Wild berry jam project proves a huge success

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Six hundred jars of salal and blackberry jam made in Ahousaht last year sold out almost as quickly as they hit the shelves. The 190 ml jars sold for up to $10 each in places like Tofino, Whistler, the lower mainland and in the offices of some environmental groups. The Western Canada Wilderness Committee reported they were receiving five to seven orders per day.

Why would someone pay $10 for less than one cup of jam? The attraction to the product is in the fact that it is made with all-natural ingredients-no preservatives, insecticides or other additives. Those concerned about the environment like that fact.

Each jar of jam is made of salal or blackberries, plus cranberries and honey. All berries were harvested in Ahousaht and the honey comes from an apiary on Vancouver Island.

The jams were made under the label of Clayoquot Sound Wildfoods Inc., a company formed through Ma Mook Development Corporation. According to Bruce Falstead, financial manager, Clayoquot Sound Wildfoods was incorporated specifically to develop and market non-timber forest products. Furture ventures may include mushroom buying stations and floral supply buying stations.

Ahousaht artist and hereditary chief James Swan Jr. created the artwork on the jam labels. Roseanne Charlie of Ahousaht made the jams, assisted by other community members.

This year the company decided to increase production to 3,000 jars and will buy 1,500 lb of wildberries from local pickers. The berries will be stored in a freezer trailer until production begins in late August.

Peter Robinson is in charge of purchasing the wildberries. A buying station will be set up in Ahousaht with berry pickers being paid by the pound for their berries. Peter will also network with other communities to purchase their berries.