2020 Conference Sessions
The Islands Agriculture Show features two days of conference sessions. These workshops offer the farming community
opportunities to learn from the experts. The fee for all-day conference sessions is $10/day (pre-registration) or $15/day (drop-in) There will be no refunds due to weather conditions.
Stay tuned for more information as we build this year's list of Speakers!
opportunities to learn from the experts. The fee for all-day conference sessions is $10/day (pre-registration) or $15/day (drop-in) There will be no refunds due to weather conditions.
Stay tuned for more information as we build this year's list of Speakers!

Keynote Speaker: Gerry Friesen, The Recovering Farmer
Sponsored by: FCC
Gerry Friesen comes from a diverse background of experience, learning and discovery. Never short on humour, Gerry is bound to share stories that everyone can relate to by using personal experiences and his own ups and downs. Listeners can be assured they will find an applicable life lesson through what they hear. Gerry’s presentation, titled “Pigs, Politics and Diet Coke: Stories from a Recovering Farmer”, shares tales of farming, relationships and tips on how to survive difficult times.
Sponsored by: FCC
Gerry Friesen comes from a diverse background of experience, learning and discovery. Never short on humour, Gerry is bound to share stories that everyone can relate to by using personal experiences and his own ups and downs. Listeners can be assured they will find an applicable life lesson through what they hear. Gerry’s presentation, titled “Pigs, Politics and Diet Coke: Stories from a Recovering Farmer”, shares tales of farming, relationships and tips on how to survive difficult times.
Gerry Friesen
The Recovering Farmer
Gerry was raised on the family farm, which he took over in 1983 and operated until 2007 when other interests demanded more and more of his time. From 1990 to 2005 Gerry was heavily involved in agricultural “politics” serving on the boards of Manitoba Pork Est., Manitoba Pork Marketing, Canadian Pork Council, and Keystone Agricultural Producers.
Gerry’s passion is helping others find solutions for the various issues that life throws at them in the areas of conflict and stress. Aside from his private practice Gerry provides mediation services for Farm Debt Mediation Services and the Automobile Injury Mediation office and is a conflict management specialist with Backswath Management Inc. He specializes in presenting and facilitating workshops on a variety of topics under the umbrella of conflict and stress management.
Gerry is a recipient of the Manitoba Pork Friend of the Industry award for “providing emotional support and expertise to help farmers cope with financial and emotional stress in their darkest days”. A combination of his own life experiences, training in conflict resolution and intensive counseling training provide him the tools to help others who are struggling. To learn more about Gerry visit his web site at www.gerryfriesen.ca.
The Recovering Farmer
Gerry was raised on the family farm, which he took over in 1983 and operated until 2007 when other interests demanded more and more of his time. From 1990 to 2005 Gerry was heavily involved in agricultural “politics” serving on the boards of Manitoba Pork Est., Manitoba Pork Marketing, Canadian Pork Council, and Keystone Agricultural Producers.
Gerry’s passion is helping others find solutions for the various issues that life throws at them in the areas of conflict and stress. Aside from his private practice Gerry provides mediation services for Farm Debt Mediation Services and the Automobile Injury Mediation office and is a conflict management specialist with Backswath Management Inc. He specializes in presenting and facilitating workshops on a variety of topics under the umbrella of conflict and stress management.
Gerry is a recipient of the Manitoba Pork Friend of the Industry award for “providing emotional support and expertise to help farmers cope with financial and emotional stress in their darkest days”. A combination of his own life experiences, training in conflict resolution and intensive counseling training provide him the tools to help others who are struggling. To learn more about Gerry visit his web site at www.gerryfriesen.ca.
Pre-Conference Session
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is hosting a special event, with funding from the Vancouver Foundation, from 10:3 0am - 4:30 pm on Thursday, Feb 6. Lunch will be provided. Coffee and snacks starting at 10:15am.
To read more about this session and for bio's on the panelists and presenters, click HERE
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is hosting a special event, with funding from the Vancouver Foundation, from 10:3 0am - 4:30 pm on Thursday, Feb 6. Lunch will be provided. Coffee and snacks starting at 10:15am.
- A panel discussion will bring the Ministry of Agriculture together with representatives from Regional Agricultural Support initiatives from across the Province
- A set of three mini-presentations will be delivered to share academic insights, operational models, and funding potentials for Regional Agricultural Support
- A workshop will drill down to uncover some feasible actions, next steps, and best practices for Regional Agricultural Support
To read more about this session and for bio's on the panelists and presenters, click HERE