Well, this is an exciting time...
What a difference a few days makes. First off, today our new flock from Calico Farms was re-homed to our barn. They are doing fine and settling in. Only one minor injury out of the 2 hour drive, and the loading and unloading process. A small torn toenail. Pretty solid. Once these ladies settle into their new digs they will happily get too laying again.
Secondly, we have duck eggs!
Lastly, given the growing intensity of the Covid-19 situation we have a host of policy changes and compliance changes to meet new Alberta Health Services and Canada Food Inspection Agency policies. Please read them below.
Duck Eggs
We currently have duck eggs in stock in limited supply. If you are looking to try them we have them as extras you can purchase this week. $5 for 1/2 dozen, $9 for a dozen.
Covid-19 Policies
The food handling policies from Alberta Health Services and the Canada Food Inspection Agency are rapidly evolving. In the last 72 hours there have been 3 full sets of policy changes around preventing the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) in Alberta. Below are some important policies for our customers going forward.
1) Pick-up Procedure: The current policy at Farmers Markets and for gate sales is to enforce the 2 metre distancing policy, and to avoid contamination via touch vectors. To manage this we are consolidating the W.O. Mitchell pick-up on Wednesdays with the Silver Springs pick-up on Fridays. We will be contacting subscribers from W.O. Mitchell directly. If you pick up on our deck you will continue to do so.
We can no longer leave self-serve bins at our pickup sites. For the Silver Springs pick-up you will need to text Marcus (403-796-8293) when you arrive, and the eggs will be put out on the steps for you to take.
For the Cochrane delivery we will leave the eggs on your front steps and text you when they are there.
2) Carton Returns: At this time we can not take cartons back. Please recycle, compost, make crafts, or garbage them until further notice.
3) Disinfection Policy: we typically clean our coolers monthly, and disinfect our farm processing facilities weekly. Under the new guidelines from Alberta Health Services we are now disinfecting bins after every use, fridges and storage facilities weekly, and work surfaces in the processing spaces daily. Our market tables are disinfected multiple times per market, and our pay terminals are done after each customer.
Our farm uses Hydrogen Peroxide at a minimum of 3% for all disinfecting, typically we use 7%. The minimum concentration of hydrogen peroxide required by Alberta Health Services in relation to Covid-19 at this time is 0.5%. We use hydrogen peroxide because it biodegrades into inert compounds of water and oxygen, and is highly effective against bacteria, protozoa, and viral pathogens.
4) No More Cash: Alberta Health Services is recommending that businesses no longer accept coins and cash. If you want extra eggs or products please order them via your Harvie page or you can etransfer us funds directly to farming@happinessbytheacre.ca
5) If you are worried about getting food right now, particularly fresh produce, please look into YYC Growers & Distributors. They are doing pick-up sites around the city and are planning on select home delivery options for the duration of the Covid-19 situation. Find out more at www.yycgrowers.com
New Handshake Forms
Since handshaking is now verboten we have been experimenting with new forms of greeting. So far we are liking the classic "bump elbows" the best, but know that violates the recommended 2 metre spacing guideline. In its place we are now trying out "jazz hands" and "spirit fingers," so far jazz hands is winning the most converts. If you have other ways of greeting let us know on socials.
And remember, in these trying times we still have plenty of eggs to offer!
Locally Yours, And Still Covid-19 Free,
Marcus, Sarah, Samuel, Boaz
