity during extraction and production,” said Amanda Goodman Lee, owner of Honey Bee Zen Apiaries with her partner Jeff Lee. “Just as bees harness the sun to navigate, we harness its energy to power our operations.”
In Windermere, Edible Acres Farm is receiving support to continue experimenting with hardy strawberry varieties.
The family-owned farm grows more than 55 varieties of fruits and vegetables. The Trust said strawberries are not currently grown at scale in the Columbia Valley.
Owners Lin and Oliver Egan will test different strawberry varieties and growing techniques to determine which are best suited to local production.
“Strawberries are a crop that can be easily preserved and enjoyed year-round when harvested at peak ripeness,” said Lin Egan. “By experimenting with different mulches, row covers, irrigation methods and crop varieties, we are happy with the results this season and excited to see what next spring brings.”
The projects are part of Columbia Basin Trust’s broader efforts to support local food production and strengthen regional resilience.
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