Industry, government and partners to gather and prepare for a generational transition in British Columbia’s agriculture sector.

VICTORIA, B.C. – October 9, 2025: Today, BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is proud to announce its inaugural BC Agriculture Forum. The event will bring together industry leaders, government decision-makers, and key partners to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the competitiveness and future of B.C.’s agricultural sector.

“The purpose of this Forum is two-fold,” says BCAC President Jennifer Woike. “First, to heighten awareness of the urgent challenges facing farmers and ranchers today; and second, to provide a platform for meaningful discussions between partners who can generate high-impact solutions. BCAC is uniquely positioned to convene dynamic leaders from both government and the agriculture sector to strengthen communication and collaboration.”

This two-day event begins with a half-day farm tour, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with farmers and gain firsthand insight into the realities of running a farm operation in British Columbia (B.C.). The day will conclude with a welcome reception, where conversations from the field will continue over locally produced food and beverages.

The second day will feature a series of informative sessions and collaborative roundtable discussions. Attendees will not only deepen their understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities but will also play an active role in shaping strategic solutions. The event will conclude with a gala reception, providing a celebratory setting to strengthen connections and partnerships formed throughout the Forum. 

The gala reception replaces BCAC’s annual BC Agri-Food Industry Gala that has historically been held in January preceding the Pacific Agriculture Show.

“We’re at a pivotal moment as the next generation of farmers and ranchers step forward,” says Danielle Synotte, BCAC’s Executive Director. “Now is the time to plan for the next fifty years. The Forum will bring together industry, government, and key partners who will plan for strengthening the operating environment for our sector—driven by policy, investment, and bold visions.”

The Forum will take place at the Penticton Lakeside Resort on June 24 and 25, 2026. For more information and to pre-register for the Forum, please visit our website: bcac.ca/agforum

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For more information:

Cassy James
Communications Manager
T: (604) 854-4454 ext. 195
E: communications@bcac.ca

About BC Agriculture Council: BCAC’s mission is to grow a strong, sustainable and competitive agriculture sector through building industry consensus and advancing public policy. This is achieved by delivering a unified voice for the sector to government through member farm associations that in turn represent approximately 96% of provincial farm gate sales.