INNISFAIL - Family roots and a long history have helped make the Jungle Farm the success it is today.
That success and community connection earned them the Farm Family of the Year Award at the 2016 Community and Business Awards Gala on Oct. 14.
"It's a real honour. I know there's lots of very deserving farms that work hard," said Leona Staples, co-owner along with her husband Blaine. "That's what farmers do. They're out there slogging in the good weather or the bad," she added, noting the two other worthy nominees.
"When someone puts in the effort for an application everyone's the winner.”
The Jungle Farm won the Farm Family of the Year Award for the second time, said Staples, noting the farm has been in the family for generations.
"My great-grandfather chose that site in 1897; it's been 119 years," said Staples. "It has been a long time and I know that all of those generations have worked hard to continue to build, to raise their families and have a successful farm on that specific land."
It is a farming tradition they continue to share with the community today.
"I think the real passion on our farm is growing the high-quality produce, but also the education (of farming)," said Staples. "It's that opportunity to connect with families and make our farm their farm."
