This week I cover some current developments.
First, the government announced funding for proving up new ideas:
The Expression of Interest application form and updated Farm Adaptation Innovator Program Guide (2018–2023) are now available online.
Search online for the above program.
A total of $1.5 million will be available for projects that enhance the B.C. agriculture sector’s ability to adapt to climate change. The Farm Adaptation Innovator Program (FAIP) seeks to build adaptive capacity and encourage the adoption of effective farm practices to help mitigate impacts related to climate change by supporting projects that:
- Promote innovation in farm practices, approaches and technologies that support climate change adaptation;
- Demonstrate farm practices that reduce weather related production risks and identify new production opportunities; and/or
- Develop informational and knowledge sharing resources and support increased sector capacity to support adaptation.
Project types supported through the program include applied research, pilots, demonstrations and adoption facilitation. Projects may be local, regional or provincial in scope. The resulting knowledge, practice, technology or approach must be applicable at a farm-level scale by an individual farm operator.
A second recent development is the announcement about the building of a new enterprise centre for agriculture in the Quesnel area at Alex Fraser Park. The City of Quesnel and the surroundng areas are to be congratulated. The collaboration in the North Cariboo is to be commended and can show the rest of the Cariboo how to put ideas into action.
My third pitch here is for a Beef and Beer fundraiser to take place Sept 29 at 5 p.m. at Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake campus.
This fun event follows a student Bull Pen Forum from 1:30-4:30.
The graduating students fromthe Applied Ranching diploma program will present and pitch the enterprises and business plans to industry owners and experts who will provide feedback and business advice.
Spectators, landowners and potential investors are wecome. Come and see the business development work of newcomers to our food and agriculture industry! Show support for the people who will be growing food for us.
The Beer and Beef event which was a great success last year features a collaboration of local (interior) craft breweries, chefs and meat producers in a cook off of “Beef (and lamb) and Sliders”.
Of course fabulous local beers will be paired to the chefs creations.
If you eat and enjoy beer, this is for you.
Come out and support the TRU agriculture program. It has just started its third year with 15 new students and is graduating more of the first year’s .
Community support is vital to the success of this local made program.
David Zirnhelt is a rancher in the Cariboo and member of the Cariboo Cattlemen’s Association. He is also chair of the Advisory Committee for the Applied Sustainable Ranching Program at Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake Campus.
