omIn this Food Makers & Changers interview, we feature Beekeeper, Bee Educator, and Community Organizer Tom Nolan!
About Tom Nolan:
Tom Nolan is the founder and president of the Urban Toronto Beekeepers’ Association, member of the Elmgrove Organic Collective, and owner of Black River Bees — a small batch producer of 100% natural honey, using natural and organic beekeeping methods. Tom has turned his passion and love for bees and the beekeeping industry in to a full time career as the North American Sales Representative for NOD Apiary Products.
What is one change you’d like to see happen within the food system and why?
The one change I would like to see happen within the food system is a move away from large scale monoculture farming, where food is shipped all over the world, to a more diversified smaller scale type farming with an organic and local focus. It would be healthier for us as individuals and for local economies.
If you could only have three vegetables for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
Broccoli, Rapini, Potato
What has been your most meaningful and rewarding work to date?
Starting the Urban Toronto Beekeepers’ Association (UTBA) and connecting new beekeepers with experienced beekeepers and industry professionals. The sense of community that has evolved from the UTBA is so rich.
If you could only have one non-local food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Avocado
Where do you stand on local vs organic vs simply eating whole foods? What are your personal priorities when it comes to your own diet?
I try to eat local and organic, but my priority is organic. I will choose organic over local if there is no local, organic option.
What would surprise most people about your history with food?
Like most people who choose to eat healthily, I had to get there on my own terms. I remember when I first volunteered/interned at The Cutting Veg one day at the McVean Farm when we stopped for lunch I went out to get a slice of pizza and a coffee from Tims. I still will eat the odd junk food meal but not very often.
Who do you most admire in the food movement?
I admire the young farmers today who are trying to farm sustainably using organic methods, as it is a very tough way to make a living.
What is your favourite season?
Late spring/early summer, because it is swarm season when the bees come alive and want to reproduce as a colony. It is a magical time. As beekeepers it is our job to prevent swarming/or manage the swarm impulse but watching a colony swarm is an awesome sight.
Do you have any advice for newcomers to the food movement?
I am a real advocate for mentorship. No matter how much you have learned there is always someone who has been at it longer who you can learn from. You just have to make the effort to seek out the experts in your particular field of interest.
If you came back to earth for another lifetime, what life form would you choose to be?
I would come back as a honey bee because it provides the selfless task of pollination which is essential for the web of life.
What do you daily or weekly to try and be a part of the solution when it comes to creating a sustainable food system?
I eat organic and local when I can. In my beekeeping operation I do not use chemicals or antibiotics. I produce less honey than I can, but I produce quality honey.
A quick summary of your approach to community development?
A group must be open and inclusive and rise above individual differences, desires and agendas and strive for what is best for the group while still respecting the individual. This is not an easy task but it can happen when people are open, honest and committed.
Favourie junkfood?
Potato chips….but not very often.
Learn more about the Urban Toronto Beekeepers’ Association at the Elmgrove Organic Collective .
This post is part of the HH Food Makers & Changers series, introducing you to friends in the food community that are making a big difference.