The project builds the foundations to expand grain and pulse cultivation to support local food and livestock feeds needs on Denman Island.
Project dates: Sept. 1, 2024 - Aug. 29, 2025
Funding amount: $6,000
Students hired: 1
Project Summary
North Island College (NIC) and the Denman Island Growers and Producers Association (DIGPA) collaborated to test and refine small-scale grain and pulse production on Denman Island. These tests were the first step in building grain and pulse production capacity on Denman Island. This increased production enhanced local economic resilience, agricultural efficiency and food security, with potential benefits for other isolated coastal British Columbia communities.
In the past, NIC engineering students have contributed to DIGPA members’ projects for farm enhancement. This project built on these collaborations. Lead Researcher, Dennis Lightfoot, shared insights with local growers as part of the community engagement efforts. Small-scale trials of grains and pulses were conducted on a one acre spread across the Comox Valley and Denman Island in summer 2025 to test harvesting and processing equipment and techniques. The project explored small-scale grain and pulse harvest and cleaning systems to cultivation and processing of various crops (wheat, barley, oats, lentils, chickpeas, dried beans and peas).
Research Team
Dennis Lightfoot
Lead Researcher
Kayla Storkson
Student Research Assistant
Project Outcomes
Seed distribution and community feedback
Over 40 packets of hard red spring and winter wheat seeds were distributed to community members through Seedy Saturday (January 2025) and Seed Fest (September 2025). Participants received growing guidance and contributed qualitative feedback, with most reporting positive growing experiences.
On-farm crop trials demonstrated feasibility
Multiple local farms successfully trialed a range of crops in 2025—including dried beans, spring and winter wheat, oats, and barley—demonstrating that these grains and legumes can be grown on Denman Island. Several farms have since continued or expanded plantings.
Emerging trial data and learning
While most community test plots provided limited quantitative data, valuable insights were gathered from focused trials, including a bean study at Woven Grove and a wheat trial conducted by a student researcher in Royston.
Strong community engagement and knowledge sharing
Project outreach engaged community members through key events such as Seedy Saturday and Seed Fest, including hands-on activities like seed distribution and access to seed cleaning equipment provided by FarmFolk CityFolk.
Partners
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) align with the college’s commitment to community well-being and sustainability. By integrating SDGs into applied research at NIC, we drive innovation that supports regional development while addressing critical social, environmental and economic priorities.
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