Conference to explore farmland connections

A conference for anyone interested in growing food for profit will be held in downtown Kamloops later this month.

The Kamloops Food Policy Council will host the Kamloops Farmland Connections Conference. The weekend event is an opportunity to learn about the agrarian movement in B.C. and beyond and connect with supportive organizations and people.

The Farmland Connections Conference is March 20-22 at the Plaza Hotel. The Friday program starts with a panel of representatives from organizations working to support new growers. Next up will be keynote speaker Rebecca Kneen of Crannog Ales, sharing the story of Canada’s first Certified Organic farmhouse microbrewery and the wider food movement in Canada. The afternoon event is a Land Linking Workshop put on by the Young Agrarians.

The Saturday and Sunday program is a limited space Farm Business Boot Camp with Beyond the Market from Prince George, which will focus on the fundamentals of how to start and run a successful farm business.

The cost for the full weekend is $120.

Saturday/Sunday Farm Business Bootcamp only (including lunch and snacks both days) is $100;
Friday All Day (lunch included) is $50.

“The Farmland Connections Conference seeks to address some of the biggest issues that local food producers face by helping them connect with individuals and organizations who can give
them the information and support they need,” said Adrienne Houlberg.

“We want and need new farmers and market gardeners to develop the economy, increase local food production, and work towards a more sustainable future.”