Conference Sessions
2026 Island Agriculture Program Guide
Here's a look at the 2026 Conference Sessions. 2027 details will be available at the beginning of January 2027.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The conference sessions at the Islands Agriculture Show provide producers with the opportunity to get the latest information on research, farming practices, and market opportunities from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts.
The theme for the 2026 Islands Agriculture Show:
Growing Resilience: Cultivating the Future of Island Agriculture - Soils, Seeds, People, and Place
Here's a look at the 2026 Conference Sessions
(Please note the agenda below is subject to change)
Conference sessions are $25 plus GST for the weekend.
You can register online here:
https://www.assistexpo.ca/islands-agriculture-show
or at the door
Trade Show admission is $5 ( included with the conference
sessions)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30th, 2026
8 AM to 9 AM - Registration, Main Entrance, Mellor Hall
9 AM - 10 AM – MNP Room
Cultivating Change: Alternative Crop Opportunities in BC
This session will review the findings from the recent report on alternative crop potential, and will explore the process of evaluating new crops, and the challenges related to climate, agronomy, harvesting and processing, marketing, and more.
Speakers:
• Jonathan Snoek - Cascadia Partners - With over 20 years in management consulting, Jonathan specializes in developing compelling strategy and strategy execution.
• Michael Livingston - Cascadia Partners - Michael works closely with government and industry partners to develop clear, actionable approaches that support sustainable growth across the province.
• Stuart Basset - Peninsula Kiwi - Stuart’s passion and practical knowledge helps expand kiwi production in
new regions.
• Thom O’Dell - Regional Agrologist, Producer - Thom is a biologist with decades of experience studying plants, fungi, and their interactions.
9 AM - 10 AM – BMO Room
Seed Production: No seeds, No Farms: How seed production knowledge will make your farm more sustainable
This session explores how a deeper understanding of seed production can benefit your farm in multiple ways. Topics include producing seeds for sale, identifying the best varieties to save for replanting, making informed seed purchasing decisions, communicating more effectively with customers, and navigating government seed policy. Attendees will gain practical insights to integrate seed knowledge into their farm planning and business strategy.
Speaker • David Catzel - BC Seed Security Program Manager, FarmFolk CityFolk
David has over 25 years of farming experience, experimenting with seed growing, breeding, low till annual production, intercropping, and companion planting. He has taught workshops in gardening, composting, permaculture, and seed saving to adults and children all over BC.
-----------------------------------------------
10 AM – 10:30 AM Morning Break
----------------------------------------------
11 AM to 12 PM– MNP Room
KEYNOTE SESSION - Keeping Agriculture on the Agenda
Speakers: • Jennifer Woike - BCAC President and Farmer Ben’s Eggs • Dylan Sherlock - Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Jennifer Woike Jennifer is a Cowichan farmer, agri-business leader, and community advocate. In her presentation, Jennifer will explore the BC Agriculture Council’s key policy and advocacy areas, their priorities for 2026 and an overview of the work completed with the Premier’s Task Force.
Dylan Sherlock's presentation will provide an overview of the state of the agricultural economy (provincially and in the Islands region), key threats and opportunities, and highlight key provincial initiatives to support the sector.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 PM – 1 PM – Lunch Break – Food available for purchase from the venue concession
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – MNP Room
Cover Crops: Practical Lessons from the Field
Join a panel of experienced farmers who will share insights from successfully integrating cover cropping into their operations.
Panelists
•Dr. DeLisa Lewis - PhD LLAg, Green Fire Farm, UBC - DeLisa collaborates with the Sustainable Agriculture Landscapes lab and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food on soil health and nutrient management focused research and outreach.
• Chrystal Bryson - Square Root Farm - Chrystal and her partner, Ilya grow certified organic vegetables on 8 acres for restaurants, wholesale and a small CSA.
• Arzeena Hamir - Amara Farm - Arzeena has her Bachelor’s Degree in Crop Science and Masters in Sustainable Agriculture. She runs a 25-acre certified organic farm in Courtenay with her husband.
• Matthew Kyriakides - PAg - Matthew brings over a decade of experience in agriculture and forestry, and his work bridges community development, land-based education, food production, and ecosystem restoration.
• Moderated by David Catzel - BC Seed Security Program Manager, FarmFolk CityFolk.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – BMO Room
Kidding and Lambing 101: Preparing for a Successful Birthing Season
This workshop offers clear, real-world guidance to help local producers prepare for a smooth and successful birthing season.
Speaker • Dr. Melodie Ares Monast - Agwest Veterinary Group
Mélodie is a large-animal veterinarian in the Cowichan Valley. Known for her practical approach and deep passion for small ruminants, she focuses on giving producers the tools and confidence they need to raise healthy, thriving animals. She is dedicated to client education and believes that empowered farmers make stronger, more resilient herds.
--------------------------------------------------
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Afternoon Break
--------------------------------------------------
3 PM – 4 PM – MNP Room
Unlocking Opportunity: Practical Steps for Farmers to Navigate Grants
In this session you will learn how to set your business up for success with grant applications. You will learn where and when to look for grants, and what it is to have an effective grant strategy. The session will also feature local grant success stories.
Speaker • Stephanie Sang- CEO Granted Consulting - Stephanie is known as a ‘Grant Angel’ across Canada. Since 2011, Granted has supported thousands of clients and generated more than $75 million in grant funding at a success rate of 92%.
3 PM – 4 PM – BMO Room
Preparing Your Farm for Emergencies
Speakers • Ken Nickel - BCAC • Amy Norgaard - PAg, MSc, Climate Extention Specialist
Part One - Amy Norgaard: Knowing where to start with wildfire preparedness can be overwhelming. This short, interactive workshop supports farmers and ranchers in taking practical steps, from quick wins to longer-term planning. Participants will leave feeling more confident, informed, and ready to take action before and during wildfire season.
Part Two - Ken Nickel: Your farm is more likely to make it through an emergency event if you have a plan in place and you are ready to use it! BC Agriculture Council is leading a provincial emergency preparedness project for the agriculture sector. In this session we'll look at how emergencies are handled in BC, and how that impacts farmers. We'll also point you to the tools and resources available to help you get your farm ready for the next emergency event.
------------------
4 PM – Welcome Reception - sponsored by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. Enjoy a "Taste of the Alberni Valley" catered by Starboard Grill and beverages supplied by Twin City Brewing, Wild Kind Kombucha, Dog Mountain Brewing and Cherry Creek Cidery
-----------------
SATURDAY,JANUARY 31st, 2026
8 AM to 9 AM - Registration, Main Entrance, Mellor Hall
9 AM -10 AM -MNP ROOM
Soil Management: Nitrogen Management in Field Vegetables
This is a session on making environmentally and agronomically responsible nitrogen input decisions in the context of an organic mixed vegetable operation. We will explore tools for calculating pre-plant nitrogen rates and discuss Cropthorne's experience this past year with mid-season side-dressing.
Speaker • Dru Yates - PAg, MSc, Cropthorne Farm - Dru (she/her) is part of the farm crew at Cropthorne Farm, an organic mixed vegetable farm in the Fraser River Delta. With a background in Soil Science and prior experience as an agricultural consultant working on farms throughout the Lower Mainland, Dru is passionate about finding practical and effective ways for growers to address their nutrient management challenges.
9 AM -10 AM -BMO ROOM
From Season to Season: How to Keep Farm Workers Coming Back - a Panel Discussion
This session brings together experienced growers to explore practical strategies for retaining seasonal farm workers—both local and foreign—year after year. Panelists will share insights on building strong farm cultures, supporting diverse worker needs, and creating conditions that encourage return employment.
Panelists:
• Aaron Mazurek -Terra Nostra Farm -Aaron collaborates with the qRD Agricultural Advisory Committee, sits on the Farmers’ Agricultural Institute board, on the Central Farmers’ Market Committee, and is a Certified Organic Farm Inspector.
• James Lockwood - Lockwood Farms - James is a dedicated Cowichan Valley farmer with hands-on experience in modern agricultural practices and a deep respect for the land.
• Ariella Falkowski - Rootdown Organic Farm - Ariella is a small-scale, organic vegetable farmer. Currently she is the farm manager at a 5 acre certified organic farm in Pemberton Valley, in Lil’wat territory.
• Moderated by Ross Springford - Springford Farm
----------------------------------------------
10 AM – 10:30 AM Morning Break
---------------------------------------------
10:30 AM to 12 PM– MNP Room
KEYNOTE SESSION: Understanding Watersheds - Power of Forests in Mitigating Flood and Drought Risk
The power of forests in mitigating floods and droughts has been underestimated. The historic and ongoing default clear-cut logging of old and second growth of Coastal BC can not be ruled out as the root cause of downstream droughts and floods, which comes at a high cost to the environment and public. In the backdrop of an intensified climate by global warming, it is time for the defensible hydrology to guide forest management related policies.
Speaker • Dr. Younes Alila - Professor of Hydrology, Faculty of Forestry, UBC
Younes research program is designed to provide scientifically-based information, knowledge and expert advice that promote sound policies, solve urgent operational problems and provide a solid foundation on which to build sustainable forest and water resources management in British Columbia.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 PM – 1 PM – Lunch Break – Food available for purchase from the venue concession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – MNP Room
Demystifying Organic Regulations
This session will demystify organic certification under the BC Certified Organic Program, highlighting recent reforms that make going organic more accessible and affordable for small-scale, diversified, and direct-marketing farm operations.
Speaker: Tristan Banwell - Spray Creek Ranch, SSMPA
Tristan manages a diversified regenerative organic farm in the Northern St’at’imc Territory near Lillooet, BC. Together with his wife Aubyn, he raises cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry on pasture along the mighty Fraser River in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains. Operating a growing on-farm abattoir, they direct market their organic meats throughout the Sea-to-Sky region. Tristan is a director with the Certified Organic Associations of BC, administrator of the BC Certified Organic Program.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – BMO Room
Voices in Agritourism: Farmers Discuss Regulations, Realities, and Collective Solutions
This panel brings together local farmers to explore the evolving landscape of agritourism - Regulations, Realities, and Collective Solutions
Panelists • Clea Adair - Smith Lake Farm
• Rebecca Papadopoulos - Keating Farm
• Andrew Penn - Bilston Creek Farm
• Zack Hemstreet - Bullock Lake Farm
• Deborah Acheson - presenting on behalf of BCFC
• Moderated by Melanie Penn - Bilston Creek Farm
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Afternoon Break and Transition
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3 PM – 4 PM – MNP Room
The Role of Food Hubs in Local Food Systems
Local food hubs from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands will share how they can support farmers, expand market opportunities, and strengthen connections between producers and their communities.
• Adrian Witt - Beverly Street Farm and Food Hub
• Shannon Farmer - The Root Food Hub
•Colleen Popyk - SI Food Hub
3 PM – 4 PM – BMO Room
Climate Change & Farming - Adapting to Climate Change for Stronger Farms
Island producers are experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand, from extreme weather to mounting production challenges. Farmers for Climate Solutions offers practical support to help farmers adopt climate-smart practices that improve resilience and profitability. This session will highlight the Farm Resilience Mentorship and Field Trials programs, and share how Farmers for Climate Solutions is bringing farmer voices into policy conversations that affect the future of agriculture.
Speakers
• Andrew Rushmere - Farmers for Climate Solutions
• Julia Smith - Small Scale Meat Producers’ Association & Farmers for Climate Solution
• Doug & Erika Fossen - Bar 7 Ranch
3PM - Trade Show Ends
4 PM – End of Sessions
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The conference sessions at the Islands Agriculture Show provide producers with the opportunity to get the latest information on research, farming practices, and market opportunities from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts.
The theme for the 2026 Islands Agriculture Show:
Growing Resilience: Cultivating the Future of Island Agriculture - Soils, Seeds, People, and Place
Here's a look at the 2026 Conference Sessions
(Please note the agenda below is subject to change)
Conference sessions are $25 plus GST for the weekend.
You can register online here:
https://www.assistexpo.ca/islands-agriculture-show
or at the door
Trade Show admission is $5 ( included with the conference
sessions)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30th, 2026
8 AM to 9 AM - Registration, Main Entrance, Mellor Hall
9 AM - 10 AM – MNP Room
Cultivating Change: Alternative Crop Opportunities in BC
This session will review the findings from the recent report on alternative crop potential, and will explore the process of evaluating new crops, and the challenges related to climate, agronomy, harvesting and processing, marketing, and more.
Speakers:
• Jonathan Snoek - Cascadia Partners - With over 20 years in management consulting, Jonathan specializes in developing compelling strategy and strategy execution.
• Michael Livingston - Cascadia Partners - Michael works closely with government and industry partners to develop clear, actionable approaches that support sustainable growth across the province.
• Stuart Basset - Peninsula Kiwi - Stuart’s passion and practical knowledge helps expand kiwi production in
new regions.
• Thom O’Dell - Regional Agrologist, Producer - Thom is a biologist with decades of experience studying plants, fungi, and their interactions.
9 AM - 10 AM – BMO Room
Seed Production: No seeds, No Farms: How seed production knowledge will make your farm more sustainable
This session explores how a deeper understanding of seed production can benefit your farm in multiple ways. Topics include producing seeds for sale, identifying the best varieties to save for replanting, making informed seed purchasing decisions, communicating more effectively with customers, and navigating government seed policy. Attendees will gain practical insights to integrate seed knowledge into their farm planning and business strategy.
Speaker • David Catzel - BC Seed Security Program Manager, FarmFolk CityFolk
David has over 25 years of farming experience, experimenting with seed growing, breeding, low till annual production, intercropping, and companion planting. He has taught workshops in gardening, composting, permaculture, and seed saving to adults and children all over BC.
-----------------------------------------------
10 AM – 10:30 AM Morning Break
----------------------------------------------
11 AM to 12 PM– MNP Room
KEYNOTE SESSION - Keeping Agriculture on the Agenda
Speakers: • Jennifer Woike - BCAC President and Farmer Ben’s Eggs • Dylan Sherlock - Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Jennifer Woike Jennifer is a Cowichan farmer, agri-business leader, and community advocate. In her presentation, Jennifer will explore the BC Agriculture Council’s key policy and advocacy areas, their priorities for 2026 and an overview of the work completed with the Premier’s Task Force.
Dylan Sherlock's presentation will provide an overview of the state of the agricultural economy (provincially and in the Islands region), key threats and opportunities, and highlight key provincial initiatives to support the sector.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 PM – 1 PM – Lunch Break – Food available for purchase from the venue concession
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – MNP Room
Cover Crops: Practical Lessons from the Field
Join a panel of experienced farmers who will share insights from successfully integrating cover cropping into their operations.
Panelists
•Dr. DeLisa Lewis - PhD LLAg, Green Fire Farm, UBC - DeLisa collaborates with the Sustainable Agriculture Landscapes lab and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food on soil health and nutrient management focused research and outreach.
• Chrystal Bryson - Square Root Farm - Chrystal and her partner, Ilya grow certified organic vegetables on 8 acres for restaurants, wholesale and a small CSA.
• Arzeena Hamir - Amara Farm - Arzeena has her Bachelor’s Degree in Crop Science and Masters in Sustainable Agriculture. She runs a 25-acre certified organic farm in Courtenay with her husband.
• Matthew Kyriakides - PAg - Matthew brings over a decade of experience in agriculture and forestry, and his work bridges community development, land-based education, food production, and ecosystem restoration.
• Moderated by David Catzel - BC Seed Security Program Manager, FarmFolk CityFolk.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – BMO Room
Kidding and Lambing 101: Preparing for a Successful Birthing Season
This workshop offers clear, real-world guidance to help local producers prepare for a smooth and successful birthing season.
Speaker • Dr. Melodie Ares Monast - Agwest Veterinary Group
Mélodie is a large-animal veterinarian in the Cowichan Valley. Known for her practical approach and deep passion for small ruminants, she focuses on giving producers the tools and confidence they need to raise healthy, thriving animals. She is dedicated to client education and believes that empowered farmers make stronger, more resilient herds.
--------------------------------------------------
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Afternoon Break
--------------------------------------------------
3 PM – 4 PM – MNP Room
Unlocking Opportunity: Practical Steps for Farmers to Navigate Grants
In this session you will learn how to set your business up for success with grant applications. You will learn where and when to look for grants, and what it is to have an effective grant strategy. The session will also feature local grant success stories.
Speaker • Stephanie Sang- CEO Granted Consulting - Stephanie is known as a ‘Grant Angel’ across Canada. Since 2011, Granted has supported thousands of clients and generated more than $75 million in grant funding at a success rate of 92%.
3 PM – 4 PM – BMO Room
Preparing Your Farm for Emergencies
Speakers • Ken Nickel - BCAC • Amy Norgaard - PAg, MSc, Climate Extention Specialist
Part One - Amy Norgaard: Knowing where to start with wildfire preparedness can be overwhelming. This short, interactive workshop supports farmers and ranchers in taking practical steps, from quick wins to longer-term planning. Participants will leave feeling more confident, informed, and ready to take action before and during wildfire season.
Part Two - Ken Nickel: Your farm is more likely to make it through an emergency event if you have a plan in place and you are ready to use it! BC Agriculture Council is leading a provincial emergency preparedness project for the agriculture sector. In this session we'll look at how emergencies are handled in BC, and how that impacts farmers. We'll also point you to the tools and resources available to help you get your farm ready for the next emergency event.
------------------
4 PM – Welcome Reception - sponsored by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. Enjoy a "Taste of the Alberni Valley" catered by Starboard Grill and beverages supplied by Twin City Brewing, Wild Kind Kombucha, Dog Mountain Brewing and Cherry Creek Cidery
-----------------
SATURDAY,JANUARY 31st, 2026
8 AM to 9 AM - Registration, Main Entrance, Mellor Hall
9 AM -10 AM -MNP ROOM
Soil Management: Nitrogen Management in Field Vegetables
This is a session on making environmentally and agronomically responsible nitrogen input decisions in the context of an organic mixed vegetable operation. We will explore tools for calculating pre-plant nitrogen rates and discuss Cropthorne's experience this past year with mid-season side-dressing.
Speaker • Dru Yates - PAg, MSc, Cropthorne Farm - Dru (she/her) is part of the farm crew at Cropthorne Farm, an organic mixed vegetable farm in the Fraser River Delta. With a background in Soil Science and prior experience as an agricultural consultant working on farms throughout the Lower Mainland, Dru is passionate about finding practical and effective ways for growers to address their nutrient management challenges.
9 AM -10 AM -BMO ROOM
From Season to Season: How to Keep Farm Workers Coming Back - a Panel Discussion
This session brings together experienced growers to explore practical strategies for retaining seasonal farm workers—both local and foreign—year after year. Panelists will share insights on building strong farm cultures, supporting diverse worker needs, and creating conditions that encourage return employment.
Panelists:
• Aaron Mazurek -Terra Nostra Farm -Aaron collaborates with the qRD Agricultural Advisory Committee, sits on the Farmers’ Agricultural Institute board, on the Central Farmers’ Market Committee, and is a Certified Organic Farm Inspector.
• James Lockwood - Lockwood Farms - James is a dedicated Cowichan Valley farmer with hands-on experience in modern agricultural practices and a deep respect for the land.
• Ariella Falkowski - Rootdown Organic Farm - Ariella is a small-scale, organic vegetable farmer. Currently she is the farm manager at a 5 acre certified organic farm in Pemberton Valley, in Lil’wat territory.
• Moderated by Ross Springford - Springford Farm
----------------------------------------------
10 AM – 10:30 AM Morning Break
---------------------------------------------
10:30 AM to 12 PM– MNP Room
KEYNOTE SESSION: Understanding Watersheds - Power of Forests in Mitigating Flood and Drought Risk
The power of forests in mitigating floods and droughts has been underestimated. The historic and ongoing default clear-cut logging of old and second growth of Coastal BC can not be ruled out as the root cause of downstream droughts and floods, which comes at a high cost to the environment and public. In the backdrop of an intensified climate by global warming, it is time for the defensible hydrology to guide forest management related policies.
Speaker • Dr. Younes Alila - Professor of Hydrology, Faculty of Forestry, UBC
Younes research program is designed to provide scientifically-based information, knowledge and expert advice that promote sound policies, solve urgent operational problems and provide a solid foundation on which to build sustainable forest and water resources management in British Columbia.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 PM – 1 PM – Lunch Break – Food available for purchase from the venue concession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – MNP Room
Demystifying Organic Regulations
This session will demystify organic certification under the BC Certified Organic Program, highlighting recent reforms that make going organic more accessible and affordable for small-scale, diversified, and direct-marketing farm operations.
Speaker: Tristan Banwell - Spray Creek Ranch, SSMPA
Tristan manages a diversified regenerative organic farm in the Northern St’at’imc Territory near Lillooet, BC. Together with his wife Aubyn, he raises cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry on pasture along the mighty Fraser River in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains. Operating a growing on-farm abattoir, they direct market their organic meats throughout the Sea-to-Sky region. Tristan is a director with the Certified Organic Associations of BC, administrator of the BC Certified Organic Program.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – BMO Room
Voices in Agritourism: Farmers Discuss Regulations, Realities, and Collective Solutions
This panel brings together local farmers to explore the evolving landscape of agritourism - Regulations, Realities, and Collective Solutions
Panelists • Clea Adair - Smith Lake Farm
• Rebecca Papadopoulos - Keating Farm
• Andrew Penn - Bilston Creek Farm
• Zack Hemstreet - Bullock Lake Farm
• Deborah Acheson - presenting on behalf of BCFC
• Moderated by Melanie Penn - Bilston Creek Farm
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Afternoon Break and Transition
--------------------------------------------------------------------
3 PM – 4 PM – MNP Room
The Role of Food Hubs in Local Food Systems
Local food hubs from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands will share how they can support farmers, expand market opportunities, and strengthen connections between producers and their communities.
• Adrian Witt - Beverly Street Farm and Food Hub
• Shannon Farmer - The Root Food Hub
•Colleen Popyk - SI Food Hub
3 PM – 4 PM – BMO Room
Climate Change & Farming - Adapting to Climate Change for Stronger Farms
Island producers are experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand, from extreme weather to mounting production challenges. Farmers for Climate Solutions offers practical support to help farmers adopt climate-smart practices that improve resilience and profitability. This session will highlight the Farm Resilience Mentorship and Field Trials programs, and share how Farmers for Climate Solutions is bringing farmer voices into policy conversations that affect the future of agriculture.
Speakers
• Andrew Rushmere - Farmers for Climate Solutions
• Julia Smith - Small Scale Meat Producers’ Association & Farmers for Climate Solution
• Doug & Erika Fossen - Bar 7 Ranch
3PM - Trade Show Ends
4 PM – End of Sessions
Registration for the 2026 Conference sessions can be paid at the Exhibition office during regular office hours or you can pay for the sessions at the door.
|
Conference Sessions
Includes participation in the Islands Agriculture Show and all Conference sessions.
Trade Show Only
|
REGISTRATION can be made at the door or at the Exhibition office Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.
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TICKETS: $25
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Funding for the speaker program is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
