Biodynamic Agriculture Society of BC AGM 2024 in Squamish Valley - Interactive Fun Event
2024-05-13 | Queen of the Peace Monastery, 1021 Cloudburst Crescent, Garibaldi Highlands, BC, V0N 1T0, Canada
Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Biodynamic Agriculture Society of British Columbia
Date: May 13, 2024
Location: Queen of the Peace Monastery, Squamish Valley, BC
EVERYONE WELCOME!!!

Program:
11:00 Welcome at the farm/Introduction to the day
11:30 Questions and exchange of ideas.
12:00 Potluck lunch
12:30 AGM open to public (only members may vote)
1:15 Break
1:30 Unearthing Preparations buried in the fall
3:00 Wrap up, Upcoming Events
3:15 Eurythmy
3:30 Good-Byes

Autonomous Weeders in Mixed Vegetable Cultivation: BC Tour
2024-05-30 - 2024-06-01 | BC
Curious about agri-tech weeding equipment and how it could help your farm become more efficient and financially resilient, all the while keeping weeds at bay? Then join Organic BC on one of their tour stops and explore the use of autonomous weeders in mixed vegetable cultivation in BC!

May 30th: Plenty Wild Farms, Pemberton
June 1st: UBC Farm, Vancouver

Take a look at how some of these tools work and see a demonstration of the Naio Oz robot, a multi-tasking, multi-crop, electric powered robot that can autonomously seed, weed, furrow, hill, and carry loads using RTK GPS technology to navigate. There will be ample time for questions and discussions with a Haggerty AgRobotics rep about this tool and other agri-tech equipment, plus snacks and refreshments.
This event is free but registration is required. Register for the Plenty Wild Farms event here, and the UBC Farm event here.

Farm Tour and Potluck at Mr. Mercy's Mushrooms
2024-05-30 15:30 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Calling all fungi-enthusiasts! Join us for a tour of Mr. Mercy’s Mushrooms and learn about mushroom production, followed by a potluck dinner in the garden.
Mr. Mercy’s Mushrooms is a certified organic mushroom and spawn producer that has been operating in Kaslo, BC since 2017. On the farm tour you will have a chance to see their mushroom production process and learn about both commercial high-production systems, as well as backyard mushroom growing methods such as inoculated logs and growing King Stropharia in the garden.
DATE: Thursday, May 30, 2024 • 3:30 pm – 7 pm PST
LOCATION: Syilx, Sinixt, and Ktunaxa Territories. Kaslo BC.
REGISTER: This event is free but has a limited capacity. Please register on the Eventbrite page.

Open Farm Day at Fresh Valley Farms
2024-06-15 11:00 - 15:00 | Fresh Valley Farms, 1476 Mountain View Road, Armstrong, BC, British Columbia, V0E 1B8, Canada
If you have ever reached out for a farm tour, or if you have come on a farm tour in the past and want to see what has changed, or want to bring a new friend or neighbour out – June 15th we are having an Open Farm Day so mark your calendar and meet us at 1476 Mountain View Rd! We will be offering tours of the farm on the hour from 11am to 3pm, and there will be a barbecue set up where you can sample our popular sausages, or purchase a sausage on a bun.
Expect to see: how we fence cattle and pigs, and how we move them across our farmscape; our innovative new pastured poultry house; the farm’s solar project; our pastured layer house; beehives in the distance; our varied pasture and forage fields; and the grounds of our farm Guesthouse.
We are really looking forward to having Pilgrim’s Produce setup on the farm with veggies for sale, as well as Organic BC with a booth on going, and growing, organic, Young Agrarians will have an info table on land matching and services they provide, plus our friend and farmer Jordan Marr of Unearthed Organics will be there with some of his gorgeous beans and cornmeal. Last, but not least, the honey-refill tank of Wild Antho will be onsite so don’t forget your jar or bucket!
What to Bring:

wear comfortable walking shoes
bring a water bottle + hat if it’s sunny!
bring a jar or bucket to fill with honey at the Wild Antho booth
you can bring snacks, or enjoy a barbecued sausage on a bun
please try to carpool to reduce the parking pressure on our farm

Farm Tour and Potluck at Silverside Farm
2024-07-07 16:00 - 19:30 | BC
You’re invited to a Farm Tour at Silverside Farm in Cobble Hill, B.C. Come out to connect with other farmers and food lovers, share a meal, and learn about berry production!
We’ll enjoy a farm tour from Silverside farmers Charles and Manzar, who were matched in 2023 through the B.C. Land Matching Program. Charles and Manzar currently manage 2 acres of blueberries, 1 acre of strawberries, and 2 acres of mixed crops, with a focus on U-pick. 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 – join us for the event.
Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands Land Matcher, Kiyomi Ito, will be there to answer any questions you have about land matching.
DATE: Sunday, July 7, 2024 • 4pm-7:30pm PST
Learn more and register here: https://youngagrarians.org/july-7-2024-cobble-hill-bc-farm-tour-at-silverside-farm

Salmo Tour de Farm Stand
2024-07-14 09:00 - 13:30 | BC
Join us for a Sunday morning bike tour of the farm stands of beautiful Salmo, BC!
Self-serve farm stands are surging in popularity, and the village of Salmo is leading the way when it comes to farm stand culture in the Kootenays. Within an easy bike ride of the village centre, there are three farm stands that offer fresh produce, fruit, cheese, meat, wool, soap, flowers, and value-added products. Shopping at farm stands is a great way to get the freshest farm products possible, all the while supporting your local producers and connecting with the farms that feed you.
The event will include a farm tour and farm stand visit at each stop. Starting with the fields and greenhouses at Salix and Sedge Farm, we’ll then head over to see the market gardens at Clutch Farm, stop for a short picnic lunch, and wrap up with a visit to Forrest Farm Sheep and Goat Cheese Creamery. Participants will get to learn how the farms produce their goods, and stock up on groceries along the way.
This 18 km round-trip is timed so that participants can bike between the farms, but you are welcome to join no matter how you get between the locations. Feel free to drive, e-bike, roller-blade, run, or get there however works for you! Children and families are more than welcome if they are able to safely ride on the road. This bike route avoids highway riding but does involve a few highway crossings.
Learn more and register here: youngagrarians.org/july-14-2024-salmo-bc-salmo-tour-de-farm-stand

Pacific Northwest Organic Center Field Day
2024-07-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Rodale Institute Pacific Northwest Organic Center, 55931 State Route 20, Rockport, WA, 98283, United States
Join us for Organic Field Day at the Pacific Northwest Organic Center (PNWOC)!
Participants will have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with Rodale Institute Pacific Northwest Organic Center staff and team of Organic Consultants, and learn about our research and demonstration projects focused on organic agriculture and tailored for farmers in the Pacific Northwest. This event is ideal for researchers, students, educators and all farmers, whether you are interested in learning more about organic farming, have an interest in consulting services to transition to organic, or are currently a Pacific Northwest organic farmer. Attendance is $15 per person lunch will be provided at the event.
Learn more and register here: rodaleinstitute.org/events/pnwoc-field-day

Autonomous Robots in Grape Production
2024-08-17 09:00 - 13:00 | BC
Join Organic BC to interact with the Naio TED straddle robot! Get a firsthand look at how this innovative tool is helping farmers improve soil health and tackle rising costs and labour shortages.

Aug 17th: Covert Farms Family Estate Winery, Oliver

Representatives from Vitis-Import, the Canadian distributor of the Naio TED, will discuss the latest advancements in agri-tech weeding technology in grape production. They will showcase and demonstrate the TED, highlighting its capabilities using finger hoes, inter-vine hydraulic tillage tools, electric edging tools and more.
A Q&A period will follow the demonstration, and snacks and refreshments will be provided.
This event is free and open to anyone interested, but registration is required. Register for the Covert Farms event in Oliver here.

Farm Tour and Potluck at Big Rock Ranch
2024-08-17 12:00 - 15:30 | BC
You’re invited to a Farm Tour and Potluck at Big Rock Ranch in Buffalo Creek, 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 – join us for the event. Come out to connect with other farmers and food lovers, share a meal, and learn about mixed fruit and vegetable production, beekeeping and raising poultry.
We’ll enjoy a farm tour from farmer Robin Hunt, who farms on their family’s 148-acre ranch alongside their grandmother, mother and a crew of working and companion animals. We will learn about their mission to grow nutrient-dense food, enhance soil health and biodiversity and maintain landscape integrity. Touring Big Rock Ranch’s mixed vegetable and fruit crops, we will also learn about their innovative irrigation practices and how they extend their growing season using greenhouses. They farm in a high elevation community that only has 80 frost free days a year, so season extension is an important part of their farm’s sustainability. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions about land sharing, collaboration and farming in their Cariboo climate! If you are a new or experienced farmer who is interested in family farm transition and want to understand what that looks like in practice, we hope to see you there. The day will wrap up with a shared potluck meal and informal time to socialize with other farmers and farm-curious folks.
Learn more and register here: https://youngagrarians.org/august-17-2024-buffalo-creek-bc-farm-tour-and-potluck-at-big-rock-ranch

Demo: Solar Powered Autonomous Seeders & Weeders
2024-08-19 09:00 - 11:00 | BC
Thinking about embracing autonomous agritech equipment in response to labour shortages, rising costs and a desire for improved soil health? Or simply curious about the technology? Then join Organic BC at Van Eekelen Enterprises in Abbotsford on August 19th for a discussion and demo of autonomous seeders and weeders in agriculture!
Representatives from FrontLink Inc., importers and distributors of various types of agritech equipment, will be on hand to discuss the latest developments. They will also demonstrate the FarmDroid FD20, a fully autonomous, solar-powered seeding and weeding robot. The FarmDroid FD20 uses GPS to seed crops and subsequently weeds the crops it planted, managing up to 12 rows at a time.
Following the demonstration, there will be ample time for questions and discussions, and snacks and refreshments will be provided.
This event is free and open to anyone interested, but registration is required. Save your spot at: eventbrite.ca/e/solar-powered-autonomous-seeders-and-weeders-tickets-929274273367

Farm Tour and Potluck at The Plot Market Garden and City’s Edge Farm
2024-08-24 15:00 - 19:00 | BC
You’re invited to a Farm Tour and Potluck at The Plot Market Garden and City’s Edge Farm in Victoria, B.C. If you’re curious about what land matching and sharing is all about, want to learn what it’s like to apprentice on a farm or host farm apprentices – or just want to check out what your local farmers are up to – join us for the event. Come out to connect with other farmers and food lovers, share a meal and learn about farm start-up!
We’ll enjoy a farm tour from farmers Emily and Tyler at The Plot Market Garden, who grow mixed vegetables on two acres of land including one leased acre that they found through the Young Agrarians U-Map. We will learn how Emily and Tyler set up their new leased acre this year, deal with wireworm challenges and are trialing flowers and farm stand sales for the first time! After our tour of The Plot, we will make our way to City’s Edge Farm just a few minutes away, where head farmer Sol was matched with 3 acres of farmland in 2023 through the B.C. Land Matching Program. We will learn how Sol and her crew turned 3 acres from field to production beds in their first year on the land and how Sol grows vegetables, herbs, berries and flowers with the vision of building a diverse agro-ecosystem over time. The day will wrap up with a shared potluck meal at City’s Edge and informal time to socialize with other farmers and farm-curious folks.
Learn more and register here: youngagrarians.org/august-24-2024-victoria-bc-farm-tour-and-potluck-at-the-plot-market-garden-and-citys-edge-farm

Farm Tour and Dinner at Babylon Farm
2024-08-24 16:00 - 19:30 | BC
You’re invited to a Farm Tour and Potluck at Babylon Farm in Surrey, 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 – join us for the event. Come out to connect with other farmers and food lovers, share a delicious home-cooked meal and learn about growing sunchokes and luffa gourds!
We’ll enjoy a farm tour from leasing farmer Fadia Khouchaba, who is the owner and operator of Babylon Farm Ltd. Fadia was matched to one acre of land in March of 2024 through the B.C. Land Matching Program (BCLMP). During the farm tour, we will learn how Fadia and her family work together to grow mixed vegetables, fruits and flowers during their first year on the land. We will also learn about Fadia’s specialty crops including sunchokes and gourds used for making luffas. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions about land sharing, family farming and farm startup! If you are a new or experienced farmer who wants to learn more about farming on leased land, we hope to see you there. The day will wrap up with a beautiful meal cooked by Fadia including a spit-roast whole lamb, whole pig and Assyrian dolmas. During the meal, there will be plenty of informal time to socialize with other farmers and farm-curious folks.
Learn more and register here: youngagrarians.org/august-24-2024-surrey-bc-farm-tour-and-dinner-at-babylon-farm

Winnow Seed Co. Farm Tour
2024-08-25 09:00 - 11:30 | BC
Ever wondered what a seed farm looks like at harvest time, or what your vegetables would look like at the end of their life cycle? Join us for a tour of the gardens at Winnow Seed Co. to learn how seeds are produced!

Winnow Seed Co. is a seed farm that produces certified organic, open-pollinated vegetable, herb, and flower seeds in Krestova, BC. There are very few local seed growers, and even fewer that both produce and market all their own seeds direct-to-consumer, as Winnow Seed Co. does. This is a rare opportunity to tour a seed farm in the peak of harvest season to learn how seeds are produced. In this 2.5 hour tour, participants will have the chance to see a wide variety of plants going to seed, learn about seed-cleaning tools, and try out different seed processing techniques.

DATE: Sunday, August 25, 2024 | 9am – 11:30am PST

LOCATION: Sinixt, Ktunaxa, & Syilx Territories. Krestova, BC

Spots are limited! Reserve your spot here: youngagrarians.org/aug-25-2024-krestova-bc-winnow-seed-co-farm-tour

Farm Tour and Potluck at Blueberry Commons
2024-08-30 16:00 - 19:00 | BC
You’re invited to a farm tour and potluck at Blueberry Commons in qathet (Powell River), BC, in collaboration with Vancouver Island University! The 16 acres of gardens, forest and meadows have a long farming history in the community. For more than 50 years the Clancy family grew berries, fruit and vegetables and raised animals as an integral part of the Wildwood farming scene. Today, they have nearly an acre of blueberry crop, and a thriving 2 acre market garden that supplies food to the local community. Join us for an evening of learning and connecting, and stay for a potluck meal!
WHEN: Friday, August 30, 2024 | 4-7pm
LOCATION: Tla’amin Territory. qathet (Powell River), BC.
Reserve your (free) spot here: https://youngagrarians.org/aug-30-2024-qathet-bc-farm-tour-and-potluck-at-blueberry-commons/

Organic Month
2024-09-01 - 2024-09-30 | BC
Canada’s National Organic Month is the largest annual celebration of organic food, farming and products across the country. Hundreds of individual events showcase the benefits of organic agriculture and its positive impact on the environment. Organic represents a vibrant alternative food system and an alternative option for clothing, personal care and cleaning products.
Learn more: choosecanadaorganic.ca/organic-month

Farm Tour and Potluck at Medley Organics
2024-09-08 16:00 - 19:00 | BC
You’re invited to a Farm Tour and Potluck at Medley Organics in Summerland, BC! 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 – join us for the event! Come out to connect with other farmers and food lovers, share a delicious potluck meal and learn about mixed vegetable production.
We’ll enjoy a farm tour from leasing farmer Jerome Gagne, who is the owner and operator of Medley Organics. In 2019, Jerome was matched to ten acres of land on a long-term lease through the B.C. Land Matching Program (BCLMP). Jerome will talk about the challenges of new farm start-up, his extensive experience with leasing land and how to develop your niche business market. He’ll also discuss how to ‘lease-proof’ your farm, and show off his unique barn that can be deconstructed and moved!
There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions about land sharing, mixed vegetable production and farm start-up. If you are a new or experienced farmer who wants to learn more about farming on leased land, we hope to see you there. The day will wrap up with a potluck and informal time to socialize with other farmers and farm-curious folks.

Autonomous Electric Tractors in Blueberries
2024-09-17 13:00 - 16:00 | BC
Looking for innovative and efficient ways to tackle increasing costs and labour shortages in your blueberry operation? Agri-tech weeding equipment could be a key part of the solution!
To find out more, join Organic BC at Klaassen Farms in Chilliwack on Tuesday, Sept. 17th for a demo of autonomous, electric tractors in blueberry production.
Representatives from Rollins Machinery will be on hand to discuss the latest advancements in this technology. And, Monarch Tractors will showcase and demonstrate their MK-V tractor, highlighting its computer-vision autonomy and electric capabilities, emitting zero emissions while utilizing common farm implements for mowing, weeding, tilling and more.
Ample time will be provided for questions and discussions after the demonstration. There will also be an opportunity to test drive the Monarch! Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
This event is free but registration is required. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/autonomous-electric-tractors-in-blueberries-tickets-919102800217

Creston Energy Innovation Farm Tour
2024-09-22 09:00 - 15:30 | BC
Join Young Agrarians on September 22nd for a full-day farm tour of two innovative Creston farms that have been working hard to reduce their carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of their farm infrastructure. This event will include a morning farm tour at Full Circle Farm, a potluck lunch, and an afternoon farm tour of Cartwheel Farm.
In addition to all infrastructure innovations, both Full Circle Farm and Cartwheel Farm are dedicated to their soil’s health, using low/no till methods to build and protect the carbon in their soil. This tour will be a rich learning opportunity with lots of discussion on how we can reduce fossil fuel use on farms, sequester more carbon in our soils, and adapt our farming practices for a changing climate.
DATE: Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 9am – 3:30pm PST
LOCATION: Traditional territory of the Yaqan nuʔkiy peoples of the Ktunaxa Nation
Reserve your spot here: https://youngagrarians.org/sep-22-2024-creston-bc-creston-energy-innovation-farm-tour/
We hope you can join us!

Farm Tour and Potluck at A Rocha Farm
2024-09-27 18:00 - 21:00 | BC
Join us for an evening of learning and connecting, and stay for a potluck meal at A Rocha!
A Rocha Farm is a host farm in the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program growing over 50 vegetable crops (containing over 200 varieties) and an expanding flower field. They have 2.5 acres under production, which provides for a 170+ member vegetable & flower CSA, the farmer’s market, an on-site farm stand, and restaurant sales. Since 2005 they have been focused on providing an educational space for aspiring farmers to learn. They use regenerative practices, including the use of cover crops and crop rotation, and plant habitats for beneficial insects.
DATE: Friday, September 27, 2024 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
LOCATION: Coast Salish Territory. 1620 192 St, Surrey, BC V3Z 9V2
REGISTRATION: youngagrarians.org/sept-27-2024-south-surrey-bc-farm-tour-and-potluck-at-a-rocha-farm

The Business Bootcamp for New Farmers
2024-10-02 17:00 - 2024-12-11 19:00 | Online
Registration is now open for the Young Agrarians Business Bootcamp for New Farmers, starting October 2!

Join an amazing community of new and aspiring farmers as we navigate the key components of writing a business plan tailored for the farm of your dreams. We’ll delve into financial planning, marketing, risk management, how to access capital, and so much more.

The Business Bootcamp is geared towards individuals or farm teams who:

🌱 Are planning on starting up an agricultural operation in the near future; or

🌱 Are looking to expand an existing farm or hobby enterprise; or

🌱 Want to start a new enterprise on an existing farm

Sound like a good fit? Head to our website to sign up: https://youngagrarians.org/courses/business-bootcamp-for-new-farmers

BC Regional Gathering: Northwest Region
2024-10-06 09:00 - 15:00 | BC
On October 6, join Organic BC, the Smithers Farmers’ Institute and local producers in Telkwa, BC for a day of on-farm fun and learning! Don’t miss:

A tour of True North Acres, a small-scale, mixed operation farm incorporating rotational grazing of sheep, pigs, and chickens, alongside their vegetable market garden and honey bee operation. They’ll highlight their closed-loop principles (using their own on-farm inputs and little else), cover cropping program, intensive rotational grazing, no-till practices and more–and of course the bees!
A hands-on session with Jo Tobias of RootShoot Soils. Jo is a regenerative soils & living compost specialist who will outline the fascinating world of soil microorganisms and their critical roles in soil health and plant development. She will also test True North’s compost and compost teas and show you how to farm these wonderful microbes and maximize their potential.
Lunch at Happy Pig Organic Farm. Enjoy lunch (provided) and social time at Happy Pig’s on-farm food truck.

This event is free and open to anyone interested, but registration is required. Save your spot at: eventbrite.com/e/1024987494187
Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).

BC Regional Gathering: Kootenays
2024-10-18 09:00 - 15:00 | BC
On October 18th, join local producers and industry experts in Creston for a hands-on exploration of the benefits of cover cropping and rotational grazing! Brought to you in collaboration with Organic BC, the Small Scale Meat Producers Association, and Kootenay & Boundary Farm Advisors.
During this event:

Molly Thurston and Greg Evans of Kokanee Fruit Company will guide you through their mixed orchard and grazing operation, highlighting their cover cropping and grazing techniques used to prepare new orchard plantings. And, they will demo their no-till seeder!
Jeff Nimmo, regional agrologist from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, will join Molly, also an agrologist, to analyze the soil profiles to assess the impact of these practices.
Julia Smith from the Small Scale Meat Producers Association will give a practical fencing demo for rotational grazing and a tour of their mobile slaughter trailer.

Lunch will be provided, and the day will wrap up with an optional social gathering at Wild North Brewing (at your cost).
This event is free and open to anyone interested, but registration is required. Save your spot at: eventbrite.com/e/1029170936977
Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).

Soil Health Field Day
2024-10-23 09:00 - 12:00 | BC
Join Agrowest Consulting at Rafter P Ranch in Merritt on Oct. 23rd for a look into rotational grazing, no-till seeding and the results of a 16 species cover crop.

Dr. Tom Pypker will also give a Soils 101 where everyone will get their hands dirty, and Rafter P Ranch will be serving their grass fed beef burgers for lunch.

Don’t miss this free event! Save your spot here: eventbrite.ca/e/soil-health-field-day-tickets-1031598989347

OCT 27, 2024: Kelowna, BC – LAND LINKING WORKSHOP
2024-10-27 14:00 - 17:00 | BC
GOT LAND? WANT LAND? Are you a landholder looking for farmers? Are you a farmer looking for land? We want you!
Join us for a workshop on the nuts and bolts of land access! Young Agrarians Land Linking Workshops bring together land seekers and landholders to network, explore possible land matches and learn how to navigate land sharing and lease agreements.
This workshop will feature a panel discussion where you will hear from matched farmers and farmland holders, plus a land access expert. Panelists will highlight key considerations for building and maintaining mutually beneficial land agreements.
You will learn the benefits of land sharing, how to assess land for farming, decision-making strategies for farm operations on leased land and tips for managing communication and relationships. There will also be ample time to network and speak directly with land seekers, landholders and your regional land matcher, Haley Schonhofer.
Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024 • 2-5pm PDT
Location: Syilx Territory. Okanagan Mission Community Hall, 4409 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 1W7
Reserve your spot here: youngagrarians.org/oct-27-2024-kelowna-bc-land-linking-workshop

Land and Water: Working Together
2024-11-02 09:00 - 16:00 | BC
Join us for a day of farm-focused programming, hosted by Young Agrarians and Langley Sustainable Agriculture Foundation! We’ll be networking and talking about land access and sustainable agricultural water management.

All are welcome to this event! Are you are a landholder with a vision for your land or have you just started thinking about leasing? A farmer whose plan is to grow fruit, veggies, raise livestock or have some other farming project in mind? Or maybe you’re a land steward who has an interest in sustainable agriculture and water management? We hope you will join us for a day of learning, inspiration and connecting with the farmers and landholders in your region.

Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 • 9am – 4pm PDT

Location: Coast Salish, Semiahmoo, Katzie, Tsawwassen, Sto:lo & Kwantlen Territories. George Preston Recreation Centre – 20699 42 Ave, Langley BC

Reserve your spot here: youngagrarians.org/nov-2-2024-langley-bc-land-linking-workshop

NOV 5, 2024: ONLINE – Apprenticeship Program Host Farm Info Session
2024-11-05 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Young Agrarians is looking for farmers and ranchers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who are ready to invest in the next generation of regenerative land stewards! By learning to teach, host farms will have the opportunity to watch a new farmer acquire the skills they need to get on the land and contribute to the growing movement of regenerative agriculture.
Join us for an info session about hosting an apprentice on your farm for the 2025 season. We welcome anyone who has hosted apprentices in the past or is considering it for the coming year. Bring your questions!
When: Tuesday, November 5, 2025 | 9am PT, 10am MT, 11am CT
Location: Online – Zoom link will be emailed to registrants.
Register here: youngagrarians.org/nov-5-2024-online-apprenticeship-program-host-farm-info-session

BC Regional Gathering: Okanagan
2024-11-06 08:30 - 12:30 | Fresh Valley Farms, 1476 Mountain View Road, Armstrong, BC, British Columbia, V0E 1B8, Canada
On Nov. 6th, join Organic BC and the Small Scale Meat Producers Association for a few hours of learning and socializing at Fresh Valley Farms in Armstrong!
Sit down for a panel and Q&A about the tools, strategies and seed sources that can help you make better use of cover crops on your farm. Then, follow up with facilitated small-group discussions and troubleshooting on topics relevant to farmers in this region, such as rotational grazing, cover cropping, soil health, labour challenges, owner burnout, extreme weather resilience and more.
After, all participants are invited to hang around, visit the on-site food truck and take a tour of Fresh Valley Farms (weather permitting).
This event is free and open to anyone interested, but registration is required. Save your spot at: eventbrite.ca/e/bc-regional-gathering-okanagan-tickets-1044053701727
Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).

kinSHIFT’s Elements of Truth: Before Reconciliation
2024-11-06 18:00 - 2024-11-27 20:30 | BC
Have you been wanting to put reconciliation into action on your farm or in your community? Not sure where to start? Check out kinSHIFT’s Elements of Truth: Before Reconciliation! It’s an online and interactive Indigenous-led learning experience for settler Canadians seeking a welcoming space to cultivate the courage and confidence to take action towards reconciliation. Funding is available for a limited time to subsidize the course cost for BC farmers. Don’t miss your opportunity to join this transformative experience.
Learn more at youngagrarians.org/reconciliation-training-is-available-for-bc-farmers

How to Start Farming
2024-11-07 17:00 - 2024-11-28 19:00 | Online
Are you curious about farming? Do you want to explore whether farming is right for you, learn how to build community by growing food, and discover tangible ways to positively impact the ecosystems around you? If so, join Young Agrarians for their How to Start Farming course, starting on Thursday, November 7th.
This 4-week program is open to anyone interested in farming—no prior experience required! It’s also a great opportunity for those new to Canada to learn the basics of farming in northern climates.
Learn more and register on their website: youngagrarians.org/courses/how-to-start-farming

Land Access: Strategies and Stories
2024-11-13 12:00 - 14:00 | BC
TROUBLE ACCESSING LAND? CURIOUS ABOUT LAND ACCESS MODELS? If you’re a new farmer or want to learn land access strategies, then this webinar is for you! Tune in to explore all your burning questions.
Land access is one of the first challenges new and young farmers face. With over 40% of Canadian farmers retiring by 2033, and with growing land speculation across the country, stable access to growing space and farmland is increasingly difficult. Many established farmers need to use their farmland to fund their retirement, creating further pressure on land prices with a 51% increase over two years. These systemic market challenges leave those starting out unable to afford farmland, leading to frustrations over housing, pressure on land lease agreements, and poor access to growing space. So how do we break these barriers to create a fertile landscape for new and future farmers? More targeted programs and alternative approaches, working both inside and outside of the current land access system to re-imagine new ways of relating to land.
This panel will feature presentations with speakers working across different contexts, from Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, to share innovative strategies and approaches to navigate land access, provide tips to manage the current land access system, and highlight recommendations on new initiatives that can better support new and young farmers.
Participants will also have an opportunity to meet other new farmers, ask questions and share stories about the barriers they’re facing to access land.
We hope you’ll join us. This discussion is not one to be missed!
This session is part of our new four-part webinar series entitled “Breaking Barriers: Building Future Farmers.” Read on to learn about the series!
WHEN: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 12-2pm PT, 1-3pm MT, 2-4pm CT, 3-5pm ET
LOCATION: Online on Indigenous territories across what is today known as Canada. Join us from the comfort of your couch, office, tractor, compost heap – wherever you find yourself able to tune in! Zoom link will be sent out after registration.
REGISTER: youngagrarians.org/nov-13-2024-online-land-access-strategies-and-stories
