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Islands Edition
Regional Newsletter
February 2025
Islands Agriculture Show Attracts Farmers and Farm-curious
The Islands Agriculture Show was held in Duncan at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds on January 31st and February 1st. The event was opened with a territorial welcome from Hwiemtun (Knowledge Keeper for Quw’utsun Tribes). The program featured 25 speakers in 15 sessions ranging from crop and livestock production to business, succession and technology. Challenges and solutions on a host of topics were highlighted by experts on water, soil, livestock, horticulture, technology and business.
Over 150 people attended informational talks, wandered among 70 vendor and organization booths or caught up with old and new friends. A reception on Friday evening featured the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Lana Popham, and many local dignitaries.
"Profitable Farming: Small Changes, Big Impact" was the Keynote delivered by Stuart Pearson from MNP. He emphasized working on the business rather than in it. Stuart also emphasized the need to find a good advisor and be transparent with your lending agency. In general, his talk focused on having a plan with measurable goals and focusing on small, achievable changes to become more profitable in your business.
A very big thank you to all the presenters and attendees of the conference as well as the hard work from those who organized the event. The conference was funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) Program.
Updated AgriService BC Website
The AgriService BC website has been updated with improved searchability and accessibility features, an events calendar, an educational videos page and more!
AgriService BC connects you to ministry programs, resources, education and events. Find tools and services to help your farm succeed in B.C.
New, Ongoing,
Soil Management Courses
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has developed soil management courses to help producers understand soils and soil tests to make crop management decisions and improve production resilience.
Several workshops across the region were done last fall with DeLisa Lewis instructing and showing field demonstrations on soil structure, soil sampling and laboratory testing. These events were well facilitated by the presenter, who aligned the workshop with the needs of the broad range of skill levels of the attendees. Feedback on the quality of the events was great and the hands-on field component was well received.
Three more of these soil workshops are coming to the region in February:
- Foundations of Soil Management: Introduction to Soil Fertility, Soil Sampling and Soil Health Indicators - Saanich Seedy Saturday
Saturday February 8, 2025 (10:00 am - 2:00 pm)
Prospect Lake Community Hall, 5358 Sparton Rd, Victoria
Register Here
- Foundations of Soil Management: Introduction to Soil Fertility, Soil Sampling and Soil Health Indicators - Salt Spring Island
Saturday February 22 or 23 (date and time to be determined)
Salt Spring Island Farmers’ Institute, 351 Rainbow Rd, Salt Spring Island
Register Here
- Foundations of Soil Management: Introduction to Soil Fertility, Soil Sampling and Soil Health Indicators - Port Alberni
Friday, February 28, 2025 (1:00 - 3:00 pm)
Beaver Creek Community Hall, 8505 Beaver Ck. Rd, Port Alberni, BC
These 3 events are 2-hour classroom sessions on the foundations of soil fertility management, including how and why to take soil samples, and how to choose a soil laboratory for analysis of soil fertility. The second part will be an overview of soil health indicators, tools for the exploration of soil health and management practices for the promotion of soil health.
For other soil field days, workshops, and training events around the Province, including upcoming online courses on Understanding Your Soil Test Report:
Nutrient Management Plan
Training in Nanaimo
Nutrient management plans (NMPs) are used to help farmers efficiently meet their production objectives and protect the environment. The training program will provide trainees with the expertise to use planning tools and produce NMPs as a service to farmers or for their own farm. Course content focuses on how to build a plan that meets objectives laid out in the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management. Visit the nutrient management plan training website to learn more.
Join us in Nanaimo for a 2-day accelerated in-person training session from February 11th and 12th to expedite your completion of the NMP course.
This 2-day accelerated in-person training session is FREE. However, participants must be enrolled in the Open School BC Nutrient Management Plan course. Course enrollment is $100.
To attend this 2-day in-person training, you must have completed the self-paced online portion of the course.
For further inquiries, please reach out to Ahmed Lasisi at ahmed.lasisi@gov.bc.ca.
Lunch, coffee, and snacks will be provided at the training.
Funding for this event is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
Come learn about the complexities of humane euthanasia for
domestic poultry. All comfort levels are welcome.
Production, Policy and Community Mixer for Market Gardeners
Young Agrarians is excited to be hosting a Production, Policy and Community Mixer for Market Gardeners on February 22, 2025 in collaboration with the National Farmers Union!
Come out to the event to hear stories from successful market gardeners, share resources, connect with other farmers and food lovers, share a delicious meal and build community around vegetable farming in BC. This event will also provide participants with an opportunity to share their own stories about the barriers and opportunities they have encountered along their farming journeys as part of a national conversation about what policies and programs are needed to support the next generation of farmers.
Small Flock Health Workshop , Port Alberni
February 23, 2025, 9 am to 4:30 pm
Hosted at the Beaver Creek Community Hall, lunch and snacks included!
Space is limited; registration is required.
Back by Popular Demand...
- Tuesday, February 25, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Thursday, February 27, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Thursday, March 6, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Webinars will cover introductory, planning, management-practices and case-study information and materials.
Following the webinars, participants can register for one-one-ones to discuss their own ideas, operations or questions with topic experts.
All webinars will be held via Zoom. No charge for registration. To register please visit the event landing page and follow the registration link. Register for any or all of the sessions in the series.
Supporting Native Bees on Farms Webinar
Thu, Feb 27, 2025 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM PST
Webinar by Bonnie Zand, R.P.Bio.
This webinar will provide results from a multi-year study documenting native bees, as well as provide information on supporting these important pollinators on your farm or property!
Online Event:
Camera-Guided, Tractor-Mounted Weeding Equipment
On March 3rd, join Organic BC for an engaging online session featuring tractor-mounted, camera-guided weeding equipment! This session is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, share experiences, and get answers to all your questions about these weeding systems.
Reps from leading manufacturers (Carre, Einbock, Raven Industries and Lemken/Steketee) will present key specs and capabilities
Three farmers will share their firsthand knowledge of how these systems have performed in different farming environments, plus valuable tips for optimizing their use
Take part in an interactive Q&A where you can ask questions directly to the reps and farmers and really dig into the challenges and advantages of this technology
This event is free but registration is required. Save your spot here.
Financial support was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
Multi-Species Rotational Grazing and Biosecurity for Livestock Workshops
Ruckle Heritage Farm on Salt Spring Island, March 8th and 9th
Day 1: Principles of Multi-Species Rotational Grazing
This workshop will introduce rotational grazing, a management practice that enhances pasture quality, livestock health, and ecosystem resilience. Unlike traditional grazing methods, rotational grazing involves moving livestock through smaller paddocks, allowing pastures to recover and preventing overgrazing, soil erosion, and parasite buildup. Attendees will learn about electric fencing technologies and strategies to increase forage efficiency and drought resilience—an increasingly vital concern for Island farmers.
Day 2: Biosecurity Made Simple – Keeping Your Pigs and Poultry Healthy
With increasing threats like Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever, biosecurity is more critical than ever. This session will provide practical insights on minimizing disease risks in outdoor production systems, including infrastructure improvements, biosecurity planning, outbreak response, and evolving regulations. Farmers will gain actionable strategies to enhance the health and safety of their livestock.
Both workshops will include hands-on demonstrations, networking opportunities, and shared experiences from local farmers tackling these challenges firsthand. Join industry experts and local producers at Ruckle Heritage Farm on March 8th and 9th—bring your questions, successes, and concerns.
The BC Agriculture and Food Export Program has extended the deadline for applications to 4:00 pm PST, Monday, February 10, 2025.
BCAFE helps B.C. businesses expand and sustain their export markets. It offers cost-shared funding for market development outside B.C. Funding for this program is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
Application Dates: January 6 – February 10, 2025.
Find out more by visiting bcagricultureandfoodexportprogram.ca.
Greenhouse Propagation and Production Course
The Alberni-Clayquot Regional District is partnering with Hupacasath First Nation and North Island College to offer a six-week Greenhouse Propagation and Production course, beginning February 18. This training is fully funded for qualified applicants. Funding eligibility is reviewed as part of the application process.
For more information and eligibility requirements, contact Leanne Moore at leanne.moore@nic.bc.ca or 250 724-8705
Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program
25/26 BMP Program Details Are Here!
The BMP Program is a cost-share incentive program designed to help farm and ranch operations address risks identified in their Environmental Farm Plans (EFPs).
Applications for the 25/26 BMP Program opened on January 14, 2025, beginning with Planning, Technical Assessments, Engineered Designs, and Water Infrastructure BMPs.
Important Dates and Details
Applicants are encouraged to begin drafting their applications as soon as the application window opens.
This preparation will ensure readiness for submission, including addressing questions, gathering details, and obtaining quotes. Submissions will be accepted between 9:00 am PST and 4:00 pm PST on the designated dates.
Intake Windows by BMP Category
- Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs BMPs
- Applications open: January 14, 2025
- Submissions open: January 14, 2025 (Ongoing until funding is fully committed)
- Water Infrastructure BMPs
- Applications open: January 14, 2025
- Submission window: February 10, 2025 – February 21, 2025
- Biodiversity and Riparian & Grazing BMPs
- Applications open: February 20, 2025
- Submission window: March 13, 2025 – March 20, 2025
- Soil Carbon, Energy & Fuel Efficiency, and Nutrient & Waste Management BMPs
- Applications open: March 4, 2025
- Submission window: March 25, 2025 – April 1, 2025
What’s New for 2025/26?
- "Book a Call" Feature
Starting on the application open date, applicants can book a phone consultation with IAF staff to discuss their BMP application. - EFP Expiry Grace Period
A 6-month grace period is available for EFP renewals in 2025/26 for delays due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control. Return of the Farm Cap
A $100,000 farm cap applies to most categories, with an exception for Water Infrastructure, which has a $200,000 cap.
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted through the IAF Client Portal.
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis according to the schedule.
- Visit www.iafbc.ca/bmp/ to explore opportunities for your farm or ranch.
Subscribe to IAF’s program newsletter or Growing Today to stay informed about the BMP Program.
Don’t Miss Out!
The BMP Program is a multi-year funding opportunity with annual intakes. If you miss this intake, you can apply in the next round.
Prepare early, stay informed, and make the most of the BMP Program to benefit your farm or ranch operation!
Business Risk Management Programs are an important part of a farmer’s overall risk management strategy. AgriStability and Production Insurance work together to provide the best coverage for producers.
AgriStability is a low-cost program that helps farmers manage large income losses. When your income drops because of disaster, poor production, rising costs, or bad market conditions, AgriStability can help.
2024 AgriStability Enhancement
- AgriStability 2024 enrollment deadline extended to April 30, 2025
- up to 75% for early payments (application deadline March 31, 2025)
- increased compensation rate (90% for every dollar of margin decline), and
- increased compensation limit ($6.2 Million)
Upcoming AgriStability deadlines
March 31:
2024 early payment (interim) application deadline
April 30:
- 2024 late participation deadline
- 2024 program fee deadline (with penalty)
2025 program year and fee deadline
Staff are available to answer questions and help with the enrollment process.
Phone: 1-877-343-2767 toll-free. Support is available in English and Punjabi.
Email: AgriStability@gov.bc.ca
Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/AgriStability
Production Insurance helps producers manage their risk of crop losses caused by hail, spring frost, excessive rain, drought, flooding and other extreme weather events. In B.C. Production Insurance is available for Berries, Flower bulbs, Forage, Grain, Grapes, Tree fruit and Vegetables.
Upcoming Production Insurance deadlines
March 31:
- Strawberry crops application and renewal deadline
Vegetables application and renewal deadline
April 30:
- Grain application and renewal deadline
- Silage corn application and renewal deadline
- Forage spring plantings application and renewal deadline
Staff are available to help with the application and renewal process.
Phone: 1-888-332-3352 toll-free
Email: ProductionInsurance.Kelowna@gov.bc.ca
Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/CropInsurance
Help the CRD Track Canada Geese with Goose Watch
Do you see Canada geese in your neighbourhood, or parks, or grazing in your fields? Join Goose Watch and contribute to tracking the seasonal movements and patterns of our local Canada goose population. Population surveys are an important component of the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Regional Canada Goose Management Strategy. The collected data will play a crucial role in shaping future wildlife management decisions in the region.
It’s easy to participate. Simply download and use the Goose Watch app at https://arcg.is/rbC110 or scan the QR code and input your observations. Save to your phone for easy access to use every time you spot Canada Geese.
Uncovering GAP:
New Mini-series from Organic BC
If you’re interested in pursuing GAP certification but are feeling overwhelmed by the process, then be sure to tune into the Organic BC podcast for three brand-new episodes on demystifying this certification! Join us as a BC farmer takes us through her journey to become GAP certified—the process, the expense and the pain points. (And, stay tuned for more information on our in-person field days coming up in early March, featuring mock GAP audits.)
Listen now at: organicbc.org/podcast
Innovative Weed Management
Check out our Innovative Weed Management Series of videos, podcasts, and webinars to learn more about promising developments in weeding technology.
Videos
These videos will be shared through AgriServiceBC shortly – for now you can check them out in our TEAMS folder:
Podcasts
- Controlling Weeds with Electricity in Perennial Systems
- Robot Weeding Tech: A look at some promising options
Past Webinars
- Advancing Weed Control: Agritech weeders in B.C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmQr-OxgHV0
- Innovative Weed Management: Tackling Thistle and Bindweed in Agriculture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOrNjv4Ihis
Other resources
BC ARM Tool
Want to spread manure this February and March? Use the BC ARM Tool
During the shoulder season, it becomes even more important to plan manure spreading around the changing weather conditions. Make sure manure and its nutrients will stay on the field by assessing the risk of runoff and nutrient loss before you spread using the BC ARM Tool.
For producers in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, the BC ARM Tool can help you complete a risk assessment prior to manure application. Risk assessments must show a ‘Low’ risk of runoff and nutrient loss prior to application under B.C.’s environmental legislation.
The BC ARM Tool uses upcoming precipitation and your current field conditions, such as soil moisture and soil cover, to determine the risk of manure loss after application. Risk assessments should be completed within 24 hours for each field that will receive manure applications.
Try out the BC ARM Tool here: https://agri-nmp-msa.apps.silver.devops.gov.bc.ca/
More info:
