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BC Young Farmers (BCYF) is a committee of BCAC. Our purpose is to represent the voice of the next generation of farmers and ranchers in B.C. We do this in collaboration with BCAC by participating on the BCAC Board, attending key industry, events and hosting events of our own. We have a keen interest in sharing our perspective with government so that their future public policies support the long-term sustainability of agriculture. BCYF plays an important role in organizing peer-to-peer networking and leadership-development opportunities. BCAC’s Board of Directors and staff support the BCYF Committee Members with transitioning into a boardroom and farm management.
The BCYF Skill Development Program is intended to increase the agri-business skills of young and new farmers by increasing access to knowledge-based skill development events, conferences, and training through a cost-share funded application program. This program will support new entrants and young farmers to build capacity and promote leadership in agri-business skills in multiple commodities across B.C.
Applications are now open for the 2023 program year. If you would like to apply for funding towards one of the events listed below, email info@bcyf.ca. Please include your name, a brief summary of your farm, what you expect to gain from the event/program, including anticipated benefits to your personal leadership, business skill growth, and farm operation.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Eligible Events
Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference
Date(s): March 12, 13 & 14, 2023 - Calgary, AB.
The Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference is created for every woman who is passionate about agriculture and food, whether you are a university student studying agriculture, producer, entrepreneur, representative of a grower association or corporate agribusiness. AWC is for women who want to enhance their family life, community, career, and industry. AWC has a proven track record of bringing women in agriculture and food together from across Canada and parts of the U.S. AWC is proud of the quality of speakers that we bring to the podium, including business experts, motivational and inspirational leaders, and industry representatives.
Number of participants: 2
Eligible costs: Registration, Travel, Accommodation
Fruit & Vegetable Growers of Canada AGM
Date(s): March 14th-March 16th, 2023 in Vancouver, BC.
This event brings together industry leaders from across the fruit and vegetable sector and across the country with commodity and regional caucuses. The AGM is an opportunity for leaders in fruit and vegetable production, business, and federal government to come together to discuss priority issues and decide on a course of action for addressing these issues in the coming year. Conference sessions include trade and marketing, business risk, energy and climate change, food safety, labour, and crop protection.
Number of participants: 1
Eligible costs: Registration, Travel, Accommodation
The Canadian Centre For Food Integrity’s Public Trust Summit
Date(s): Estimated for September, 2023
Consumers are more interested in how their food is grown, processed and brought to market than ever before. The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) helps our food system ensure it is doing the right things to build trust by providing research, resources, training and dialogue. Each year, CCFI hosts a premier educational conference to present its most recent research and provide a forum for learning how to engage and build public trust in the food system.
Number of participants: 1
Eligible costs: Registration, Travel, Accommodation
Date(s): November 7th-November 9th, 2023 in Penticton, BC.
Each year, members of the organic community come together at the annual BC Organic Conference. The event is a chance to visit with current and future leaders in the BC organic sector, exchange ideas, eat amazing meals, learn from experts, and return home inspired by our incredible community before the growing season kicks into high gear. The BC Organic Conference is open to anyone interested in organic agriculture, including Organic BC members, farmers looking to transition, researchers, students, like-minded organizations, and members of the general public.
Number of participants: 2
Eligible costs: Registration, Travel, Accommodation
AgEx (Agricultural Excellence Conference by Farm Management Canada)
Date(s): November 21-23 – Guelph, ON
The Agricultural Excellence Conference (AgEx) welcomes anyone and everyone from farmers to advisors, academia, organizations, private industry, and government to join us to exchange expertise and insights to continue to position Canada’s farmers for success through farm management excellence.
Number of participants: 2
Eligible costs: Registration, Travel, Accommodation
Date(s): On demand, Virtual, 2023
Small Business BC offers live, interactive group webinars (delivered virtually in real-time) on practical and timely business management topics. These include product launching, online marketing, staff management, taxes, incorporation, and the basics of starting a new business. On-demand “e- courses” are also available on similar topics.
Number of participants: 5
Eligible costs: Registration
Centre for Organizational Governance in Agriculture
Date(s): For Virtual Webinars between February - May, 2023.
Hosted by the BC Council of Marketing Boards, which is responsible for training commodity board members, this program offers regular education on governance and issues of industry-wide concern. At $20-30 each, participants will be eligible to attend up to four events.
Number of participants: 4
Eligible costs: Registration
BC Young Farmers is seeking passionate young farmers who are interested in strengthening the future of agriculture in British Columbia to join our committee. BC Young Farmers provides a forum where young leaders can discuss issues related to agriculture, provide input in BCAC policy-building processes, and build connections to the next generation of farmers in BC. Our members have the opportunity to contribute to discussion and direction through the BC Agriculture Council, Canadian Young Farmers Forum, Centre for Organizational Governance in Agriculture, Young Farmer Skill Development Program steering committee, and more. BCYF Committee Members will be primary agriculture producers between the ages of 19 and 40 (inclusive).
Check back for upcoming events in 2023!
📣 Young farmers! BC Agriculture Council and BC Young Farmers are thrilled to announce that the funding for the 2023 Skill Development Program is open! Apply for funding towards attending various skill development events, conferences, and training opportunities. Applicants must be between the ages of 19 – 40 and provide a brief summary of their farm, what they expect to gain from participating, specifically, the anticipated benefits to their personal leadership, business skills growth, and their farm operation. For a list of eligible events and to learn more, visit: www.bcyf.ca.
Today's huge thanks goes to West Coast Robotics - a CHAMPION sponsor of BC Young Farmers!
WCR is BC's leader in robotic milking & feeding equipment, with more than 190 milking robots in British Columbia that achieve an average of 35+ liters and 3+ milkings per cow per day. Their experienced and knowledgeable sales and service staff provide 24/7 technical support and service.
Please click our Platinum Gold and Silver level sponsors to view their sites and support their businesses. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, or renewing your sponsorship, see our current Sponsorship Package.
Champion Sponsors
TD's agriculture specialists understand the factors that affect farming in Canada and are committed to building a long-term relationship with you. They can provide banking solutions to help you expand your operations, improve your cash flow, and finance equipment, quota or livestock.
FCC is the only lender 100% invested in Canadian agriculture and food. FCC builds strong relationships and shares knowledge and expertise with thousands of customers across the country.
Scotiabank has been providing financial services to Canadian farms and agri-businesses for more than 185 years. Their Agricultural Specialists come from agriculture and farming backgrounds to better understand & serve your business.
West Coast Robotics is BC's leader in robotic milking & feeding equipment. Experienced and knowledgeable sales and service staff are available to provide 24/7 technical support and service.
Supporter Sponsors
Friends
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For more information about BC Young Farmers or to learn how to get involved, please email us or use the contact form provided below.
Mailing Address: BC Young Farmers c/o BC Agriculture Council, Unit #1 – 2650 Progressive Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6H9
