Delivered in partnership with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, ACARN’s 2024 annual workshop was Water, Soil, Climate: Research and resources for BC farmers. Since 2017, ACARN has hosted these interdisciplinary knowledge-exchange events that showcase BC-based climate action research and programs supporting agricultural resilience. Constructive dialogue between producers, researchers, government staff, and agricultural professionals is a key outcome.
This workshop explored how we can to adapt to the climate change challenges facing the agriculture sector. We heard from those working on the ground and learned about the research and programs emerging to support BC farmers. Key topics included:
🚜Delivering regional extension in BC
“Tons of info on extension and data…keep it coming!”
“This was helpful for learning more about how water regulations work and understanding the background decisions on it.”
“Tons of great research happening and great AF programs. I downloaded the Regional Guidebook for my area and that thing is great!“
“It’s great to hear about what’s happening in each region.”
“I was able to gain a better understanding of how the funding structures work and how farmers can get access to certain cost-share programs.”
Delivering Regional Extension in BC
These sessions showcased key initiatives that enhance climate resilience through agricultural extension. They covered the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Regional Extension Program, which supports producers in adopting sustainable management practices; two decision support tools, one using climate modeling for range management and another providing real-time water salinity monitoring for Delta farmers; and farmer-partnered variety trials, which are developing locally adapted, climate-resilient vegetable crops.
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Introduction to BC’s new Regional Extension Program
Resources
Regional guidebooks and more information on the BC Ministry of Agriculture & Food’s Regional Extension program
The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s new Regional Extension Program aims to increase on-farm adoption of management practices that support producers in making their operations more climate resilient, sustainable, and economically viable.
In this session learn more about the roll out of the Regional Extension program, and the targeted applied research and extension projects which will begin in 2024. Learn more about the producer-identified priorities the projects will be addressing and how the program is designed to respond to contexts and challenges across BC’s diverse agricultural regions.
Michelle Koski, Assistant Deputy Minister & Angeli dela Rosa, Team Lead, Environment and Climate Programs, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Michelle Koski is Assistant Deputy Minister with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in British Columbia. Michelle has over 25 years’ experience working in the agriculture and agri food sectors across British Columbia. She has an extensive background in leadership, not for profit management, rural economic development, agricultural trade policy and export promotion, supply management as well as regenerative agriculture and agri-tech policy and program development. Michelle holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Alberta and an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from UBC. Michelle is the past co-chair of the BC Ministers’ Advisory Council on Regenerative Agriculture and Agri-tech and past Steering Committee member of the BC Agricultural Climate Action Research Network.
Angeli dela Rosa is leading a team responsible for continuous improvement in the design of MAF programs for Environment and Climate Change as well as Traceability. These programs include Regional Extension, Environmental Farm Plan Program, and on-farm funding programs, e.g., Beneficial Management Practices, Extreme Weather Preparedness, and Traceability Value Chain. She has worked in food systems research, policy, and programming since 2017.
Project Showcase: Regional extension in action
Resources
- Learn more about the Delta Water and Salinity Monitoring Program and link to the dashboard tool. Project reports and factsheets are available on the Delta Farmers’ Institute salinity and water monitoring program project page.
- Reports, maps and the Landscape and Range Resiliency Planning tools are available on the Climate-resilient livestock surface water in the Cariboo project page of the BC Climate Change Adaptation Program website
The Landscape and Range Resiliency Planning Tool is a climate change modeling and water risk assessment tool with a Crown forage productivity database, supporting land-use planning by analyzing range use, forestry, grazing, wildlife, wildfire management, agroforestry, and investment strategies in the context of declining water availability.
Andrew Pantel, Pantel Environmental Consulting
Andrew Pantel is a rangeland ecologist and owner/operator of Pantel Environmental Consulting Inc. He has worked in range management in British Columbia as an Agrologist, Range Practices Specialist, and Consultant since 2005.
The Delta Water and Salinity Monitoring Program was created to tackle irrigation challenges for Delta farmers, offering real-time water and weather data to manage fluctuating salinity levels and support climate risk decision-making.
Andrew Nadler, Peak HydroMet Solutions
Andrew Nadler is a Professional Agrologist and Agricultural Meteorologist who has worked with weather, climate, and water monitoring networks both in Western Canada and internationally. In his role as owner of Peak HydroMet Solutions, he collaborates closely with various organizations and farms in BC, helping them enhance their sustainability and resilience through the application of new technologies and innovative solutions. Andy holds a master’s degree in Soil Science (Agrometeorology) from the University of Manitoba and a BSc in Geography.
How farmer-focused collaborative research can meet local needs
Resources
- Learn more about the BC Seed Security Program at FarmFolk CityFolk
- Learn more about the Canadian Organic Vegetable Improvement (CANOVI) project
This session discussed how how farmer-partnered variety trials are playing a critical role in improving climate resilience in vegetable production—from supporting new crop choices to breeding the locally adapted, climate resilient varieties of the future.
David Catzel, BC Seed Security Program Manager, FarmFolk CityFolk
David Catzel farmed both vegetables, fruits and seeds for 20 years prior to taking on the role of the BC Seed Security Program Manager for FarmFolk CityFolk. In his current position he has worked closely with BC farmers, and nationally through the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security, helping manage and run variety trials and collaborative breeding projects, among other supportive programs for farmers and seed growers.
Adapting to Drought and Drier Conditions
The sessions explored key strategies for managing water resources in a changing climate, covering BC’s drought response policies, regional perspectives on water scarcity, and producer-driven priorities for addressing climate challenges. Discussions highlighted research-backed solutions, including economic and policy approaches, applied strategies for improving water use efficiency, and local initiatives such as agricultural water infrastructure investments.
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Water regulation and drought management decisions in BC agriculture
Resources
Regional guidebooks and more information on the BC Ministry of Agriculture & Food’s Regional Extension program
This session offers those working in, or with, the agriculture sector a better understanding of the current policy, regulatory frameworks and decision making processes guiding drought response in BC. The session will be co-presented by the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food as they are working closely on drought management.
Ray Reilly, Drought Response Coordinator, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and Tara Despault, Water Resource Specialist, BC Ministry of Agriculture & Food
Ray Reilly is the Acting Provincial Drought Response Coordinator for the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. He is a Statutory Decision Maker under the Water Sustainability Act making water licence decisions in the Okanagan. Supervisor for the Penticton Water Allocation team as part of the Okanagan Shuswap Natural Resource District. Currently working with the team on implementation of the groundwater licensing requirements of the Water Sustainability Act and the end of the transition period for existing groundwater users.
Panel: Local response to water management in four regions of BC
Resources
- Learn more about the Delta Water and Salinity Monitoring Program and link to the dashboard tool. Project reports and factsheets are available on the Delta Farmers’ Institute salinity and water monitoring program project page.
- Reports, maps and the Landscape and Range Resiliency Planning tools are available on the Climate-resilient livestock surface water in the Cariboo project page of the BC Climate Change Adaptation Program website
We heard from representatives from four regions of BC experiencing drought and drier conditions. Each panelist brought a unique perspective with experience ranging from the City of Delta where the municipality is spearheading investments in agricultural water infrastructure to Vancouver Island, the Kootenay-Boundary and Lake Country in the Okanagan. This panel sparks new ideas and thoughtful conversation on a defining issue across the province.
Harvy Singh Takhar, Utilities Engineer, City of Delta
Harvy Singh Takhar was born and raised in Delta, BC. Harvy completed his undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia in the department of Mechanical Engineering. After graduation Harvy worked in consulting engineering and has been with City of Delta’s Engineering Utilities Division for over 6 years. His work involves designs and planning for water, sanitary, drainage, and flood protection projects. Harvy’s passion for green infrastructure was further ignited with his Master’s research on ‘connected blue-green roofs.’
Lynn Lashuk, Secretary, Lake Country Farmers’ Institute
Lynn Lashuk gratefully acknowledges the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people where the Lashuk family lives and farms. Lynn was registered with the BC Institute of Agrologists for 30+ years and worked for agriculture organizations, governments, and allied industries in BC and across Canada. Memorable projects include volunteering on the Lake Country Watershed Roundtable and working with producers, often introducing new ag technologies. Lynn’s work and family life provided exposure to most parts of BC where food is grown and/or hockey is played. Lynn now assists farmers and agriculture colleagues with their day-to-day operations providing support where needed. As a volunteer with the Lake Country Farmers’ Institute, Lynn learns something new every time a farmer shares a story. The concern about the availability and affordability of water for agriculture is bringing the farming communities.
Ione Smith, Upland Agricultural Consulting
Ione Smith is a Professional Agrologist (PAg) with a passion for agricultural planning, policy, legislation, and science. As director and founder of Upland Agricultural Consulting, she has over 15 years of experience in developing recommendations and policies to improve agri-food sector viability and climate change resiliency. Under her leadership, Upland has completed over 90 projects throughout BC and the Yukon. In addition to consulting, Ione has been serving as Chair of the South Coast Panel of BC’s Agricultural Land Commission for the past 6 years. This position has given her a unique perspective into the internal processes involved in developing and delivering agricultural legislation as well as policy-based decision-making. More recently, Ione developed a course entitled Community Economic Development Approaches to Food Systems for Simon Fraser University and is a regular guest lecturer at UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems.
Andrew Bennett, Living Lands Agroecology
Andrew Bennett owns and operates Living Lands Agroecology and Moon Gravity Farm in Rossland, BC, with Caley Mulholland and their three young boys. He works with farms across Southeast BC through the Environmental Farm Plan program and the Kootenay & Boundary Farm Advisors to improve water and soil management and regenerate agricultural landscapes. A certified irrigation designer, he has run field days and produced factsheets, case studies, webinars, and a series of short videos to help farms irrigate more effectively and profitably.
Research needs for adapting to drought and drier conditions
Resources
- Learn more about the BC Seed Security Program at FarmFolk CityFolk
- Learn more about the Canadian Organic Vegetable Improvement (CANOVI) project
As climate change makes BC warmer and drier, water policy, governance, and use remain critical issues. This session explores research-driven solutions, from economics and policy to improving water use efficiency. Bree Patterson, Regional Extension Project Manager (North), presents key insights from producer feedback gathered during recent Ministry of Agriculture and Food workshops, highlighting water-related priorities and project ideas.
Bree Patterson, Regional Extension Project Manager (North), BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Bree Patterson is the Ministry of Agriculture and Foods Regional Extension Project Manager for the North Agricultural Development Unit. Bree has an extensive background in agricultural extension and science communications and most recently came to the Ministry after years of working in the beef, grain and dairy sectors across western Canada.
Building Soil Health on BC Farms
These sessions explored the latest research and practical strategies for improving soil health and cover cropping in organic farming. Researchers shared findings from long-term on-farm trials across southern BC, discussing how organic and regenerative practices enhance soil fertility. They also introduced a new four-year research initiative with opportunities for farmer participation. Additionally, the sessions highlighted four programs that support growers in adopting cover cropping, providing resources and collaboration opportunities to help integrate these practices into farm systems.
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Lessons in managing soil health from 9 years of trials in organic vegetable production systems
Resources
Learn more about the Improving Organic Vegetable Farm Sustainability through Enhanced Nutrient Management Planning project on the Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes Lab website
In this presentation, researchers shared findings from on-farm trials across southern British Columbia that have been looking at nutrient management and cover cropping practices on organic farms since 2015. Results were discussed in the context of how organic and regenerative practices can contribute to soil health.
The team also shared plans for a new four-year project that builds upon this research and offers farmers a chance to participate in new research.
DeLisa Lewis, Assistant Professor and Lead Farmer; Sean Smukler, Associate Professor; and Raelani Kesler, Research Assistant, Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes Lab, UBC
DeLisa Lewis, PhD, is co-owner and operator of a diverse 40-acre farm in the Cowichan Valley, and part-time teaching and research faculty member in UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems. She is closing in on 30 years of experience as a certified vegetables organic farmer and 17 years experience with soil health focused on farm research and field trials. DeLisa holds a PhD in Soils and Agroecology and collaborates with Dr. Sean Smukler and the Sustainable Agriculture Landscapes Lab at UBC to better understand soil health management practices in their regional contexts.
Raelani Kesler is a Research Assistant with the Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes Laboratory and an instructor in UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Raelani holds a MSc in Soil Science and has a background working on and managing organic vegetable farms.
Sean Smukler is an Associate Professor, Chair of Agriculture and Environment, and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia. He also currently leads the Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes Laboratory. His research primarily focuses on developing ways to help farmers adapt to climate change and improve the sustainability of their farming practices specifically as they relate to the soil. Sean received a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of California, Davis where he also did his undergraduate studies. He holds an MSc. in Forest Soils from the University of Washington, Seattle.
Panel: Cover cropping support programs & tools explained
Resources
Cover cropping can create benefits like improved soil health, higher yields, enhanced biodiversity, and carbon sequestration, but integration can be challenging. This session introduced four programs that help growers implement cover cropping.
AF cover crop fact sheets and tools
Dieter Geesing, Provincial Soil Specialist, BC Ministry of Agriculture & Food
Dieter Geesing (PhD, P.Ag., RPBio.) is the Soil Management Specialist for the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the soils instructor for the agricultural department at the University of the Fraser Valley. Dieter has worked in and around soils and in the organic waste industry in a variety of different positions for over 30 years. Soils-related projects have ranged from lab work to field work, from forest soils over urban soils to agricultural soils, and from the design of growing medium for the horticulture and landscape industry, erosion and sediment plans for construction sites to soil the design and implementation of water and fertility management plans in and outside Canada.
BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund cover crop cost share program
Alana Wilson, Senior Program Manager, Investment Agriculture Fund
Alana Wilson (P.Ag.) is a Manager of Programs with the Investment Agriculture Foundation and has worked with IAF for over a decade. She is a Professional Agrologist and received a BSc. in Agroecology (Food Resource Economics) from the University of British Columbia and a MSc. in Local Economic Development from the London School of Economics. Alana is from the Alberni Valley where she lives on a small farm with her husband, two small girls, two very large dogs, sheep, and chickens.
Cover Crop Stewardship Program, Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust
April Stainsby, Program Coordinator, Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust
April Stainsby joined the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust as a program coordinator in the fall of 2023. She studied agriculture at UBC and the University of Manitoba and has worked on farms, agro-environmental research projects, and in program coordination. She previously managed an on-farm research project in Saskatchewan on preserving wetlands and increasing wildlife habitat in farm fields and has also worked in the organic sector. April is passionate about both farming and conservation and is excited to be assisting with the delivery of DFWT’s stewardship programs and working with farmers in Metro Vancouver and Abbotsford.
BC Living Lab: Cover crop research and extension
Arzeena Hamir, Manager of Programs, Investment Agriculture Fund
Arzeena Hamir is a Professional Agrologist specializing in organic food production. She and her husband run Amara Farm, a 25 acre certified organic farm, in Courtenay, BC. In addition to her role as Manager of Programs at the Investment Agriculture Foundation and the farm, her extensive community contributions include founding the Mid Island Farmers Institute and helping set up the Comox Valley Organic Cooperative. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Crop Science from the University of Guelph and her Master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of London, England.
Funding Acknowledgement
Funding for this event has been provided by the BC Ministry of Agriculture & Food through CleanBC.
