Agroforestry Session at the 2012 Hort Growers Short Course

The Lower Mainland Horticulture Improvement Association (LMHIA), with funding from the British Columbia Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative, is pleased to sponsor an agroforestry educational session at the 2012 Horticulture Growers Short Course.

The Horticulture Growers Short Course will be held in partnership with Pacific Agriculture Show, January 26-28, 2012 at the Tradex Exhibition Center (Abbotsford Airport) in Abbotsford, BC.

The Agroforestry Session will take place on Saturday, January 28 from 9 am to 12 pm in the Lobby Room at Tradex. It will be chaired by Dave Trotter, Agroforestry Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture. The session agenda is as follows:

09:00 - 09:30
Agroforestry Initiative - Current Projects and Funding Opportunities
George Powell, BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative 
The Agroforestry Initiative has cost-share funding for projects which benefit industry development including demonstrations, workshops etc; Outlines of current and pending projects will be provided.

09:30 - 10:00
Ideas, Opportunities & Resources – An Agroforestry Retrospective
Harold Macy, Headquarters Creek Woodlot, Merville, BC
Harold will provide an overview of the synergies and considerations from his many years of experience managing a woodlot using a forest farming agroforestry systems approach.

10:00 – 10:30
Break
Harold Macy will highlight his new book: “The Four Storey Forest: As Grow the Trees, So too the Heart”.

10:30 – 11:00
Silvopasture and Range Considerations in BC - Pilot Initiatives for a Production Approach
Lisa Zabek, Ministry of Agriculture, Kamloops, BC
Learn about the new steps that are being developed to support silvopasture as a land use option in BC.

11:00 - 11:30
Huckleberries: Management Strategies for Agroforesters
Ali Kennedy, Keefer Ecological Services Ltd., Cranbrook, BC
Ali will look at the variety of berry species along with the biological and management considerations needed to develop an agroforestry system approach to huckleberries.

11:30 – 12:00
Exploring the Possibilities of Integrated Riparian Management in BC
Dave Trotter, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, BC
Dave will discuss management considerations for the development of an integrated riparian management systems approach to specialty crops on agricultural lands.

For registration information, or to register online, please visit www.agricultureshow.net or phone 604-556-3001 or 604-857-0318.

Registration fees for the entire Horticulture Growers Short Course (including the Agroforestry Session) are $67.00 (by January 9) or $90.00 (after January 9). Registration fees include membership to the LMHIA, attendance at any or all educational sessions, admittance to the Pacific Agriculture Show, admittance to welcome reception and free parking.

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Funding for this work has been provided through the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AGF1104)

Call for Proposals, B.C. Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative

British Columbia's forestry (woodlot), agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors can now access funding under the B.C. Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI) to facilitate the development and adoption of agroforestry practices in B.C.

Agroforestry involves the intentional combination of trees with crops and/or livestock in order to enhance production.  Agroforestry can be defined as production systems which synergistically integrate both agricultural and forestry practices and products resulting in optimal management of land, animal and human resources.

The AIDI is working to support the development and adoption of agroforestry practices for the benefit of all British Columbians.  A new provincial agroforestry strategic plan was published in 2009 to guide development priorities and expand industry participation.

The AIDI seeks proposals for innovative projects from individuals and/or groups that address one or more of the Initiative's strategic goals:

1. Develop the business case for agroforestry practices in B.C.;
2. Improve market connections for agroforestry products and services;
3. Demonstrate agroforestry practices to showcase operational examples of agroforestry systems;
4. Improve agroforestry awareness, extension and education; and,
5. Expand and strengthen partnerships among agroforestry practitioners and stakeholder organizations.

Up to $421,000 dollars of funding is available to match industry contributions to implement the AIDI’s goals through 2013. Proposals may be submitted immediately and on an ongoing basis, with cost-share funding allocated to qualified proponents for approved projects on first-come, first serve basis until all funds have been committed.  All projects must be completed by December 31, 2013.

Funding for the AIDI is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In British Columbia, the CAAP program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. (IAF). The Province of British Columbia provides in-kind support to the AIDI.  The Federation of B.C. Woodlot Associations administers the AIDI with the guidance of the Agroforestry Management Committee, a group representing B.C.'s agroforestry sector including agricultural, forestry and provincial government representatives.

For further information on the AIDI, and links to the application guide and forms, please visit http://www.agroforestry.info/p/funding.html