MARCH 2020 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC


Agroforestry entrepreneurs


need to plan ahead Knowing the market, and how to reach it, is critical by MYRNA STARK LEADER ABBOTSFORD – Aspiring


agroforestry entrepreneurs need to do their homework before they jump in, producers heard at the Pacific Agriculture Show in Abbotsford in January. Start with a purpose and


figure out a goal, says George Powell, an independent agroforestry consultant based in Quesnel.


These could include


diversification, conservation benefits, income-generation, offsetting costs or a combination of objectives. Once that’s nailed, he advises a five-step assessment. “The first thing to consider


is markets and marketing. Start here and work backwards to production,” counsels Powell. He offered three marketing strategies: a commodity price-


taker, niche marketing or selling an experience, such as having people visit. “With the commodity


market, it’s go big or go home to make dollars,” he explained. “With niche, you want to meet but not exceed the sales demand. … If you exceed it, you get into no market.” The time required to host visitors is a significant consideration if people opt to sell an experience. Financial planning is next and not to be glossed over in a crop where the costs are all up front and growth takes time. Powell says with most people self-funding agroforestry start-ups, cash- flow is critical. A bullet-proof business plan is essential. That doesn’t mean there


aren’t good reasons to consider agroforestry; it may,


See TOO on next page o


39


Where milk really comes from


Anita Baars, a member of the BC Dairy Association’s “Moo Crew,” shows children visiting the Islands Agriculture Show in Duncan how a milking machine works. Demonstrations at BC Dairy’s mobile classroom included milking a live cow. Nearly 500 elementary school students from the district paraded through the show on Young Farmer Day, February 7. AMANDA POELMAN PHOTO


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