The Victoria Community Development Corporation
Strawberry Farm
1995 -1996

Victoria has a large amount of agricultural land no longer being used. In an effort to spur employment and self-reliance among unemployed residence, members of the VCDC decided to investigate possible farming options. After much research and discussion with agricultural experts, indications were that Strawberries would be a successful crop. With funding from HRDC six people worked for sixteen weeks to clear and prepare 2.5 acres of land on Rattles Road for Strawberry Farming. After the land was ready approximately 7000 strawberry plants were planted. Since no berries were produced in the planting year it was 1996 before any results could be expected.

So little snow fell in 1995-96 that Strawberry plants suffered sever frost damage because they were not covered. The loss of plants through frost and moose eating the young plants put the farm beyond repair.

The experiment with farming was valuable to a number of residents of Victoria . Three families s used the opportunity to plant their own Strawberry plants and had a crop for sale in 1996. This money helped boost the income of these families and proved that Strawberries are a crop that individuals can grow for income in the Town.