AUGUST 2017 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC Summerland location of choice for innovation centre by SUSAN MCIVER


SUMMERLAND – Okanagan agriculture is set to get a big boost judging from the enthusiastic support for the proposed Okanagan Agriculture Innovation Centre (OAIC). “More than 90% of respondents from agri- businesses and stakeholders, such as government, research groups and potential funders, support the concept of such an innovation centre,” reported Jane Campardo of Engage Research, who delivered a feasibility study for the project to Summerland council earlier this year. Campardo interviewed scores of individuals


involved in agri-businesses and associations, potential partners and other accelerator and incubator programs for her study, in addition to convening two focus groups. The goal of the proposed centre is to foster and advance innovation, technology, job growth and development within agriculture. “A project like this would keep our focus on the economic value of agriculture in our region,” says Summerland cherry grower and municipal councillor Erin Carlson. Summerland Chamber of Commerce has been


working on an agri-tech portfolio since 2013. A significant step forward occurred in fall 2016 with the identification of agriculture – in particular biotech, viticulture and food processing – as one of the region’s strongest sectors.


Summerland subsequently commissioned


Campardo, a local resident, to conduct a feasibility study. “Agri-tech is transforming the agricultural sector in radically new ways – big data, wireless networks to monitor weather and drones,” says Campardo. In 2016, 16 new technology projects in BC were funded through the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program.


Summerland was selected as the location of


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choice for the centre by 108 of the 112 respondents in the feasibility study. Key reasons included the presence of the federal Summerland Research and Development Centre and Summerland Varieties Corp. In addition, Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan provide complementary educational opportunities and research programs. The area is also home to many innovative and


progressive producers, especially in the tree fruit and wine industries. Physical requirements for the centre include


space for a pilot value-added food processing facility, demonstration/laboratory areas and offices. The feasibility study identified gaps in the


agriculture value chain which in turn gave rise to the programs and services recommended for the OAIC. Foremost among these were mentoring,


development of sustainable farm programs and support for facilities for product development, food testing and food safety.


Youth and local The target participants would be educated


entrepreneurs in their 30s and the early stages of business commercialization. They would be predominantly from BC or wanting to locate here. Another target group would be owners of established businesses, most likely in their 40s and 50s, with a few employees, and wanting to expand. The basic idea is to bring farmers together with people who have business proficiency, explains Campardo. Conversely, a business person might have an idea that could benefit from input from someone knowledgeable about agriculture. The majority of participants would be from the


Okanagan. “Several respondents suggested that applications


should be open worldwide,” says Campardo. The latter group would have the potential to


bring foreign investment, help raise the profile of the region and provide partners with international experience. Campardo estimates that the total project cost


from 2018 to 2020 would be $1.5 million, with 75% coming from government and 25% from industry. “Revenues generated by the OIAC of an estimated $209,000 will be considered the industry contribution for both years two and three,” says Campardo. To ensure long-term sustainability, the OAIC


would offer programs, events and services to entrepreneurs at a fee.


Happy returns


A significant return on investment is anticipated. Among the potential returns is that businesses


aided by centres such as the OIAC have a much greater survival rate than other start-up businesses. This in turn would lead to job creation and


promotion of other local investments. The development of a business plan is the next step for the OIAC.


The plan will facilitate a business strategy session, identify and select key project champions and attain letters of support and commitment from partners.


Serious consideration will be given to a


developing a close association with Bioenterprise BC, a private business accelerator headquartered in Guelph, Ontario.


Bioenterprise has expressed interest in expanding into the Okanagan. Application for funding from such sources as the Rural Dividend Fund, Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC, Growing Forward and Western Economic Diversification could start as early as this fall.


“It’s exciting to see this go to the next level,” says Summerland mayor Peter Waterman.


31


The measure of success.


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