Organic BC

Rotational Grazing Field Day
2023-07-09 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Spray Creek Ranch, 15045 Texas Creek Rd, Lillooet, BC, V0K 1V0, Canada
Join us for a fun and informative day learning about multi-species rotational grazing practices you can use on your farm. Beneﬁcial management practices like well-managed grazing can help to build soil, sequester carbon, improve pastures, increase crop yields and create a diversiﬁed ecosystem where plants and animals can thrive. Beginners are welcome but this ﬁeld day is geared towards more experienced grazers who are interested in optimizing their systems and improving their management practices. We will send out recommended reading/viewing material to all registrants prior to the event.
Rotational grazing is a set of techniques used to control the time aspect of grazing that typically leads to overgrazing in a continuous grazing system. Livestock are moved into a deﬁned area, typically called a paddock, where they have access to graze the plants in that area. They are then rotated to a new paddock while grazed plants have a chance to recover. The livestock are not moved back to that paddock again until the plants there have fully recovered.
In this ﬁeld day, we will discuss the key tools that you need to ensure a successful rotational grazing program:

Continuous movement
Portable infrastructure
Balance between grazing and rest
Correct stocking rate & stocking density
Appropriate species/breed

In addition to classroom learning, there will be hands-on workshop stations and demonstrations on building, maintaining and troubleshooting electric fence infrastructure including:

Permanent high tensile fencing
Building braces
Tying knots
Installing insulators
Grounding, energizers and troubleshooting
Portable electric fences and rotational grazing infrastructure

Farm tour including:

Moving cattle & poultry in a rotational grazing system
Managing mobile water, mineral, feed
Housing infrastructure

We invite farmers to join us and hear from our speakers, tour Spray Creek Ranch, see a variety of integrated livestock systems and learn about their rotational grazing program. Farmers will be able to meet other farmers in the area and learn about different operations. This will be an opportunity to hear from industry specialists, fellow farmers, and the owner/operator of our host farm. Lunch will be provided.

On-Farm Demonstration Research to Promote Cover Cropping in Blueberry Production
2023-07-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Virasat Ag, 3675 232nd Street, Langley, BC, V2Z 2H4, Canada
A collaborative field day between BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, FarmFolk CityFolk and E.S. Cropconsult Ltd. FarmFolk CityFolk, in partnership with the Investment Agriculture Foundation, will highlight the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund and discuss the practice of cover cropping for blueberry production. The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food and E.S.Cropconsult Ltd. will highlight their On-Farm Demonstration Research project that is evaluating different cover crop mixes for supporting biological pest control.
We invite farmers to join us and hear from guest speakers, tour Virasat Ag. Inc, see a variety of cover crops, and learn about their cover cropping program. Farmers will be able to meet other farmers in the area and learn about different operations. This will be an opportunity to hear from industry specialists, fellow farmers, and the owner/operator of our host farm.

Learn about cover cropping:
Cover cropping is an agricultural practice that involves planting crops specifically to improve soil health, increase climate adaptability and promote climate mitigation. Cover crops are grown primarily for the benefits they provide to the soil and the ecosystem and, when carefully chosen and managed, can be highly beneficial to producers. Benefits include, protecting the soil from erosion, suppressing weeds, reducing soil compaction, increasing soil organic matter, improving soil structure, increasing soil water-holding capacity, and enhancing nutrient cycling. In addition, cover crops can provide a habitat for beneficial insects, such as pollinators and predators of pests that can support improved crop pollination and biological pest control.

Learn about different programs and research projects:
The On-Farm Demonstration Research (OFDR) project, led by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food and E.S. Cropconsult Ltd, provides support to producers to conduct farmer-led demonstration research to increase the adoption of regenerative practices and adapt to climate change. This field day will be a great opportunity to learn about OFDR and how you can do it on your farm! The host farm will speak to their experience setting up different cover crop mixes in blueberry alleyways to attract ground beetles for enhanced natural predation of pests.
The BC Living Lab, supported through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) program. ACS supports the integration of scientific research and farming operations, with the goal of increasing the adoption of effective practices and technologies that help farmers contribute to climate change mitigation and improve the natural environment. The BC Blueberry Council and the University of British Columbia will speak about what producer involvement may look like for the BC Living Lab in the next few years.
Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust (DFWT) helps farmers implement sustainable agricultural practices to improve productivity, and maintain areas of wildlife habitat on their farms. DFWT offers two programs with cost-share incentives to help farmers plant habitats for native bees. Learn more about their research and their Hedgerow and Field Margins Programs.
Snacks will be provided.
Click here to register on Eventbrite.

Farm Tour at Wild Flight Farm
2023-06-18 14:00 | Wild Flight Farm, 205 Rosemond Lake Road, Mara, BC, V0E 2K0, Canada
You’re invited to a Farm Tour at Wild Flight Farm in Mara, B.C. (just north of Enderby). If you’re curious about what land matching and sharing is all about, and are interested in learning more about this renowned farm, join us for the event!

Farm tours connect farmers and farmland holders, and set them up to receive ongoing support through the B.C. Land Matching Program. Both farmers seeking land and farmland holders thinking about sharing land are encouraged to attend.

During this event, we’ll tour the farm in small groups to allow for a deeper personal interaction with the current owners, and lots of questions! There will also be a facilitated chat about transitioning farmland, and how the B.C. Land Matching Program can help. We’ll round out the afternoon with a shared potluck meal, and informal time for networking and socializing.

Wild Flight Farm is looking for an experienced farmer(s) to lease the farm land and purchase the thriving, organic farm business from the current owners. There is housing available on-site, and this well-established business is a farming cornerstone in the local community. Farmers who have experience managing farm operations, and are business-savvy and enjoy managing a team of capable farmers would be well-suited to this opportunity. More information on this opportunity can be found below the event details.

DATE: Sunday, June 18, 2023 • 2-6 pm PST

Learn more and register here: https://youngagrarians.org/farm-tour-at-wild-flight-farm/

Organic Innovation Series Screening
2023-03-21 19:00 - 21:30 | The Beer Farmers, 8324 Pemberton Meadows Road, Pemberton, British Columbia, V0N 2L2, Canada
On Tuesday, March 21st, join Organic BC at The Beer Farmers brewery in Pemberton for a screening of three virtual field days from the recently produced Organic Innovation Series. Dig into innovative farming practices that are strengthening operations and boosting resilience in the face of current challenges!
Featured farms include Helmer’s Organic Farm, Ice Cap Organics and Spray Creek Ranch.
After the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the featured farmers. Learn more about their practices, enjoy a bevvie and meet other local farmers!
This event is free but registration is required. Save your spot here.

BC Organic Agriculture Networking Event - Coast Region
2023-03-15 10:30 - 13:30 | Fraserland Organics and Barnside Brewing, 6655 60 Avenue, Delta, British Columbia, V4K 4E2, Canada
Tour Fraserland Organics’ specialized weeding equipment, followed by lunch at their on-farm brewery, Barnside Brewing Co.

On Wednesday, March 15th, join Organic BC and Fraserland Organics in Delta for an organic agriculture regional networking event!

Learn about weed control in grain and vegetable production
Tour weeding equipment (rotary hoe, tine weeder, camera-guided cultivators and more)
Lunch and social at Fraserlands’ on-site brewery, Barnside Brewing

This event is free but registration is required. Learn more and save your spot here.

Indigenous Food Sovereignty with Jacob Beaton
2023-03-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Online
Do you want to learn about Indigenous Food Sovereignty? Join for an in-depth conversation with Jacob Beaton, an award-winning Indigenous entrepreneur and leader!
In this conversation we’ll be diving into what Indigenous Food Sovereignty means and how to make it a reality. Jacob Beaton, who operates Tea Creek Farm in Kitwanga, BC, will be leading the discussion and sharing his own work starting a farm that puts land-based Indigenous food sovereignty at its centre.
We’ll discuss concrete steps to fight systemic racism and how to increase our own awareness of Indigenous food sovereignty and advocate for it more broadly. We hope you can join for a rich and engaging conversation!
Learn more and register here.

Grazing Management Workshop
2023-03-01 17:30 - 21:30 | Prestige Hotel, 4411 32 St, Vernon, British Columbia, V1T 9G8, Canada
The BC Forage Council and the North Okanagan Livestock Association are hosting a free Grazing Management Workshop on March 1st from 5:30 – 9:30 pm at The Prestige Hotel in Vernon, BC.
Join us to dig into advanced grazing principles, including topics such as forage supply analysis and carrying capacity of the land, animal nutrition and pasture staging.
To register for this free workshop please click this link to fill out the registration form or email info@bcforagecouncil.com to register or if you have any questions.

BC Organic Networking Event - Vancouver Island
2023-02-25 17:00 - 20:00 | Gladstone Brewing, 244 4th St, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 1G6, Canada
A chance for island organic growers to gather, network and discuss current issues.
Organic and organic-curious farmers are invited to join Organic BC and the Mid Island Farmers’ Institute at Gladstone Brewing in Courtenay for a fun time to connect with the organic community, compare stories about the epic 2022 season, discuss challenges and plan for the future.
The event will be held after the close of the Farmer Connect Conference, hosted by the Mid Island Farmers’ Institute on Saturday, Feb 25, 2023.
This event is free but registration is required. Save your spot at: eventbrite.ca/e/bc-organic-networking-event-vancouver-island-tickets-528716093067

Columbia Basin Mixer
2023-02-25 - 2023-02-26 | Wildflower School, 811 Stanley Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N8, Canada
The Columbia Basin Mixer is happening February 25-26, 2023! Gather with farmers and food lovers on Sinixt, Ktunaxa and Syilx Territories in Nelson for two days of workshops and networking. In the spirit of Young Agrarians Mixers, this will be an opportunity to engage and connect with others, share ideas, and access the knowledge and experience you need to build your farm and business for success. Get ready to dive in deep and create future resilience within the Columbia Basin foodshed and beyond. The Mixer is open to everyone who wants to join.
To learn more about this event for new and young farmers visit: youngagrarians.org/cbmixer2023

Online Farmer to Farmer Discussion - Principles of Rotational Grazing
2023-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Online
Join experienced organic ranchers Tristan Banwell of Spray Creek Ranch and Steve Meggait of Fresh Valley Farms for a presentation on the principles of rotational grazing, followed by an interactive discussion on the finer points of the following topics:

Fencing – permanent perimeter, interior subdivision, smaller livestock fencing and layout options
Water – the use of irrigation systems, dedicated livestock water systems and portable tank systems
Winter Grazing – stockpile grazing, swath grazing and bale grazing
Annual Forages – fall planting for early spring grazing, warm season annuals and pasture cropping
Grass-finishing – how to keep ruminants on the gain with rotational grazing

Learn more and register for free at: eventbrite.ca/e/farmer-to-farmer-discussion-principles-of-rotational-grazing-tickets-495306514117

This project is supported by the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund. Funding for the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund.

BC Agriculture Networking Event - Exploring Agriculture in the Cariboo
2023-02-18 09:30 - 14:00 | Kersley Community Hall, 4829 Edwards Rd, Kersley, BC, V2J 6L7, Canada
Is farming in your DNA? On Saturday, Feb. 18th, come and investigate opportunities and challenges in a timely discussion with a panel of producers representing a broad range of Cariboo agriculture, from beef to berries to beets. The round table discussion will be followed by a catered lunch and updates on other agricultural initiatives in the region. Hosted in Kersley, BC by the Kersley Farmers Institute and Organic BC, with financial assistance from Community Futures North Cariboo.
Tickets are $20 + tax, including an annual membership to the Kersley Farmers Institute.
Learn more and get your tickets at: eventbrite.ca/e/bc-agriculture-networking-event-exploring-agriculture-in-the-cariboo-tickets-523148068957

BC Organic Agriculture Networking Event - Okanagan
2023-02-17 13:30 - 20:00 | Claremont Ranch Organics, 9011 Shanks Road, Lake Country, BC, V4V 1M4, Canada
Looking to improve fruit size and yields in your orchard or garden fruit trees? Wondering how to balance growth and fruiting? Join Organic BC for a half-day pruning workshop with tree fruit horticulturist, Molly Thurston. The workshop will start at Claremont Ranch Organics, with mature and mid-sized apple and pear trees. From there, you’ll continue on to Upside Cider for pruning on dwarf trees adjacent to the cidery, followed by a social!
This workshop is free but registration is required. Register at: eventbrite.ca/e/bc-organic-agriculture-networking-event-okanagan-tickets-523995995127

Nitrogen - Soil Test Interpretation
2023-02-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Join Dru Yates (Consultant, E.S. Cropconsult Ltd.) and Josh Andrews (Nutrient Management Specialist, BCMAF) for a 2-hr virtual workshop on nitrogen management. In this workshop, participants will:

Apply the Four R’s of nutrient management to field vegetable scenarios (with a focus on the south coast of BC),
Interpret post-harvest nitrate test values,
Navigate the BC Nutrient Management Calculator (with a focus on nitrogen), and
Work through case study examples and fill out worksheets – so come prepared for a “hands-on” experience, in spite of the virtual setting!

Workshop Dates:

Tuesday, February 7, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Wednesday, February 15, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

*Please note that you only need to register for one date. The two workshops are repeats of the same content.
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This event is organized by the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund and E.S Cropconsult. Funding for the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund. To learn more about the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund, visit www.bccaf.ca.

BC Organic Agriculture Networking Event - Kootenays
2023-02-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, 91 Baker St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4G8, Canada
Join Organic BC, Kootenay Organic Growers Society, and Kootenay & Boundary Farm Advisors for a chance to gather, network and find out what’s happening in the organic sector.
Discuss organic and regenerative agriculture with regional producers, and talk to provincial organizations about future opportunities and policy outlooks for organic farmers in the province. And, hear updates from your local organic certifying organization, the Kootenay Organic Growers Society.
With:

Eva-Lena Lang – Executive Director, Organic BC
Georgina Beyers – Director, Regenerative Agriculture, Innovation and Agritech, Ministry of Agriculture
Jeff Nimmo – Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture
Emma Sowiak and Lana Braun – Kootenay Organic Growers Society

Followed by open discussions, lunch and mingle. Lunch and snacks provided. KOGS AGM following for those who wish to stay.
This event is free, but registration is required: eventbrite.ca/e/bc-organic-agriculture-networking-event-kootenays-tickets-519102508577

Schedule
10am: Welcome – tea, coffee & snacks
10.15am -11.30am: Hear from presenters about the state of organic agriculture in BC
11.45am: Open discussion/question period
12.30pm: Lunch and mingle
1.30pm: Open discussion/mingle
2.30pm: KOGS AGM
3.30pm: Wrap up

Organic BC Beer Night - Sponsored by Gambrinus Malting
2023-02-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Online
Organic BC is hosting its 2nd annual Beer Night, a Zoom-based hangout on Thursday, February 2nd between 7pm and 9pm. The event last year was a real hit, and this year’s agenda will be equally non-serious! The sole point of the hangout is to do just that, so bring your favourite bevvie (or two, or three!) and see some faces you haven’t seen in a while! Host Jordan Marr will facilitate some light conversations interspersed with a silent auction that will aim to raise money for Organic BC and embarrass Jordan while doing it. We hope to see you there!
Thanks to Gambrinus Malting for sponsoring this event.
Registration is free! Sign up here: eventbrite.ca/e/organic-bc-beer-night-tickets-520056341517

2023 Pacific Agricultural Show
2023-01-26 - 2023-01-28 | Tradex Exhibition Centre
The Pacific Agriculture Show will showcase the latest and most innovative equipment and technology for the agriculture industry. Join thousands of farmers and agri-food producers in comparing and investigating what over 300 exhibitors have to make your operation more efficient.
BC’s agriculture industry is unique in its diversity and the Show attracts an attendance from all the livestock and horticulture sectors including: dairy, cattle, poultry, equine, hogs, llamas, alpacas, to vegetable, berry, grape, bulb, ornamentals, hothouse, flower and shrub growing and more.
Learn more at: agricultureshow.net

How to Access Farmland Using Cooperative Models
2023-01-19 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
This webinar panel digs into how co-operatives in British Columbia are making farmland accessible for sustainable farming. Panelists will discuss why they formed a co-op, what it is all about, what the key challenges are, and how their co-ops are addressing these.
Learn more and register at: nfu.ca/event/how-to-access-farmland-using-cooperative-models

Webinar Chair
Antonio Gomes runs Cavaleiro Farm in Schomberg, ON The farm produces veggies, fruits, sheep and farmers. Farmers operate their local food businesses using ecological and cooperative principles. He also runs an accelerator program for farmland owners building community farms and resilience.

Panel moderator
Heather Hallgrimson, is Director of Entrepreneurship with Co-operatives First and in this role, she supports groups starting co-operatives. She studied Linguistics and Policy and grew up all over rural Saskatchewan, and now resides in Saskatoon.

Panelists
Heather Pritchard co-founded an agricultural business (back in 1985) on Fraser Common Farm and is recognized as creating the first commercially grown mixed green salad in Canada. In 2006 the company became a co-op, Glorious Organics. As a founding member of FarmFolk CityFolk, she coordinated the BC region of the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security, partnered with Young Agrarians, and supported the development of Community Farm Cooperatives. She is also a founding member of Vancouver Food Policy Council and the BC Food Systems Network, and is the current Chair of Slow Food in Canada. In 2015, Heather was given the Brad Reid Memorial Award for her outstanding contribution to the organic sector in British Columbia. On January 1, 2018, Heather left FarmFolk CityFolk to work full time for the Foodlands Cooperative of British Columbia.
Chris Bodnar is a farmer in Abbotsford, with his wife Paige, at Glen Valley Organic Farm Co-op. They have grown organic vegetables at the farm since 2007, selling at farmers markets, wholesale markets and operating a 480-member Community Supported Agriculture program. In the off season, Chris also does farm business consulting and developed and taught the Business of Agriculture course at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Sustainable Agriculture program from 2015 to 2021.

Hatch Your Farm + Food Business
2023-01-17 09:00 - 17:00 | Hastings Room at the PNE Grounds, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5K 5J1, Canada
Hatch Your Farm + Food Business is a six-part workshop designed and delivered by food industry experts Good to Grow, in collaboration with BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, with support from Vancity.
Date of Workshop: Tuesday January 17, 2023
Time: 9am to 5pm
Location: Hastings Room at the PNE Grounds – 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1
Cost: $60
Full details: https://bcfarmersmarket.org/events/hatch-farm-food-business/
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hatch-your-farm-food-business-tickets-481816826097

This one-day workshop is designed for:

those that have an idea for a farm or food business and want to learn what it takes to start;
those that have a new business and product and want to start selling at farmers’ markets;
or existing farmers’ market vendors looking to validate a new product.

You will learn how to build a strong foundation and successfully establishing your product at the farmers market by covering the following topics:
Part 1: Roadmapping Your Business
Part 2: Research Your Customer
Part 3: Recipe Development – Scaling & Costing
Part 4: Branding and Labeling your Package
Part 5: Pricing, Margins and Building in Future Distribution
Part 6: Building a Successful Farmer’s Market Experience
Refreshments of coffee and snacks will be provided. Also included is a delicious lunch!

Good to Grow Bio
Good to Grow is a team of food industry experts and business educators who create success for B.C. food and beverage brands. They provide one-on-one coaching, workshops, learning cohorts, and signature events From The Ground Up Conference and Trade Show and Pitch & Plate. Andrea and team believe a food-secure, sustainable future for B.C. starts with local first.

Instructor Bio
Andrea Gray-Grant is the CEO and founder of Good to Grow. She is a leading food business educator, coach and advocate with over 25 years of sales and marketing experience in the natural food industry. Andrea has first hand experience in launching a food business and the hard earned lessons that come with it. She has supported more than 1,000 B.C. food and beverage brands to success.

National Farmers Union 2022 Convention - Confronting Consolidation
2022-11-24 08:00 - 2022-11-26 15:00 | BC
With costs rising, numbers of farmers dropping and a corporate world thriving like we’ve never seen before, the NFU wants to invite you to join us as we confront concentration in our food system! Organizing, education, action and solidarity are needed in order to push for change and we invite you to join in on the change making, either in person in Saskatoon or from the comfort of your own home!
Convention will be hybrid: on-line via Zoom and in-person at the Park Town Hotel, in Saskatoon from 10AM-5PM (8AM-3PM Pacific) Thursday November 24 to Saturday November 26. The NFU is eager to feature a keynote address from Doug Cuthand, SK-based Indigenous Journalist at 7pm SK on Thursday, November 24th.
This event is open to both NFU members and the general public! Please follow this link for more information about the event and registration details.

Living Soil - Methods to Regenerate Soil Life
2022-11-23 09:30 - 15:00 | Refeed Canada, 7387 216 Street, Langley, British Columbia, V2Y 2S4, Canada
Come and learn practical methods of regenerating soil life and about the synergy between biodynamic, organic and regenerative agriculture. Presented by the Biodynamic Agriculture Society of British Columbia.
Program:
Welcome, Coffee and Registration 9:30am to 10:00am
Tour of Refeed farm operation 10:00am to 10:30am
Synergy between Biodynamic/ Organic/Regenerative Agriculture Approaches . Discussion of cover crop study results and (weather permitting) visit to cover crop field trial site 10:30am to 11:30am
Tea/ Coffee break 11:30am to 11:45am
Presentation on understanding soil microbes and their relationship to plant/ human nutrition (including live microscope sampling) 11:45pm to 12:30pm
Lunch break 12:30pm to 1:15pm
Hands-on Workshop to stay awake! With stirring of biodynamic preparation 500, various composts on display with temperature measuring, a feel for worms in action and a demonstration of BD500 and compost tea applications. (Including bucket and brush, and quad bike tank sprinkler) 1:15pm to 2:30pm
Open time for futher discussion until close 2:30pm to 3:00pm

Workshop presenters include:
Robby Gass – Farm Manager and Soil Specialist, ReFeed Farm
Thomas Schneider – Regenerative agriculture consultant, Biodynamic and Soil Food Web Advisor, Dynamic WholeScapes
Ruth Tschannen – Urban gardener and eurythmist

Registration:
Register at: eventbrite.com/e/living-soil-methods-to-regenerate-soil-life-tickets-452022811397

From The Ground Up: Everything you need to know about seed libraries
2022-11-17 - 2022-11-27 | Online
Join FarmFolk CityFolk for a virtual event exploring all things Seed Libraries!
Learn about basic and advanced seed saving, growing and saving regionally adapted seeds, community engagement for seed returns, native plant seeds in your seed library, and streamlining your record keeping processes.
Whether you are new to seed saving, a home gardener, starting a seed library, or an established seed library we invite you to meet and connect with other community seed groups and seedy folks in the province.
View the full schedule and register at: farmfolkcityfolk.ca/event/from-the-ground-up-everything-you-need-to-know-about-seed-libraries

2022 BC Land Forum
2022-11-14 - 2022-11-30 | Online
Young Agrarians’ third annual LAND FORUM is here!
We were thrilled to see so many of you in the community this summer at our on-farm Land Socials. The B.C. Land Matching Program team is super excited to welcome you back to learn together and take a deeper dive into information and interactive sessions about land sharing and starting a farm business. The Land Forum is accessible online so that we can reach you wherever you live and have Internet access. We can’t wait to share knowledge and online space with you all!

WHEN: November 14 – 30, 2022. All times are in Pacific Daylight Time (-7 hours GMT)
WHERE: Online on unceded Indigenous territories across what is today known as B.C. Join us from the comfort of your couch, office, tractor, compost heap – wherever you find yourself able to tune in!
RSVP: Register for the Land Forum here and you’ll get access to links for all the webinars.
QUESTIONS: network@youngagrarians.org | 1-855-561-4633
Land Forum sessions are for landholders and land seekers, and will cover the following topics:

Leasing basics and info on farm business planning
Skills-building in negotiation to support the success of land sharing relationships
You’ll hear from Land Matchers, farmers and experts from around B.C.
Opportunities to connect with farmers and landholders in your community at regional networking sessions

Get more details and view the full schedule at: https://youngagrarians.org/bc-land-forum-2022

2022 BC Farmers’ Markets Conference
2022-11-03 08:00 - 2022-11-05 12:00 | Massey Theatre, 735 8th Ave, New Westminster, British Columbia, V3M 2R2, Canada
The BC Farmers’ Markets Conference is a once-a-year opportunity to get together with your farmers’ market peers to share best practices, learn from industry experts, build connections and gain inspiration to carry you through the 2022 farmers’ market season. We’ll be bringing together farmers’ market organizers, farmers, vendors, partners and community collaborators seeking to engage in strengthening BC’s local food sector through farmers’ markets.
Learn more and buy tickets here.

Land Social & Tool School at Linden Lane Farms
2022-10-23 12:00 - 15:00 | Linden Lane Farms, 3850 Krestova Lower Rd, Krestova, BC, V0G 1H2, Canada
You’re invited to an outdoor Land Social and Tool School at Linden Lane Farms in Krestova (near Nelson). Linden Lane Farms operates on leased family land, as well as two other properties in the area, with agreements supported through the BC Land Matching Program. The thriving organic farm serves retail, Farmers Markets and consumers directly in the area through their CSA and on farm sales and also hosts one of three Kootenay Local Agricultural Society tool libraries.
If you’re curious about what land matching and sharing is all about, as well as affordable tool rentals available, join us for this event and be inspired and learn about the incredible farming that can be done on leased land!
We’ll enjoy a light potluck harvest lunch, tour the farm and land opportunity, network, and look at the steps to building a successful land sharing relationship. Your regional Land Matcher will share information about how the B.C. Land Matching Program can help you find the perfect farmer for your land – or farmland where you can build your dream farm business.
Land Socials connect farmers and farmland holders, and set them up to receive ongoing support through the B.C. Land Matching Program. Both farmers seeking land and farmland holders thinking about sharing land are encouraged to attend – as well as anyone who loves food, farming, and getting out onto the land.
Afterwards, for those who wish to stay for Tool School, information about the Kootenay Local Agricultural Society (KLAS) Tool Library will be provided and show off the tools available for rent. Come see the equipment first hand! KLAS hosts three tool libraries across the Central Kootenay in Creston, Kaslo and Krestova!
Don’t miss out on this in-person social and educational and social opportunity open to everyone! If you’re interested in joining us on October 23rd, register now.

Fraser Valley Field Day: Cover Cropping
2022-10-05 10:00 - 14:00 | ReFeed Farms & Davistead Farms, 21782 76B Avenue, Langley Township, British Columbia, V2Y 2S5, Canada
This field day is geared toward all BC farmers interested in learning more about cover cropping in agriculture.
Register here.
Cover cropping is a method of planting that helps build healthy soil and can be practiced in any farming operation. Cover cropping keeps the ground covered and helps with continued carbon sequestration in non-production areas. They significantly reduce emissions from nitrogen fertilizers by providing healthy nutrients to the soil. When carefully chosen and appropriately managed, cover crops can benefit production for farmers and help mitigate climate change.
Farmers will have a chance to see three large test plots with a cover crop mix planted with corn. Each plot receives a different application and is monitored for productivity. Soil sampling is done regularly, and data is recorded diligently to create a useful report when the trial ends. Farmers will have access to this data and information on how each plot performs. The field day will include a field walk to each plot where attendees can asses the cover crops growing, our host will speak about the process and results for each plot and answer questions, and additional guest speakers will lend their experience and expertise to support learning.
About the Host Farm
The ReFeed Farm is located in the heart of the Fraser River delta in Langley, BC. They work directly with partner farms to develop programs, best practices, and new products to help farmers build healthy soil and growing systems. ReFeed works with Davistead farms, a family-run business that has been farming in the Langley Township for over 100 years. Davistead raises dairy cattle, growing forage crops on their land for feed. ReFeed Farms utilizes acreage on Davistead Farms to experiment with growing cover crops amongst forage crops, monitoring for performance and changes in the soil. They plant a mixed cover crop species amongst their corn crop, on three plots that receive different applications.
Robby Gass
Robby Gass is the Soil Specialist at ReFeed Farms, bringing 25 years of experience in organic farming and deep expertise in soil microscopy and management. He has decades of experience in conventional farming and spent over a decade running an organic herb farm in South Africa. Robby broadened his in understanding and expertise with a series of roles as an educator and consultant in horticulture and organic farming while earning an MSc in organic farming from SRUC Glasgow University. He attended Dr. Elaine Ingham’s world-renowned Soil Foodweb School in Oregon where he was awarded a certificate in soil microscopy.
Drew Bondar
Drew is the Metro Vancouver Regional Agrologist for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and former Executive Director of Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust. Drew has years of experience working with farmers to enhance farmland for soil health and wildlife habitat. He is the Founder of a small business that rescues and delivers off-grade produce and has experience working across the food supply chain. With dual degrees in agroecology and civil engineering, Drew’s educational background has provided training in a wide range of disciplines from project management to soil biology.
Conley Keyes
Conley is a Regional Agrologist for Sea to Sky, Sunshine Coast, and Central Fraser Valley working in the Extension and Support Services Branch for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Conley has degrees from Northern Alberta Instituate of Technology and University of British Columbia is geological technology and agroecology and sustainable agriculture. Working previously as a junior agrologist, farm hand, and research assistant for UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Conley is dedicated to supporting the development of climate-friendly agriculture.
Register here.

Field Day at Fresh Valley Farms
2022-09-18 10:00 - 2022-09-19 12:00 | Fresh Valley Farms, 1476 Mountain View Road, Armstrong, BC, British Columbia, V0E 1B8, Canada
On Sunday, Sept. 18th, join Organic BC for an in-person field day at Fresh Valley Farms!
Take a tour of the farm and learn about their rotational grazing practices, cover cropping and forage program, on-farm slaughter/cut/wrap, and field management, and dive deeper into the transition of one field to organic. You’ll also hear from guest speaker Percy Folkard, regenerative grazing consultant and instructor at Thompson Rivers University, and Greg Tegart, Range & Field Crop Agrologist and Consultant & Instructor at Thompson Rivers University for the Applied Sustainable Ranching Diploma program.
The event is free, but registration is required. Register here.
This project is supported by the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund. Funding for the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund.

Cook-along with Chef Randle
2022-09-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Online
Celebrate National Organic Week and BC Chicken Month! Enjoy a FREE cooking lesson with Chef Trevor Randle and learn about BC foods and agriculture with a virtual webinar from 5:30pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.
Chef Randle will provide expert instruction as he guides you online through two BC grown fall inspired recipes:

BC Organic Tomato Braised Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Pico de Gallo
Organic Vanilla and Cinnamon Pudding

Chris Bodnar from Close to Home Organics will also join Chef Randle online to provide fun insights into BC farming. Plus, webinar participants will be entered into prize draws for a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes valued at $100+ each!

Register Now
Registration required. Click here to register now for this free cook-along. Be sure to download the recipes and shopping/equipment list below and gather the ingredients and supplies before the event.
Download recipes here: BC Organic Tomato Braised Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pickled Red Onion and Pico de Gallo and Organic Vanilla and Cinnamon Pudding
Download shopping/equipment list here: Shopping/Equipment List

Thank You
This event is an educational initiative of BCAITC. Special thanks to the event’s Presenting Sponsors, BC Chicken Marketing Board and Organic BC.

Organic Week 2022
2022-09-12 - 2022-09-18 | BC
The largest celebration of organic food, farming, and products across the country will take place September 12-18, 2022.
Here at Organic BC, we’re celebrating with our field day at Fresh Valley Farms, a cook-along with Chef Randle, the release of an exciting resource for organic producers, and some great giveaways. We’ll also be sharing webinars, screenings, contests and more from our partners across the country.
Follow us at @thisisorganicbc to stay in the loop, and visit organicweek.ca to learn more about this annual event.

Feast of Fields 2022
2022-08-28 - 2022-09-18 | BC
Feast of Fields is FarmFolk CityFolk’s annual local food celebration and fundraiser, held each year on a different farm in Metro Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in the Okanagan Valley. Proceeds raised from these events allow us to develop and operate programs that connect, empower, and inspire people to strengthen BC’s sustainable food systems.
Feast of Fields is a wandering gourmet harvest festival that strengthens the connections between farm folks and city folks. With a wine glass and linen napkin in hand, guests stroll across farmers’ fields, through barns, past tractors, and around chicken coops, listening to live music, and tasting gourmet creations from top BC chefs, farmers, fishers, ranchers, food artisans, and beverage producers.

Vancouver Island: August 28, 2022
Metro Vancouver: September 11, 2022
Okanagan: September 18, 2022

Learn more at: farmfolkcityfolk.ca/feast-of-fields

Land Social at Pilgrims’ Produce
2022-08-07 16:00 - 20:00 | Pilgrims’ Produce, 1568 Eagle Rock Road, Armstrong, British Columbia, V0E 1B7, Canada
You’re invited to an outdoor Land Social and Farm Tour at Pilgrims’ Produce – with local live musicians Root and Strings – in Armstrong, B.C! If you’re curious about what land matching and sharing is all about, or just want to check out what your local farmers are up to and enjoy some live music, join us for the event.
Pilgrims’ Produce is a certified organic farm featuring fruit and nut orchards and 7 acres in market garden veggies – there’s lots to see here! The farm celebrated 30 years in 2021, and last year saw the land and farm transition from the founding farmers Robert and Kathryn Hettler to new operators, Dan and Kat Saxton.
We’ll tour the farm, network, and look at the steps to building a successful land sharing relationship. Your regional Land Matcher will share information about how the B.C. Land Matching Program can help you find the perfect farmer for your land – or farmland where you can build your dream farm business. And then we will share delicious food and enjoy a live music by Roots and Strings!
Land Socials connect farmers and farmland holders, and set them up to receive ongoing support through the B.C. Land Matching Program. Both farmers seeking land and farmland holders thinking about sharing land are encouraged to attend – as well as anyone who loves food, farming, and getting out onto the land.
More details at: https://youngagrarians.org/aug-7-2022-armstrong-bc-land-social-at-pilgrims-produce/
