Funding supports professional development for British Columbia farmers

Victoria, British Columbia – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the BC Ministry of Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture brought the classroom to the field offering farmers and ranchers around the province the opportunity to attend a variety of agricultural-related learning events with support from the governments of Canada and British Columbia (B.C.).

Members of B.C.’s agricultural industry were invited to participate in a series of field days, workshops and other learning opportunities that promoted growth and viability within the farming sector. The program provided funding to support knowledge and technical transfer for B.C. farmers and food processors.

Seventeen knowledge transfer events were offered in regions throughout the province during the past three months, covering a wide-range of farming and ranching activities that would contribute to and improve the competitiveness, innovation and resilience of B.C.’s agriculture and agri-foods sector.

Participants learned best practices and innovative strategies; new and emerging opportunities within the sector; and techniques to adapt to changing environmental, production and market conditions. The programs also offered peer learning, educational networking and relationship-building opportunities for under-represented and target groups such as new entrants, youth and Indigenous Peoples.

The activities were coordinated with Ministry of Agriculture staff and included the following: information sessions on agricultural tools and strategies to help adapt to climate change; and discussions on the latest trends in integrated pest management, improving production operating costs, herd health, and opportunities within the sheep and goat industry.    

The Knowledge Transfer Events Program supported industry activities that contribute to and improve the competitiveness, innovation and resilience of B.C.’s agriculture and agri-foods sector. The funding facilitated knowledge and technical transfer events to strategically support B.C.’s producers and processors to innovate and adapt to changing environmental, production, and market conditions. The program was supported by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector.