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COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • JANUARY 2019


Farmers institutes meet to forge connections Delegates aim for greater communication, collaboration


by BARBARA JOHNSTONE GRIMMER


RICHMOND – Farmers’ Institute


representatives from around BC gathered in Richmond to network and meet with BC agriculture minister Lana Popham at her invitation on November 30. The all-day meeting was intended for face-to-face discussions around institute activities, challenges and opportunities, improving communications, and to review ministry programs available to institutes.


A highlight of the meeting was the


province’s proclamation of November 30, 2018 as BC Farmers’ Institutes Day in recognition of the historical and ongoing work of farmers’ institutes in BC and the support they provide the communities they serve, advocating on behalf of farmers and promoting agriculture. Communication was a major theme of the meeting, and Megan D’Arcy of Smithers Farmers’ Institute led a discussion on the development of a communication platform to exchange news and opportunities for funding and collaboration. Popham expressed her support for the idea, stating, “We should be communicating all the time, with a farmers’ institute website with opportunities for funding, studies, consultations and events.”


Farmers’ institutes superintendent Chris Zabek provided an overview of the Farmers and Womens Institutes Act and its regulations to the 45 representatives in attendance. The act has existed since 1956, following previous legislation dating back to 1873. It provides a legislative means for the incorporation of farmers and womens institutes and establishes a legal entity that can enter into contracts, hold property, borrow money and apply for programs. The act also provides an avenue for institutes to have direct communication with the agriculture minister.


History of cooperation


“The historic goal of farmers’ institutes has been cooperation (economically and socially) in a geographically diverse province, and to encourage settlement and education,” says Zabek, a regional agrologist based in Abbotsford. Institutes are incorporated under one or more of the following purposes under the act: to improve conditions of rural life, to promote theory and practice of agriculture, to arrange for purchase, distribution or sale of commodities, supplies and/or products, to act on behalf of members in all matters incidental to agricultural pursuits and rural development, and to promote home


economics, public health, child welfare, education and better schools. Farmers’ institutes were first established by the government over 120 years ago to connect agricultural communities in the province. They grew quickly, reaching nearly 200 institutes with over 7,000 members at their peak. Today’s institutes have the same district and individual institute structure, but there are fewer institutes (approximately 50) and members (1,275) and fewer active districts (four versus 10). “It is impossible to describe the


average farmers institute. They range in size, in activities, in age (and) in assets as well as geographically,” says Zabek, “The oldest institute was formed in 1898, the most recent in 2016. Membership can range from 5 to 200, assets from a few dollars to millions of dollars, and meeting once to 10 times a year.” Activities vary as well, including


peer networking and mentoring, extension event support, community support, lobbying, managing assets such as community halls, running fall fairs and farmers markets, tool and equipment sharing co-ops, school gardens and social activities. Many institutes organize farm tours


for all levels of government, expanding the education role from training new farmers and teaching new skills to established farmers to


teaching politicians and the public about agriculture. Members serve on committees


advocating for farmers’ interests at community, municipal, provincial and federal levels. Lindsay Bisschop, manager of


partnerships and outreach with the agriculture ministry, outlined funding opportunities that match institute goals and activities and shared real- life examples of farmers’ institutes.


Warm reception Most farmers institute delegates


represented expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet with other institutes. “It was wonderful to get together,”


says Lisa Aylard from Port Alberni. “I think a lot of folks went away with a better outlook and information that had been lost or forgotten.” “As members of a small, rural


farmers’ institute, we often feel isolated from the opportunities in the farming industry but being able to come together and discuss our unique situations with other [institute] members from throughout the province is an excellent tool for developing new strategies for keeping our [institutes] strong,” said Ranae Westlund, a member of the McBride Farmers’ Institute in a ministry press release announcing the proclamation.


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