This isn’t your typical story about pre-Easter eggs.
This is the story of a young farmer, Doug Groenendijk, who had the unique idea of getting his produce to consumers through an egg vending machine that wouldn’t create the same problems as regular roadside stands . However, the part about cracking has nothing to do with the state the eggs were in when they came out of the vending machine — they’re all one piece.
Anyone who has recently driven between Crofton and Chemainus in rural Vancouver Island will have noticed this vending machine and may have been surprised to learn that it contained eggs. Groenendijk sells farm-fresh eggs using a machine on his rented farm.
He also plans to buy more chicken and build a website for the vending machines.
“I actually want to sell the machines,” adds Groenendijk.
It certainly became a novel idea and gained a lot of attention since he installed the machine in early January.
“It’s too roomy,” said a customer from Esquimalt, who stopped to buy eggs. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“It’s a different type of vending machine,” adds Groenendijk. “It’s the only one in North Cowichan.
“A lot of people were really surprised by it. I got a lot of comments from people saying it was a great idea.”
He only knew of one other egg vending machine on Cobble Hill Island, and it was a slightly different model.
Groenendijk grew up on the family’s Greendyke farm operation on Mount Sicker Road and has recently started his own main dairy farming business, which he calls Legend Dairy Farms.
He thought it was the perfect epic title for a site he’d rented from a guy who used to run a dairy there.
Since installing the egg vending machine, “it’s worked really well for me so far,” says Groenendijk.
As a young local farmer, he thanked all those who supported him.
“I go every day and put fresh eggs every day,” explains Groenendijk. “They couldn’t be fresher.
“So far, all my eggs are on sale. Never really have any stock from the previous day. They usually sell out.”
The machine can hold up to 50 cartons, depending on how it is configured. Groenendijk has the usual dozen egg cartons, but also has 18 cartons.
“I only have two rows dedicated to 18-year-olds,” he said.
All brown eggs are currently selling for $6 a dozen or $9 for 18.
“I’m just saying that none of my eggs are graded,” Groenendijk said. “They can be any size, any shape.”
Figuring out how to operate the machine is a little confusing at first, especially for older folks who aren’t tech-savvy, but it’s actually quite simple.
It’s all done with bank cards. By not using cash, it deters thieves.
The card has to be swiped to get a pre-authorisation, then you look for the product you want in the vending machine and enter the product number of your choice. Finally tap your card again to complete the transaction.
The machine works in conjunction with a small elevator to gently and safely transport the eggs to the pick-up point, ensuring that the eggs do not crack.
“It’s great, and it keeps the eggs cold,” adds Groenendijk.
He actually did quite a bit of research before settling on this particular type of machine.
“I think it’s a good option,” Groenendijk said.
“As long as I don’t sell out, there is a 24/7 supply of eggs to consumers. It’s not sunrise and sunset.”
The egg vending machine he found in the Lower Mainland was another style, with a locker system.
“I would say they are still in their infancy,” commented Groenendijk. “There aren’t many of these egg vending machines yet, but I do think it’s going to catch on.”
It’s all very exciting for him as he embarks on his other new endeavors as well.
“I’m about to start my dairy on April 5th,” says Groenendijk. “I’ll be milking my own cows soon.”
You can also expect to see him as part of the CTV series Farming For Love in the near future. It’s a reality series based on finding a love match for farmers, and Groenendijk was chosen for the show.
Filming has completed at Greendyke Farms and details on a late spring air date should be announced soon.
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Agribusiness Food
Doug Groenendijk is responsible for storing the eggs in the vending machines. (Photo by Don Bojie)
Doug Groenendijk’s egg vending machine is located in a scenic area, which is particularly magnificent at dusk on the Prevost Mountain. (Photo: Doug Groenendijk)