Our Story

An island on the west coast of British Columbia is a challenging place to farm. Despite its mild climate, small land parcels at high prices drive aspiring farmers to the mainland, and as a result, Vancouver Island's food security has declined drastically over the past few decades. While a rural life on an expansive acreage further inland once held temptation, both Amber and Nick are islanders at heart, and their daughter, Rosalie, is the third generation of Amber's family to be born here. Instead of leaving, they embraced their island roots, and committed to playing an active role in preserving the area's vanishing farmland and contributing to its food systems. After many years of farming various parcels of leased land, in 2020 they had the privilige of renting some pasture at Spirit Bear Farm, an incredible oceanside farm that captured Amber's heart from the first moment she set foot there. Now, they lease the farm in its entirety and moved on-site in 2023. Here, they run Brass Bell Farm, focusing on heritage breeds of sheep, goats, cattle, pigs and poultry; practice ethical and sustainable land stewardship; and of course, provide a range of nourishing foods and farm products to their beloved island community.