Meet the Farmer: JD Farms

Most of us know the importance of shopping locally these days. It’s a time of pride for us Canadians as we band together province by province to secure our future one purchase at a time, investing in sustainable and ethical food production across our country. While we all know the messaging and see the signs, do we understand the why, and in particular, the who behind it all?

It’s our BC farmers: the individuals who provide good, locally raised food to each of our homes. They’re grounded in the community and connected to the land, waking up early every morning, season after season, bringing Nature’s Fare Markets and other grocers alike the best products possible.

When you shop at one of our seven locations, you know you’re buying the freshest, most delicious fare British Columbia has to offer. We work with farmers who share the same love and dedication toward organic food that we do, and those who prioritize community and sustainable initiatives for natural and healthy lifestyles, because we truly believe it takes all of us to build a better future. Farmers like Jason Froese at JD Farms Specialty Turkey.

A third-generation poultry farmer, Jason has a deep-rooted connection to BC’s farming industry. He grew up on a farm and developed a passion for agriculture at a young age, and that passion has only grown over the years working alongside his parents, Jack and Debbie Froese, who first began JD Farms back in the mid-‘80s.

They really found their niche once they realized that no one else in the Fraser Valley was providing antibiotic-free turkeys. “We’ve been filling that need for the last 30 years or so,” Jason explains. Their journey began by knocking on doors, offering specialty turkeys out of the back of their truck, before finally opening their own store in Langley. Now their enterprise includes many farms producing turkey products for retailers like Nature’s Fare Markets.

His parents’ dedication to hard work ingrained in Jason a strong foundation toward turkey farming—starting first thing in the morning, because before the farmer gets fed, the birds get checked. Each day they walk through the barn and make any needed adjustments, like raising water or feed lines, topping up their dry sawdust and top dressing, and the like. Jason has instilled the same work ethic into his own children, teaching them why it’s important to get up early. JD Farms truly is a family enterprise.

“The farm keeps us together,” Jason says. “My boys come to help out even if they have full-time jobs. They come to help out on the weekend.” To him, the most rewarding part is working together and keeping the family close. “That’s the best part about it.”

Turkeys raised under the JD Farms banner are fed a natural diet of grain, vitamins and minerals, all without antibiotics or animal by-products. You can trust that every turkey product they produce is of the highest quality and exceptional flavour, all certified non-GMO. Raised in spacious, well-ventilated barns with free access to fresh water and a constant supply of fresh feed, we are proud to support them to provide safe and delicious turkey products year-round.

At Nature’s Fare Markets, it is our mandate to offer organic, non-GMO products in every category. We prioritize locally sourced and fresh products that not only strengthen our communities but also nourish our bodies. A healthy lifestyle begins in the kitchen. For every 100-gram serving of turkey, we receive 30-grams of pure, lean protein to keep us energized and satisfied, and aid in muscle recovery. Turkey meat is also full of micronutrients like iron, sodium, potassium, selenium and phosphorus, while low in unhealthy fats like cholesterol, making it an ideal substitute for other red meats.

In British Columbia there are only 62 registered turkey farmers like Jason Froese, keeping our bellies full and our fridges stocked. Every product you find on our shelves comes from someone who grew, raised and produced safe and healthy ingredients for your table, and as we pay more attention to where our food comes from, it’s more important than ever to get to know the faces behind a name. When seeking high quality, lean protein that not only nourishes your body but also our local communities, look no further than supporting local brands like JD Farms.

Thanks to all of our hardworking farmers—how lucky we are to have access to locally grown, ethically raised products throughout the year.