Cariboo Central Coast Edition

"The Roots"

Regional Newsletter
November 2025

Feature of the month:

• Weed of the month: Cheatgrass

Upcoming Events:

• Nov 18: Indigenous Agriculture Conference
• Nov 18-20: Ranching for Profit Workshop
• Nov 22: 2nd Annual Our Future in Agriculture Event
• Nov 25-27: 2025 BC Organic Conference
• Jan 22-24: Lower Mainland Horticultural Conference
• Jan 30-31: Island Agriculture Show
• Feb 11-12: Southern Interior Horticultural Show

Drought and Wildfire Preparedness:

• Why is FireSmart the best defense against wildfires?

Programs and funding opportunities:

• New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA)
• The BC Agri-Business Planning Program (ABPP)
• EFP Success Story: Sea Bluff Farm's Sustainable Environmental Practices
• Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) Stream 1 and Stream 4
• BC Vegetable Marketing Commission (BCVMC) Industry Consultation
• BC Producer Survey on New Technologies

Business Risk Management Programs:

• Production Insurance
• AgriStability

Resources:

• Livestock Drought Management series

Weed of the month: Cheatgrass

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) may look like any other grass found in the Cariboo. However, this invasive plant not only threatens our ecosystems, it is also a major contributor to forest fires in B.C.

Native to Europe, Southwest Asia, and Northern Africa, Cheatgrass grows 10-75 cm tall with slightly hairy green stems and branches that droop down from the weight of their flower clusters. Each cluster can have up to eight spikelets which are incredibly sharp and can injure the eyes and mouths of livestock. Due to their shallow and fibrous roots cheatgrass spreads exclusively by seed. 

This plant thrives in grasslands, fields, meadows, disturbed areas and roadsides, and is becoming a common sight in the Cariboo. It starts growing early in the season, creating dense stands of dry, highly flammable material by early summer which increases wildfire risk.

Cheatgrass has been well-studied, especially in the northern U.S.A. where it has widely spread across several states. There are several control method that have shown promise in removing the plant from these affected areas in the United States. Consistent mowing every three weeks throughout the duration of spring and summer has shown to be effective in managing the production of seeds, but this is labour intensive and not feasible in all locations. Some herbicides have proven to be effective  - contact your local supplier for available products to manage cheatgrass. Hand pulling may also be a viable removal option for small infestations. Whichever management method is used, it is important to reseed the afflicted area afterwards with non-native, non-invasive and/or native perennial grasses.

Reducing the risk of wildfires is a shared responsibility for everyone in B.C. You can do your part by practicing Play Clean Go - cleaning your gear, vehicles, and equipment between uses can help prevent the spread of invasive species. You can also report sightings of Cheatgrass using the Report Invasives BC app. Early detection and action are key to mitigating the dangers of wildfires.

Indigenous Agriculture Conference

Date: November 18
Location: Coast Hotel, Kamloops B.C.

The Indigenous Agri-Conference is a multi-day event dedicated to strengthening Indigenous participation and leadership in agriculture across British Columbia. This gathering brings together Indigenous producers, community leaders, policy makers, and innovators to explore opportunities in land-based projects, agri-tourism, food sovereignty, technology, business planning, and co-operative development.
The conference offers panel discussions, keynote presentations, cultural programming, and networking opportunities, creating a platform for collaboration, education, and investment in Indigenous agriculture. A special feature includes a high-value training focused on ranching profitability and sustainability, offering hands-on support to emerging and established Indigenous agri-entrepreneurs.
This event aims to empower communities, spark innovation, and build meaningful partnerships to advance Indigenous agriculture for generations to come.

Ranching for Profit Workshop

Date: November 18-20, 2025
Location: Kamloops, B.C.

The Ranching for Profit Workshop, is a multi-day gathering featuring networking and educational sessions to delivering ranchers hands-on strategies to build resilient and profitable businesses. These events are must-attend opportunities for anyone invested in building a resilient and profitable ranch business.

2nd Annual Our Future in Agriculture Event

Date: November 22, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Thompson Rivers University - Williams Lake Campus

"Enabling meaningful networking and learning opportunities for Agriculture producers and professionals across central BC."

You are invited to the 2nd Annual Our Future in Agriculture event on November 22, 2025 at Thompson Rivers University - Williams Lake Campus.

Key Topics:

• Soils Expert: To present on his experience in worldwide soils structure development and regenerative agriculture for drought resistance
  • Brian Dougherty with Understanding Ag.
• Professional Succession Planning Panel | Taxes and legality of Farm Transition
  • Mary MacGregor (Lawyer)
  • Chris Henderson (Accountant)
  • Jack Liu (Investing/ Insurance)
• AgriTech & Innovation Panel
  • Tristan Banwell, Chris Solecki, David Mothejl
  • Multispecies Rotational Grazing
  • Drones
  • Fertigation
  • Gallagher Cattle Collars

With over 70 attendees last year, we are so excited to invite you to a day full of relevant and important discussions for producers in every sector. Ones that will help determine the future of our agriculture.

For more information on registration, agenda, and presenters, go to 2nd Annual Our Future in Agriculture Event Tickets, Sat, Nov 22, 2025 at 8:30 AM | Eventbrite or contact Lauren Bedford at 250-855-8313 or lauren@cfdccariboo.com

Supported by Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin, the Co-operators, Okanagan Ranch & Fence Supplies, BC Cattlemen’s Association, Thompson Rivers University, Small-Scale Meat Producers Association, BC Forage Council, Taseko Gibraltar Mines Ltd, and the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

2025 BC Organic Conference

Don’t miss the 2025 BC Organic Conference! Join Organic BC in Harrison Hot Springs from November 25 - 27 to farm ideas and build community.

This year’s highlights include:

• Keynotes: Jacob Beaton, Gillian Flies, Brent Preston and virtual keynote, Paul Holmbeck
• Workshops: 20+ sessions featuring practical, hands-on learning
• Trade show: The latest products, services, equipment and more
• Organic banquet: A delicious feast featuring local, organic products 
• Farm tours: A close-up look at innovative practices, techniques, and tools
• Seed swap table: Bring seeds. Take seeds. Share stories!

Lower Mainland Horticultural Conference

When: January 22 - 24, 2026
Where: TRADEX, Abbotsford

The Lower Mainland Horticultural Conference provides producers the opportunity to get the latest information on research, farming practices and market opportunities from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts.

The Lower Mainland Horticultural Conference is delivered by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food in partnership with the Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association and the Pacific Agriculture Show.

Register today: 
Early Bird registration rate (before January 9, 2026): $60 + tax
Regular registration rate (after January 9, 2026): $85 + tax

Funding for the conference is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial- territorial initiative.

Islands Agriculture Show

The 2026 Islands Agriculture Show will be held at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds in North Cowichan on January 30th and 31st, 2026.

For registration forms and full details, visit: www.iashow.ca

The 2026 Islands Agriculture Show will be organized and presented by the Islands Agriculture Show Society. If you would like to find out more, please contact cowex@shaw.ca.

Southern Interior Horticultural Show

When: February 11 - 12, 2026
Where: Penticton Trade and Convention Centre

The Southern Interior Horticultural Show provides producers with the opportunity to network and access the latest information on research, innovation, and farming practices from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts.

The ever-popular tradeshow and sponsorship opportunities are back! Click the link below to apply to exhibit. Exhibitor early-bird rates end on Friday November 28, 2025, 5:00 PM PST. If this is of interest to you, please reach out to sihs@pacegroup.com and we will add you to our distribution list.

The event is delivered by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food in partnership with: B.C. Cherry Association, B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, B.C. Grapegrowers’ Association, B.C. Wine Grape Council, Wine Growers British Columbia, Sustainable Winegrowing B.C., Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release, Summerland Varieties Corp., and the Cross-Commodity Leadership Support Project.

Register today:
Early Bird registration rate (before January 16, 2026): $50 + tax
Regular registration rate (after January 16, 2026): $75 + tax

Funding for the conference is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Why is FireSmart the best defense against wildfires?

FireSmart focuses on changes to the area within 30 meters of a structure—especially the structure itself and the first 1.5 meters around it—to have the greatest potential to reduce the chances of a structure igniting.

Did you know that embers are the leading cause of structure ignition? FireSmart addresses the root causes of structure ignition, including embers that can travel kilometers ahead of a wildfire.

Watch ‘Farmers talk FireSmart’ or apply now (button below) for a FireSmart BC Farm & Ranch Assessment.

Take control and make your property a wildfire-resilient operation to protect your people, animals, and livelihood.

The BC Agri-Business Planning Program (ABPP) is opening soon!

The BC Agri-Business Planning Program (ABPP) will open for applications on November 17^th, 2025. Funding is available under two streams:

• Stream 1: Agri-business skills and leadership development
  Funding up to 70% to a maximum contribution of $2,000
   
• Stream 2: Business planning, preparedness, and disaster recovery
  Funding up to $7,500 for individual business

Program funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants until the application deadline on 4:30 pm on December 08, 2025, or the funding has been fully allocated.

Applications are open from November 17 to December 8, 2025.

The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator (NEFBA) program is now open!

The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator (NEFBA) Program supports the growth of new entrants by providing financial support for the development and implementation of farm business plans and growth strategies. The NEFBA Program supports business planning and cost-shared purchasing of commercial farm infrastructure and equipment needed to accelerate the revenue growth of farm businesses.

Through the NEFBA Program, a new farm business can receive support to develop a growth strategy and to make investments necessary to achieve farm income growth goals, ensure commercial viability and strengthen financial sustainability.

Applications are open from November 3 to November 24, 2025.

Funded in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative

EFP Program Success: Sea Bluff Farm

Robin Tunnicliffe, an organic vegetable farmer and the chair of the Metchosin Agricultural Committee, with her Master of Arts in food policy from the University of Victoria recently completed an Environmental Farm Plan for her farm, Sea Bluff Farm Ltd. Robin expressed reassurance in the sustainability of her farming practices thanks to the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program.

"I really enjoyed the process of doing the environmental farm plan. It was an afternoon of visiting with a retired farmer, and we worked together through the workbook," she said. "I'm confident that anyone can succeed at this."

The ease with which Robin found the EFP process gave her the confidence to apply for the Beneficial Management Practices program (BMP) this January.

The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program is a confidential, no-cost initiative that helps BC farmers and ranchers identify environmental and climate-related risks on their farms. Through the planning process, many participants find practical ways to improve their operations—supporting sustainable practices and helping farms remain efficient and competitive in a changing agricultural landscape.

To learn more or begin your own EFP, visit Environmental Farm Plan Program – Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC

EFP Program Funding has been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Additional funding has been provided by CleanBC. The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).

Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) Stream 1 opening November 18

Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) will be accepting funding applications on November 18 under Stream 1 (Producer Projects).

Stream 1: Producer Projects

Stream 1 provides cost-shared funding support for large-scale water infrastructure projects led by producers with a focus on water storage and conveyance system improvements.

For more information on Stream 1 including a list of eligible activities and eligible applicants, please visit the links below:

Stream 4: Strategic Projects

Stream 4 focuses on supporting strategic and collaborative community projects in areas with high water use conflict, risks to the aquatic ecosystem (e.g., environmental flow needs), existing and potential risks of agricultural water shortage, and/or opportunities to expand water availability through community-led strategic projects.

For more information on Stream 4 including eligible activities, eligible applicants, and priority watersheds being considered for Stream 4, please visit the links below:

Prospective applicants with questions are encouraged to reach out to IAF by email (awp@iafbc.ca) or by phone (250) 940-6150 and (or) book a 10-minute appointment (completed by phone) with an IAF staff member.

BC Vegetable Marketing Commission (BCVMC) Industry Consultation

Vegetable Grower Consultation:

The BC Vegetable Marketing Commission is looking for feedback from growers who could be affected by proposed revisions to the commission’s general order.

The Commission hosted town hall meetings this fall to walk through the Task Force’s suggested changes and give growers a chance to ask questions or share comments. Growers can also send feedback by email (info@bcveg.com) until November 21.

A summary of the proposed changes are available in the Licensing Changes Table, comparable with the Current BCVMC General Order.

Vegetables that are subject to the General Order are as follows:

Storage Crops - Regulated for fresh and processing use

• Beets (tops off)
• Green Cabbage
• Red Cabbage
• Carrots (tops off)
• Parsnips
• Potatoes (all types, varieties)
• Rutabaga
• White (purple top) turnips
• Yellow onions

Greenhouse Crops - Regulated for fresh and processing use

• Cucumbers (all types)
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes (all types)
• Peppers (all types, including hot/spicy varieties)

Processing Crops - Regulated for processing use only

• Beans
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Corn
• Peas
• Strawberries

BC Producer Survey on New Technologies

We invite you to take part in a short survey for a research project led by Royal Roads University and the University of the Fraser Valley. This survey looks at how fruit and vegetable farmers in BC are using or may be interested in using different types of farming technology. These technologies include digital tools, controlled environment agriculture systems, and agri-genomics. Your responses in this survey will be used to help improve farming policies, tools, and support programs for BC farmers.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your answers will be kept private. Names or any other personal identifiers will not be collected. When reporting on the outcomes of the study, the results will be aggregated and not linked to any individual.

Production Insurance

Insurance and Income Protection 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.

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 British Columbia, Production Insurance is available for:

• Berries
• Flower bulbs
• Forage
• Grain
• Grapes
• Tree fruit
• Vegetables

Upcoming application deadlines

November 30:

• Forage application and renewal deadline
• Tree fruit application and renewal deadline

Need Help? Production Insurance Representatives are available to help with the application and renewal process. 

• Phone: 1-888-332-3352 toll-free 
• ProductionInsurance.Kelowna@gov.bc.ca 
• Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/CropInsurance 

AgriStability

AgriStability helps stabilize farm income by managing the risk of large income declines. The AgriStability program is based on the income and expenses of individual farms. 

AgriStability offers enhanced benefits for 2025:

• increased compensation rate to 90% (on income declines greater than 30%) 
• provides up to 75% for early payments
• maximum payment limit increased to $6 million

Upcoming AgriStability deadlines

December 31:

• 2025 Enrollment fee deadline (with penalty) – last chance to ensure coverage is in place for the 2025 year!
• 2024 Statement A Submission Deadline (with penalty) - the supplemental page must be completed for you to be eligible. 
  • Individuals: Supplemental page is Page 7 of the Statement A (T1273)
  • Corporations: Supplemental page is Page 5 of the Statement A (1373-E) Corporations can easily submit Statement A details using our online form.

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

Livestock Drought Management Series

What if your hay barn could save you thousands every year? Learn how strategic investments in forage and feed infrastructure can pay off for decades in Article 6 of the Livestock Drought Management Series.

Missed the last e-bulletin? Catch-up on previous issues here.