Our Team
“My grandfather used to say, “Once in your life you need a doctor, lawyer, policeman, or preacher but every day — three times a day — you need a farmer.”
-Brenda Schoepp
Peter von der Porten
Owner
Peter von der Porten was born in Jamaica to German parents and came to Canada to attend McGill University. After a long career as an engineer, he started Edible Eden Farm when he retired. His engineering skills are put to test in the design of irrigation systems and seedling sheds, and he embarked on the long road towards understanding soil and everything that lives and grows in and on it. His vision for Edible Eden Farm is to create a place of resilience towards the impacts of climate change and a sense of community with his large family, neighbours and friends, including friends he has yet to meet. He also likes to sing reggae to the plants, mostly in tune. The plants seem to enjoy it.
Marjo Vierros
Owner
Marjo Vierros was born in Finland and has had a long career in marine biology and as a biodiversity expert spanning a number of countries from Bermuda to the Caribbean and, finally, Canada. She now works as a consultant on ocean policy issues for the United Nations. She believes that biodiversity is key to resilience, and that Edible Eden Farm can serve as a model for how a small and diverse farm can not only weather climate change but provide healthy and nutritious food to the community. She enjoys nurturing seedlings into plants and romping around with the farm dogs – an activity she calls “training”.
Clint K.
Farmer
Clint graduated from the Evergreen State College in 2013 with a B.Sc. in physics and a B.A. in political science. Some might wonder what he’s doing on a farm now. Shortly after college Clint became obsessed with food working as a chef internationally. His obsession with food led him to complete his organic farming apprenticeship in 2016 at a 40-acre farm in Cawston, British Columbia. While completing his apprenticeship he received scholarships to complete the Permaculture Design Course at Pac Permaculture in Vancouver and the Holistic Land Management course at the Savory Institute.
Clint has spent many years working at different farms around the world and has a passion for good food, healthy soils and sustainable agriculture. He believes firmly that the future of humanity rest beneath the soil.
Outside of farming and cooking Clint enjoys skiing, mountain biking, climbing, playing music and petting strangers dogs at the park next to his house.
The Farm Dogs
Taika - Bear chaser in training, grade A cuddler
Mika — Bear repellent, canine moral support, full time farm dog
Maia — Bear repellent #2, Mika’s best friend, part time farm dog