Brian Goldstein

Brian Goldstein

Farmer

Brian Goldstein is the founder and co-owner of ZeroFox Tree Crops, a perennial plant nursery located in Harrop, BC. The nursery ships plants across Canada, focusing on edible and useful trees, bushes, shrubs, and herbs that thrive in the country’s harsh climates. Everything is sold bare root at affordable prices during the winter months for spring delivery.

With a long-standing interest in cold climate food systems, Brian made his way to the Kootenays from his home state of Colorado in 2014, when he came to take a permaculture course in Winlaw, BC. He has experience in cold climate vegetable production and holds an Environmental Studies degree focused on resilient food systems. Brian is committed to improving community food security by promoting regionally based perennial food crops, agroforestry practices, and fire-smart land management.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Arena Main Stage

CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS: HOW PERENNIAL AGROFORESTRY FEEDS DIVERSITY AND MARKET OPPORTUNITY FOR PRODUCERS AND BUYERS

In the face of climate uncertainty and the growing demand for resilient local food systems, perennial crops like nut trees, fruit trees, and berry bushes provide a sustainable solution. This session will delve into the potential of crops such as chestnuts, walnuts, and mulberries, alongside integrated animal systems like silvopasture, within the Kootenays’ unique climate. We’ll explore practical strategies—such as alley cropping and integrated orchards—that enable producers to diversify their yields, reduce risks, and bolster local food security. These systems not only offer ecological benefits but also open up new market opportunities for both producers and buyers by fostering sustainable, long-term growth. Much like a mycelial network, perennial agriculture forms a resilient, interconnected system that promotes innovation and diversity. By connecting perennial crop production with processing and distribution, we can create a thriving ecosystem for regional food systems. The discussion will also highlight the crucial need for local food manufacturing, storage, and distribution infrastructure to support these efforts, ultimately unlocking the untapped potential for both farmers and buyers in the region.

1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
Arena Main Stage

CULTIVATING CONNECTION: HOW PERRENIAL AGROFORESTRY FEEDS DIVERSITY AND MARKET OPPORTUNITY FOR PRODUCERS AND BUYERS

In the face of climate uncertainty and the growing demand for resilient local food systems, perennial crops like nut trees, fruit trees, and berry bushes provide a sustainable solution. This session will delve into the potential of crops such as chestnuts, walnuts, and mulberries, alongside integrated animal systems like silvopasture, within the Kootenays’ unique climate. We’ll explore practical strategies—such as alley cropping and integrated orchards—that enable producers to diversify their yields, reduce risks, and bolster local food security. These systems not only offer ecological benefits but also open up new market opportunities for both producers and buyers by fostering sustainable, long-term growth. Much like a mycelial network, perennial agriculture forms a resilient, interconnected system that promotes innovation and diversity. By connecting perennial crop production with processing and distribution, we can create a thriving ecosystem for regional food systems. The discussion will also highlight the crucial need for local food manufacturing, storage, and distribution infrastructure to support these efforts, ultimately unlocking the untapped potential for both farmers and buyers in the region.