The farm on UBC's Point Grey campus is getting fertilized with $2 million from Arran and Ratana Stephens, founders of Nature’s Path Foods.

Just five years ago, UBC Farm was threatened by proposed real-estate development. Now it's looking to expand its programs and become a certified organic farm.

The Stephens' donation to the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems will go toward capital infrastructure needed for UBC Farm's agriculture research and operations.

“My father, an organic farmer, told me to always leave the earth better than I found it. In that spirit, our investment will help preserve this farm in Vancouver, protecting it from urban development so that it can continue to serve future generations,” Arran Stephens said in a UBC news release.

Hannah Wittman, academic director of the CSFS and professor in the faculty of land and food systems, stated: “Arran and Ratana’s generous gift helps UBC Farm continue its mission to study, improve and foster sustainable food production. Their support for organic farming should be applauded as the practice becomes more and more critical for the future of global food security.”

On Friday (September 18), Stephens and Wittman will participate in a panel discussion titled "Growing the Future of Food and Farming at UBC Farm" at the Peter A. Allard School of Law.