IAFBC marks a milestone
Foundation has been helping province’s agriculture sector grow for two decades. By Grant Ullyot
I
n 1996, the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAFBC) was constituted and grew out of the agricultural research and development program originally set up by the federal government.
Executive director Peter Donkers says the foundation has helped BC companies expand their agricultural markets through the Agri-Food export program and the buy local programs. “We have supported program initiatives that foster growth in the agriculture industry. One of our main strengths has been to finance extensive research programs in all commodity groups. Over its life the board has been blessed to have people dedicated to the ag industry and to have been led by a number of excellent chairpersons.” IAFBC has been the lead organization to oversee and dispense federal funding in accordance with federal aims and objectives currently working under the mandate of Growing Forward 2. During the past 20 years IAFBC has distributed in excess of $192 million to more than 1,700 persons. It estimates that this funding generated $1.85 for every dollar invested, for a total of $355 million. Those dollars represent direct investment in some of the highest priorities and challenges faced by the industry.
IAF was the springboard that helped launch the Ag in the Classroom program and allocated a quarter-million dollars in 1998 to develop a curriculum and necessary materials. Ag in the Classroom is probably known best for establishing the fruit and vegetable
GRANT ULLYOT
Gathered to help the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. celebrate its 20 years of existence with current board chair Ken Bates (second from right) are several of his predecessors, from left, Peter Levelton (June 2012 to May 2013), Stuart Wilson (May 2008 to May 2012) and Walter Goerzen (June 2003 to May 2006).
programs in the province’s schools. The total number of programs funded by the foundation are numerous, but suffice it to say BC agriculture probably would not be the highly successful industry it is without the benefits provided by IAFBC.
A dinner held at Krause Berry Farm in Langley, attended by about 100 guests, marked the 20th anniversary of IAFBC.
The current chair of the board is Ken Bates, who planted his first blueberry crop in 1989. He says he was among the initial growers to plant blueberries in Delta.
“The berries did quite well and we have been expanding ever since. Once people saw how we grew them, more moved into the Delta area and started buying up the land on which to grow blueberries.
“We currently lease land, but our lease runs out next year and we will lose about 60 of our 100 acres. You just can’t find another 60 acres to replace them, so we are going to be down by that much in 2017.”
Despite the fact that he may be growing fewer blueberries next year, Bates remains optimistic.
“We sell all our berries for processing to Berryhill in Abbotsford. “We try to produce the best quality we can; growing specific varieties recommended by Berryhill. We produce the best
12 British Columbia Berry Grower • Summer 2016
quality blueberry in the Pacific Northwest that has no peer in North America, maybe even the world.” Bates’ operation grows Duke and has the numbered variety 1613A, which is a hardy blue, and has some Blue Jay, Northlands and Rica.
Bates has been IAFBC board chair for the past three years. Asked if he would accept a fourth term, he laughingly said, “Yes, maybe one more. I am very privileged, and it is a great honor to have been chair for the past three years. It’s a way to put something back into agriculture. It has allowed me to realize just how big the food processing industry is in BC.”
Asked what benefits the blueberry industry has gained over the years from IAFBC, he said it has financially supported research programs and provided funding for worldwide trade shows.
“I think the Orient is our market for the future, with a huge emphasis on Japan, China and Korea.”
Bates is a strong supporter of food safety initiatives, saying he believes we are producing safe, high quality fruits and vegetables for the consumer. Proud of his accomplishments, Bates says,” I wake up every morning and I like what I do, and I will keep doing what I can until I can’t do it anymore.”
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