The methods
We are committed to sustainable agriculture — growing produce organically and building soil health. We practice low-till methods of production and use crop rotation to reduce pests and disease. We do not use herbicides, non-organic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or GMO seeds. We’re first in line to get a permit to make biochar for use on the farm. Legislation permitting this was passed in 2024 in Washington state and the process to set up the permitting is underway now. Biochar reduces the need to ship in expensive, fuel intensive fertilizers and cuts emissions for simply letting wood rot or burning it by about 18%. It’s part of our low carbon initiatives.
We grow fruit and vegetables in the ground, in a hoop house and in a greenhouse that uses aquaponics to fertilize the plants. The greenhouse enables year-round production of leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Our hoophouse was erected in 2022 and came into production in 2023.
The purpose
The primary goal of Five Elements Harvest SPC is to reduce carbon output generated by industrial methods of farming and living that depend on fossil fuel. We are Whatcom County’s first Net-Zero certified farm, and we live in the northernmost Net-Zero residence in the United States.
The name ‘Five Elements Harvest’ reflects the company’s philosophy of using the four traditional elements — Earth, Wind, Water and Fire — to promote the fifth element — Life. The 2024 Farm Tour material on the site lays out steps taken to harness these elements to address climate change.
The owners
Michael & Deborah DeGolyer
We have long yearned to have a farm and live off the land. But our careers intervened, and we spent 27 years overseas in Hong Kong, China, where farming wasn’t feasible. When the opportunity finally came, we opted to retool rather than retire — and we got that farm! We chose Whatcom County for many reasons, including the beautiful land (and wonderful soil) and a community that appreciates the value of environmental protection and fresh, organic foods.
See our FARM LIFE BLOG for stories about our never-flattening learning curve, part of what has made retooling so much fun!