Brian and Mariette were members of Merville Organics for four years where they learned a lot about running their farm, a market stand and a Community Supported Agriculture Box program. In 2021, Whitaker Farm was awarded the Land Of Plenty Award from the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. This award has multiple components including land stewardship, staff equity & business development, all areas they focus heavily on in the development of their farm.
A healthy community is vital to their approach and besides being advocates for a strong sustainable local food system, and living wages. As well community service is important to both owner/operators. Mariette is the past president of the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market and is serving on the Agriculture Planning Committee. Brian is a volunteer firefighter, has served on the board of the mid Island Farmers Institute, is currently on the board of the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market and Chair of the board for the Oyster River Fire Department.