Don Bassermann wants to plant the seed of how simple land-use decisions in any common home can decrease calorie and cholesterol counts while increasing food-budget dollars.
The former city councillor is planning a public information session this weekend,
"There is a revenue stream in it," he said. "I'll show you real examples of how money can flow into your pocket."
And even if you don't use your home-based farm as a profit venture, you will save a lot of dough at the grocery store cash register.
Not only will the trips to the grocery store be fewer, but the food you'll be eating from your DIY farm will also likely much more nutritious, fostering a food awareness and appreciation that can also foster healthier decisions when you do attend the local grocer, he said.
But even that is not the main point on Bassermann's list of benefits to the home-based farm.
"Eating healthy food is about point number five," he said. "The first point is being active with a modest regular workout, because doing these agricultural projects takes a bit of physical activity. Being out in the sunlight is another key benefit, especially for us in a winter city. Socialization is another really significant piece because you can be alone with your thoughts if you want, which is very relaxing, it can be meditative.
"Or it can invite a lot of sharing and people coming to see you and appreciating what you've done, which is a big benefit we enjoy at our house.
"These projects also allow single parents or people on a limited income to put food on the table and food that's good for the kids to eat. It also starts a learning process about where food comes from and [an appreciation] of how it is turned into meals, which has a lot of benefits of its own."
That is Bassermann letting his own roots show. Before retirement he was a longtime local teacher and school administrator. Teaching and community service are two of his dominant personal traits.
This lesson in DIY farming will have plenty of visual aids and real-life examples to underscore Bassermann's message. He will have a table laden with his own cornucopia, some of it grown at his home garden and some of it plucked from the local forests. Huckleberry wine, fireweed jelly, rose hip tea, sausages, eggs, berries, flour, honey, and many other examples of local bounty will be on display. One by one, these items will be given away to those who attend to take home and enjoy at their own table.
Bassermann has given these seminars before, calling them "casual and fun."
He expected about 40 people at his first session but156 showed up. He has now been scheduled to speak in Smithers, an inquiry has arrived from Telkwa, and more are considering having him explain how his garden grows.
Those wishing to attend can take part on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Prince George Public Library.
