Who is la Belle Besogne?
Ferme la Belle Besogne is the besogne (work) of Martin and Venessa. In 2011 they left Vancouver in order to begin a farming adventure in Néguac, NB. Before la Belle Besogne, Venessa studied at the University of British Columbia and obtained a B.Sc. in Agroecology. In conjunction with her studies, Venessa gained practical experience by working on organic farms in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia and in ranch country in Alberta over four years. Martin studied illustration, he is a painter, illustrator, carpenter, all-round jack of all trades. His role on the farm extends from construction to the photo-documentation of the farm. Together they form a team that is very motivated by the fruits of their labor.
Growing Philosophy
At la Belle Besogne, we do our best to create an environment where all can prosper. We follow the principles of agroecology where we not only look at organic vs conventional, but more so at the system as an entity; the soils, biodiversity, community, water, distribution, materials and sustainability.
At Belle Besogne Farm, it is a priority for us to reduce our subsistence on fossil fuels, which is why we choose to promote a local distribution system by selling through local farmers markets and through our CSA. It is also why we use environmentally responsible growing practices, i.e. no chemical fertilizers or pesticides, crop rotations, green manure etc.
At Belle Besogne Farm, it is a priority for us to reduce our subsistence on fossil fuels, which is why we choose to promote a local distribution system by selling through local farmers markets and through our CSA. It is also why we use environmentally responsible growing practices, i.e. no chemical fertilizers or pesticides, crop rotations, green manure etc.