There’s Always Room for (More) Salad: Meet Forest Valley Acres
The Comox Valley is known for its rich agricultural community and passionate food producers. Among them are Matthew and Selena Lawrence, the husband-wife duo behind Forest Valley Acres, who have brought year-round, hyper-local fresh hydroponic lettuces to the Edible Island shelves.
While the business may still be young, the roots of Forest Valley Acres run deep. Matthew and Selena’s shared passion for sustainable agriculture and their drive to bring more locally grown food to the Comox Valley is clear. With the use of hydroponic growing systems, their lettuces are grown without soil, using a carefully balanced, nutrient-rich water solution that produces consistently crisp, vibrant greens — regardless of the season.
The couple made the decision to start a farm as a lifestyle choice for their young growing family, and they chose hydroponics for its sustainability and precision. In their controlled environment, every plant receives exactly what it needs to thrive — from nutrient-rich water to carefully regulated light and temperature. The result is consistent, year-round harvests of crisp, flavourful lettuce that holds its freshness far longer than most traditional field-grown varieties.
But at the heart of Forest Valley Acres is something far more personal than just the growing technique. Matthew and Selena have built their farm around relationships — with their children, their customers, their land, and each other. The trust they’ve established with their customers is grounded in transparency, care, and an unwavering commitment to quality and freshness. From planting to harvest, Matthew and Selena are deeply hands-on at every stage — growing with care, attention, and commitment to freshness.
Forest Valley Acres lettuces have quickly become a staple at Edible Island, and our customers have shown their enthusiastic support. After all — who doesn’t want to enjoy more fresh salad every day of the year?
While Forest Valley Acres is still in its early years, the impact of Matthew ad Selena’s work is already showing through their deepening connections to the community. In addition to supplying local markets like Edible Island, they are proud supporters of the Comox Valley Food Bank and Lush Valley Food Action Society — giving back even as they grow.
And even though their hydroponic greens are grown without soil, it’s clear that strong roots are already in place for long-term success.
Every head of lettuce represents a deeper investment in the future of local, sustainable food. For Matthew and Selena, farming is a chosen adventure and a way of life — one that combines skill, care, and a deep sense of responsibility.
And for customers, it’s a chance to enjoy beautiful, fresh, and nutrient-rich greens grown with care, right in their own backyard. The reward is certainly worth it, and we are grateful to have new farmers in our community, taking it all in stride.
Visit the Forest Valley Acres Farm Stand for the freshest hydroponic greens, picked at peak flavour and ready for your table.
Open for Summer Monday to Friday, 10 am to 7 pm
Located at 5881 Pickering Road, Courtenay, BC
Be sure to check the website and instagram to stay up to date with what their growing!
Written by Sita Huber, for Edible Island.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletterto stay in the loop at #TheHeartofLocal
Website by Formulate