JANUARY 2020 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC
Farmers’ institutes gather for second
annual meeting Recent changes and future priorities top discussions
by BARBARA JOHNSTONE GRIMMER
RICHMOND –
Representatives from 35 of the province’s 46 farmers’ institutes gathered in Richmond by invitation of BC agriculture minister Lana Popham on November 29 for the second annual meeting to network and discuss areas of common interest, challenges and opportunities. A large portion of the day
involved a summary of what the ministry heard during the recent engagement sessions intended to determine how the province could support BC farmers in the Agricultural Land Reserve, especially given recent and proposed changes to regulations governing activities within the ALR. The current and future
roles of farmers’ institutes and the resources needed were discussed in breakout sessions. Farmers’ institutes provide communications, policy guidance to government, education to members and the public, infrastructure for rural communities, special projects for regional challenges and needs, fundraising and marketing. Farmers’ institutes are building into more value- chain work, development of commercial kitchens and food
hubs and liaising with local governments and First Nations. There was an interest in exploring group insurance policy options, as well as funding models for the institutes, including fundraising and/or a return to the grants by the minister for educational or similar work as stated in the Farmers and Womens Institutes Act. “I am so excited to once again bring everyone together and celebrate the relationship we are building between farmers’ Institutes and the Ministry of Agriculture,” said Popham. “We recognize the value of BC Farmers’ Institutes and that is why we’ve provided $80,000 in support since forming government.” Besides organizing and funding the annual event, the ministry has also launched a new website to connect farmers’ institutes around the province and provide information about regulations, workshops and opportunities. Farmer’s institutes have been part of rural BC for 120 years, with the first farmers’ institute formed in 1898 in the Alberni Valley. There are now 40 farmers’ institutes in good standing that are under the Farmers and Womens Institute Act, according to
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Representatives from 35 farmers’ institutes from around the province convened in Richmond last month to discuss common interests, challenges and opportunities. PETER MITHAM PHOTO
superintendent of farmers’ institutes and regional agrologist Chris Zabek. There are six other institutes “on the books” but not in good standing, generally due to lapses in filing annual reports. “Filing annual reports and financials are essential in maintaining good standing,” says Zabek. “It is also essential in applying for government funding as proof of status as a legal entity to enter into a contract.”
Although many farmers’ institutes at the meeting are well established and active, at least two – the Langley Farmers’ Institute and Galiano
Farmers’ Institute – are brand new.
Besides local farmers’ institutes there are also district farmers’ institutes, made up of two or more local institutes within a region. “District A Farmers’ Institute
(Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast) would like to thank the Ministry of Agriculture for hosting the second annual provincial meeting,” says District A president Janet Thony. “Providing an opportunity for delegates to share ideas and concerns directly with ministry staff is invaluable. Just as beneficial is
the chance for delegates to get to know each other while learning about the different issues facing farmers and ranchers provincewide. We look forward to attending the third annual meeting next November. Ideas are already surfacing as to what might be on the agenda.” Farmers’ institutes that operate under the province’s Society Act and not the Farmers and Womens Institute Act include Delta Farmers’ Institute and Richmond Farmers’ Institute. They are not required to report to the superintendent of farmers’ institutes.
Little & Large, Local & Long, Europe & N. America
Port to Dealer, Farm to Farm & Anything in Between
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