Mark Vonesch - on local farming

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - In the second of a series of programs about his running for Regional Director of Cortes Island, Mark Vonesch talks about growing up in the farm and what his rural background could mean when it comes to representing Cortes on the Strathcona Regional District Board.

His family operated a dairy farm, with 50 cows, outside Olds, Alberta. Mark is the oldest of six children, which he jokes may have been a strategic move on my parents to have lots of help on the farm!

“You know, what I gained from that experience: a hard work ethic. When crops need to be sewn or hay needs to be made, or the cows need to be fed or milked, it needs to happen and family has to step and do that,” said Vonesch.

His love for rural living began about 2003, when Vonesch came to Cortes Island about 2003, as a volunteer at the ‘Power of Hope’ Summer Arts Camp on Linnaea Farm. He was experimenting with engaging young people to use media production as a way to speak up about issues that they care about.

“I volunteered for the summer and fell in love with the place and eventually moved here. I started Reel Youth. We have an office here. We have a staff in Vancouver and Cortes, and I've really made a life for myself here and just feel really privileged to be able to call this place home,” said Vonesch.

He served on the Board of Linnaea Farm for six years, as President, Vice President and a Director.

“I think my involvement there really speaks to my farming roots, appreciation for people that work with the land, grow food and look after animals. They provide a really important and a growing essential service on this island, which is food security and locally produced food that is adaptable to climate change.”

As food costs continue to rise, he believes there will be more opportunities for local farmers to play a key role in the market.

“I don't think farmers get enough credit for the endless hours that they put in, and generally at a pretty low pay rate,” said Vonesch

“I think the role of Regional Director is to understand the island, speak to people and represent the island on at the Regional District.”

This includes supporting local farmers.

“Being an advocate for buying local for supporting our local farms is one of the biggest things I can do. If we can increase the revenues generated on Cortes through food production, it makes sense for consumers, it makes sense for farmers and I'm gonna be a strong advocate for that.”