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 $20/day (pre-registration) or $25/day (drop-in), this includes general trade show admission. There will be no refunds due to weather conditions.
opportunities to learn from the experts. The fee for all-day conference sessions is $20/day (pre-registration) or $25/day (drop-in), this includes general trade show admission. There will be no refunds due to weather conditions.
Pre-Conference Session
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District is hosting a special event, with funding from the Vancouver Foundation, from 10:30am - 12:30 pm on Thursday, Feb 6. 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 10:30am - 12:30 pm on Thursday, Feb 6. 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
- The cost for this session is $5.00
To read more about this session and for bio's on the panelists and presenters, click HERE
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.
Session Speakers & Topics
Planning Wildfire Resilient Farms
- Kevin Smith, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, Regional District of the Central Kootenays
Kevin Smith introduces an exciting tool, aimed at Agricultural Producers, Livestock owners, and those interested in wildfire preparedness. The Climate Action Initiatives Farm and Ranch Wildfire Plan creates a comprehensive and vital information source for those effected by the threat of wildfire, and potentially those responders attempting to effect fire ground operations. Kevin brings an educational approach that will leave attendees inspired to make the mitigation efforts to be prepared for wildfire.
Kevin Smith is an Assistant Fire Chief in the Kootenay Region, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, Local FireSmart Representative, and Farm and Ranch Preparedness Workshop Facilitator. Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge to share on this hot topic. A Fire and Life Safety Educator, Information Officer, and Red Cross Instructor in the local fire service, Kevin is passionate on the subject of community resiliency from the threat of Wildfire.
- Kevin Smith, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, Regional District of the Central Kootenays
Kevin Smith introduces an exciting tool, aimed at Agricultural Producers, Livestock owners, and those interested in wildfire preparedness. The Climate Action Initiatives Farm and Ranch Wildfire Plan creates a comprehensive and vital information source for those effected by the threat of wildfire, and potentially those responders attempting to effect fire ground operations. Kevin brings an educational approach that will leave attendees inspired to make the mitigation efforts to be prepared for wildfire.
Kevin Smith is an Assistant Fire Chief in the Kootenay Region, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, Local FireSmart Representative, and Farm and Ranch Preparedness Workshop Facilitator. Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge to share on this hot topic. A Fire and Life Safety Educator, Information Officer, and Red Cross Instructor in the local fire service, Kevin is passionate on the subject of community resiliency from the threat of Wildfire.
Managing Soil Nutrients Under the New Agricultural Environmental Code of Practice
- Dr. Dieter Geesing, Soils Specialist, BC Ministry of Agriculture; Social Science Instructor at University of the Fraser Valley
The new Agricultural Environmental Management Code of Practice came into effect almost a year ago. It applies to all agricultural operations in BC, from small hobby farms to large commercial operations. The presentation will summarize the key requirements under the new AEM Code as it affects the management and storage of soil nutrients on your farm and how to obtain the necessary information in the field and from online resources.
Dr. Dieter Geesing is the Provincial Soil Specialist with the BC Ministry of Agricultural and has been teaching soil science at the University of the Fraser Valley for more than 10 years. Prior to his current position, he was the Ministry’s Regional Agrologist for Metro Vancouver and worked more than 20 years as a soil scientist with the private industry, academia, NGOs and for the compost industry worldwide. Dieter holds a M.S. in Forestry, a M.S. in Soil and Plant Science and a Ph.D. in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
- Dr. Dieter Geesing, Soils Specialist, BC Ministry of Agriculture; Social Science Instructor at University of the Fraser Valley
The new Agricultural Environmental Management Code of Practice came into effect almost a year ago. It applies to all agricultural operations in BC, from small hobby farms to large commercial operations. The presentation will summarize the key requirements under the new AEM Code as it affects the management and storage of soil nutrients on your farm and how to obtain the necessary information in the field and from online resources.
Dr. Dieter Geesing is the Provincial Soil Specialist with the BC Ministry of Agricultural and has been teaching soil science at the University of the Fraser Valley for more than 10 years. Prior to his current position, he was the Ministry’s Regional Agrologist for Metro Vancouver and worked more than 20 years as a soil scientist with the private industry, academia, NGOs and for the compost industry worldwide. Dieter holds a M.S. in Forestry, a M.S. in Soil and Plant Science and a Ph.D. in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
Agriculture and Water - The Double-Edged Sword
- Natalya Melnychuk, BC Ministry of Agriculture - Climate Action Team Member
The restriction of water use for corn and hay from the Koksilah River outside of Duncan last summer was the first time on the Island that users were forced to stop watering crops. Such issues are telling of what is to come for BC as we start to feel the real effects of climate change. Agricultural water shortages, flooding and the degradation of water quality will all have an impact on production, markets, trade and food security. Available freshwater is projected to be limited by a growing demand for water beyond the agricultural sector and increased variability of precipitation due to climate change. Adapting to these climate risks requires context appropriate changes to production and increased precautionary measures. This work shop will provide participants with a science-based overview of local water related issues, current BC government climate change risk reduction support, and a framework of considerations to take home to continue building resilient farming on the Island.
Natalya Melnychuk is acting as this year's science policy fellow for the BC Ministry of Agriculture's Climate Action Team. Natalya is known for her expertise in water policy and governance and commitment to rural sustainability across BC. Natalya splits her time between the Shuswap and Victoria, aiming to make an impact through research and community involvement working with federal, provincial, local and First Nations governments as well as community groups. In addition to research on water storage topics for the Ministry, she holds a PhD in social and ecological sustainability, sits on the Shuswap Watershed Council, and is the former manager of the collaboratively-led Salute to the Sockeye programming for the Adam's River salmon run.
- Natalya Melnychuk, BC Ministry of Agriculture - Climate Action Team Member
The restriction of water use for corn and hay from the Koksilah River outside of Duncan last summer was the first time on the Island that users were forced to stop watering crops. Such issues are telling of what is to come for BC as we start to feel the real effects of climate change. Agricultural water shortages, flooding and the degradation of water quality will all have an impact on production, markets, trade and food security. Available freshwater is projected to be limited by a growing demand for water beyond the agricultural sector and increased variability of precipitation due to climate change. Adapting to these climate risks requires context appropriate changes to production and increased precautionary measures. This work shop will provide participants with a science-based overview of local water related issues, current BC government climate change risk reduction support, and a framework of considerations to take home to continue building resilient farming on the Island.
Natalya Melnychuk is acting as this year's science policy fellow for the BC Ministry of Agriculture's Climate Action Team. Natalya is known for her expertise in water policy and governance and commitment to rural sustainability across BC. Natalya splits her time between the Shuswap and Victoria, aiming to make an impact through research and community involvement working with federal, provincial, local and First Nations governments as well as community groups. In addition to research on water storage topics for the Ministry, she holds a PhD in social and ecological sustainability, sits on the Shuswap Watershed Council, and is the former manager of the collaboratively-led Salute to the Sockeye programming for the Adam's River salmon run.
Cannabis Supporting Food Security
- Daniel Adelman, Founder - Blue Roots Farm Ltd.
Daniel has worked as a farmer, consultant, and advocate in the agriculture sector focusing extensively in areas relating to food security, sustainable development, and cannabis. Daniel has built a career in controlled environment agriculture with a focus on plant health, business development, product design, niche market brand positioning, facility management and design, planning and development of integrated systems and policies, navigating regulatory landscapes, and the use of climate control systems. In 2013 Daniel founded Blue Roots Farm Ltd., an innovative greenhouse based vertical farm that became a leading supplier of local salad greens to wholesale markets on Vancouver Island.
- Daniel Adelman, Founder - Blue Roots Farm Ltd.
Daniel has worked as a farmer, consultant, and advocate in the agriculture sector focusing extensively in areas relating to food security, sustainable development, and cannabis. Daniel has built a career in controlled environment agriculture with a focus on plant health, business development, product design, niche market brand positioning, facility management and design, planning and development of integrated systems and policies, navigating regulatory landscapes, and the use of climate control systems. In 2013 Daniel founded Blue Roots Farm Ltd., an innovative greenhouse based vertical farm that became a leading supplier of local salad greens to wholesale markets on Vancouver Island.
Eight Key Success Factors in Food Aggregation
- Darren Stott, BSc, Principle, Greenchain Consulting
Aggregation combines products from multiple food producers to be sold through a single channel to buyers. The purpose of this seminar is to share what factors make food aggregation initiatives successful, what it looks like in BC, some of the common challenges and experiences from BC so that you understand what it takes to put your initiative in the best position for success, from an early stage.
Darren is a food supply chain expert with over 20 years of experience. Darren has worked in food retail, category management, inventory management and most recently as a consultant supporting agri-food businesses and organizations in direct marketing, specializing in food hubs. He has worked with clients all over North America from planning, launching, operating and transitioning food hubs.
- Darren Stott, BSc, Principle, Greenchain Consulting
Aggregation combines products from multiple food producers to be sold through a single channel to buyers. The purpose of this seminar is to share what factors make food aggregation initiatives successful, what it looks like in BC, some of the common challenges and experiences from BC so that you understand what it takes to put your initiative in the best position for success, from an early stage.
Darren is a food supply chain expert with over 20 years of experience. Darren has worked in food retail, category management, inventory management and most recently as a consultant supporting agri-food businesses and organizations in direct marketing, specializing in food hubs. He has worked with clients all over North America from planning, launching, operating and transitioning food hubs.