Bolter Farm uses regenerative agriculture to produce nutrient dense food while also nourishing the land

Could we eat our way to a healthier environment?

Astrid and Mathias Bolter, owners of Bolter Farm & Chalet in Jaffray, think it’s possible.

“Farmers play an important role in the health of our communities and the health of our climate,” said Mathias. “Farming can be done in a way that benefits the environment. Through regenerative agriculture – a self-sustained nutrient cycle that supports fertile land through holistic farm management – agriculture can enhance our environment as opposed to harming it.”

Regenerative agriculture has been gaining traction over the last couple years across the globe. It’s a renewal of food and farming systems which aims to regenerate topsoil, increase biodiversity, and improve the mineral, carbon and water cycles in the land while reducing or eliminating chemicals.

“We want clean air, clean water and clean food for our community and our children, so our farming practices rely entirely on natural processes — no chemicals,” said Mathias. “Healthy soils and an optimal functioning ecosystem produce rich crops, which supports the health of the animals being naturally raised on the land, and in turn, the health of the consumer and community. Regenerative agriculture goes beyond sustainable to restorative.”

“Mathias and I work our land and raise our animals ourselves,” added Astrid. “We know the history of each animal; we know the environment in which they’re naturally raised, and the challenges and the rewards of doing it the right way. We think of ourselves as a first-generation farm, farming for future generations. And we believe it makes a difference — in the land, in the quality of the meat, and in the density of the nutrients passed along through the food chain.”

Astrid and Mathias weren’t always farmers. Their professional background is in hospitality and hotel management. Before relocating to Canada from Europe almost 20 years ago, they managed a chain of luxury hotels in Europe in the family of Relais & Châteaux. Both have a degree in hotel management and tourism.

Their history in high-end hospitality inspired them to build a custom-crafted log chalet on their farm, which they rent out as year-round accommodation to groups and guests all over the world.

“We love being able to give people a glance into Canadian agriculture and offer them a unique accommodation experience in the heart of the Kootenays. We believe in transparency around the way food is grown and treated. We think it’s important for people to be able to connect with the land.”

Bolter Farm produces naturally-raised pork, beef, and poultry, as well as farm fresh eggs and seasonal produce.

Lead and above images: Bolter Farm & Chalet is a first-generation farm, farming for future generations. Photos submitted

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