Organic farm in Youngs Cove opposed by nearby residents
Some residents of a community along Grand Lake are raising concerns about the safety of a new organic farm that is being proposed in the area.
Bahram Rangipour, who is a math professor at the University of New Brunswick, is building a 10-hectare organic farm for vegetables, ducks and fish in Youngs Cove.
Rangipour's company's OSAFE stands for Organic and Sustainable Atlantic Food and Energy.
But Sabrina McFarlane is a part of a local group, "OSAFE is not Safe for Grand Lake."
She says the organic farmer needs to answer some basic questions.
"Lots of questions started to arise, of, 'OK, what's this going to do for our environment? Has this ever been done in New Brunswick?' Which it has not and we're bringing in not native species into New Brunswick," she says.
Residents were able to ask Rangipour about the project at a public meeting. Some also wrote letters.
"As we all did, our letters came back in a very rude manner," says McFarlane.
McFarlane and Rangipour say there have been some confrontations since work began.
Farm will use rainwater and solar energy
Rangipour says his proposed organic farm can produce cheap, healthy food, by using rainwater, solar energy and by recycling the animal waste.
"I believe that most of the diseases that we have, especially for kids, come from the [toxins] in foods," he says.
"[The greenhouse] is especially made for tomato and cucumber and we are trying to use, in winter, only two cords of wood to heat it."
He also plans to use old car tires to insulate the greenhouse.
The Department of Environment and Local Government says the use of tires is an acceptable practice.
Rangipour said the project is safe and will create three to seven good jobs. He said he believes the local opposition comes down to an economic factor.
"I think their main concern is about the value of their property," he says.
"I believe I will add to the value of their property."
Rangipour says he will host an open house once everything is built. He says he hopes the greenhouse will be up and running by this winter.
He says if his project is a success he wants to see it replicated across New Brunswick.
