We are celebrating five years of Winter Mixers on Vancouver Island this year! Join us for our Vancouver Island 5th Winter Mixer at Camp Pringle in Shawnigan Lake, on beautiful Vancouver Island for two days of farming workshops & networking!
Looking for the Young Agrarians Okanagan Winter Mixer? Click here!
VANCOUVER ISLAND 5TH WINTER MIXER At-A-Glance
WHEN: Saturday February 10 – Sunday February 11, 2018
WHERE: Coast Salish Territory – Camp Pringle, 2520 W Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W3
COST: Sliding scale $75-125. All funds raised go to covering the cost of the event. Thank you for your support! Work trade options are available, please contact Moss at: westcoast@youngagrarians.org
REGISTER: https://vimixer2018.brownpapertickets.com
ON FACEBOOK: Join our Facebook event to offer or ask for ride shares and Friday night billeting options.
WANT LAND? GOT LAND?
Saturday, February 10, 2018
1:00-6:00PM Land Linking Workshop
Agenda:
1:00-2:30 – The Nuts and Bolts of Leasing Farmland
2:45-4:15 – Farm Land Panel
4:30-6:30 – Networking for Land Owners & Land Seekers
6:00PM Join in our community potluck—everyone welcome
Are you a farmer looking for land? Are you a landowner looking for farmers? We Want You! Join us to network, learn about leases, and more! Topics you want to learn? Email land@youngagrarians.org.
WARNING: You may find a farmer who can turn your vacant field into a productive farm, or keep your productive farm in production! Land seekers, you may find a landowner with the land opportunity you’ve been seeking! Come with an idea of what you are looking for, and a quick synopsis of your vision for your land or future farm. List your land or farm dream on the YA U-MAP today: maps.youngagrarians.org
Community Potluck and Social
When: 6:00pm-9:30pm, Saturday, February 10, 2018
Where: Camp Pringle, 2520 W Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W3
There is nothing better n’ sharing a community made meal together. Our Community Potluck is free, open to all ages, and for the whole community (not just those attending the Mixer). Please bring a dish to share! Invite your friends and family – the more, the merrier!
ABOUT CAMP PRINGLE
In a protected natural setting, on the shores of Shawnigan Lake, Camp Pringle is a serene summer camp, retreat, and outdoor education centre. There are 18 wonderful acres of mossy forest, open fields, wetlands, nature trails, a private waterfront, beach, dock and fire circle (yes, we can have a campfire Saturday night!
The accommodation available at Camp Pringle features rooms with 4-8 bunk beds—so sleeping quarters are shared. FAMER SLEEPOVER! The bunk beds will be available first-come, first served. Please register early to secure your bed! Families are encouraged to arrive early so that you can find a room with the correct amount of bunks for parents and kids. All guests are asked to bring bedding.
For those who register after bunk beds are claimed, we’ll invite you to bring sleeping mats and bedding to set up in shared common areas in the bunk houses.
WINTER MIXER SCHEDULE
We are working hard to bring you a full and inspiring agenda, and many opportunities to connect and build relationships. There will be hands on sessions, open discussions, and formal presentations – something for everyone!
YA Mixers are known for making remarkable connections, such as new possibilities for markets, land opportunities found, or identifying a shared interest/resource. To make the most of this, come to the mixer with an openness to meet new people, share something that you have to offer (like employment, land or special skills) and something that you might need (such as specific tools, crop planning models, or mentorship). We will be offering ways for you to share your needs and opportunities with each other 🙂
2018 VANCOUVER ISLAND WINTER MIXER SCHEDULE:
For a larger version that’s more readable, click here.
Session Descriptions & Presenter Bios
Here’s a list of some of the 20 farmer workshop sessions we’ll be offering at this year’s Mixer:
THREE LEVELS of Business Planning Workshops!
with Chris Bodnar (Close to Home Organics, Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Sustainable Agriculture Program)
Workshop #1: Business Planning Basics
Whether you’re just starting a farm or have been farming for a number of years, the practice of business planning should be an annual task. Sitting down and setting out a course will help you prioritize your focus for the season ahead. It’s a handy roadmap to have throughout the season, not to mention from year-to-year. In this workshop we will go over the basic components to writing a business plan, with a focus on setting goals. Through the workshop we will workshop participants’ goals and help each other to set useful targets for the season ahead.
Workshop #2: Farm Financial Management
There probably aren’t a lot of people who dreamed about an office and record keeping when they decided to farm. But farming is a business and to be successful over the long term requires a focus on financial management. In this workshop we will go through the various tasks required to effectively manage your farm’s finances, including record keeping and analyzing your records. Plus, we’ll talk about how you can access help in managing your business finances to support your long-term farming success.
Workshop #3: Scaling up: When to hire, specialize and plan for the long term
Scaling up is a big decision, but it need not be daunting. Every farmer and every farm changes over time. Whether you see new opportunities, feel burned out or need to consider new approaches to your business, it’s necessary to take a step back and do some planning. In this workshop we will look at a few scenarios for scaling up, including crop specialization, evaluating equipment purchases and when to hire employees. Plus, what should you know before hiring someone for the season? And how can you plan to make sure these decisions support your own needs over the long term?
Chris Bodnar co-owns and operates Close to Home Organics with his wife, Paige, at Glen Valley Organic Farm in Abbotsford. Now in their tenth season of farming, Chris and his family have learned some of the challenges and opportunities of farming on a small scale in the organic sector. They operate a 135-member Community Shared Agriculture program and sell at two weekly farmers markets during the farming season. Prior to farming Chris earned a PhD in Communication from Carleton University. His academic interests continue through teaching and writing. Chris teaches the business planning components of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Sustainable Agriculture program. Chris sits on the board of the Mount Lehman Credit Union. He does business planning consulting with small-scale farmers and is a mentor with the Young Agrarians’ BC Business Mentorship Network.
TWO Soil Workshops!
With Delisa Lewis (GreenFire Farm)
Workshop 1: Soil Health Fundamentals
DeLisa will provide an overview of basic soil properties, soil formation factors, and on farmer-centered methods of assessing soil health and soil quality. The talk will include an open discussion focusing on exchanging experiences and practices aimed at maintaining and improving soil health within the contexts of our local soils and climate.
Workshop 2: Crop Rotations and Soil Benefits
This workshop will build from the farmer-centered exchange and discussion of soil health fundamentals, and focus on design of soil building rotations. The presentation will include examples drawn from historical and current on-farm research, and the open discussion will include good working models of rotations and soil health building practices shared by experienced, regional farming operators.
DeLisa Lewis is a farmer, university instructor, consultant, researcher, keynote speaker, community volunteer, and—as a result—is usually a pretty good eater and sleeper. DeLisa holds a PhD in Soils and Agroecology and is lead farm hand at Green Fire Farm in the Cowichan Valley. She has twenty years experience with certified organic vegetable farming. In 2014, she and her family purchased 40 acres in the Cowichan Valley and started Green Fire Farm. Since then, she has added mixed livestock, hay, and perennials to her lifelong pursuit of great crop rotation and farming system design.
Updates on the Xwaaqw’um Project & Fish Farm Occupation
With Tousilum, Sulsa’meethl, and Joe Akerman (Quw’utsun)
Last year, Tousilum, Sulsa’meethl & Joe Akerman were at the Mixer to share stories about projects at Xwaaqw’um—a vitally important place in Quw’utsun territory on what is now known as Salt Spring Island. Xwaaqw’um (Burgoyne Bay), a thriving Quw’utsun village before colonization, is growing in strength again as a place for cultural activities, youth empowerment, ecosystem restoration, and foodshed revitalization. Get the latest updates on Xwaaqw’um, as well as updates on the Fish Farm Occupation near Alert Bay. Learn more about the occupation, the significance of salmon to Indigenous foodsheds, and how you can help.
Joe Ake
rman is proud of his mixed Cowichan and European Heritage. Joe’s passion is to support healthy communities by exploring what Indigenous Solidarity, Decolonization and continuing and strengthening Local Indigenous ways of being through education and language, political systems, law, and relationships to the land. He is an activist and believes strongly in the importance of direct action and diplomacy to build momentum within social justice movements.
Currently, Joe is leading the Xwaaqw’um Project, (at Xwaaqw’um- Burgoyne Bay Salt Spring Island) which aims to create space for Local Elders and Knowledge keepers to enhance culture, employment and skills training through land-based knowledge and opportunities for Indigenous Youth and community.
Joe has demonstrated progressive leadership through his time employed by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) from 2010-2016 as Manager of Regional Engagement, where he managed six Regional Coordinators and lead provincial, national and international opportunities for athletes and healthy living participants with iSPARC (Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council).
Recently Joe was a community Leader of the Protect Grace Islet Group on Saltspring Island. His ability to initiate and sustain grassroots leadership, inclusivity and cultural connections has led to effective mobilization of support from the public, multiple levels of government and local First Nation communities. He is adept at navigating the subtleties of inter-cultural dialogue and provides support to individuals and organizations seeking to increase their cultural sensitivity and agility and continues to lead various community education and discussion opportunities on Salt Spring Island and beyond.
Xpey: Red Cedar, Tree of Life
With Sulsa’meethl and Tousilum
The Cedar tree has been a source of life, art, and inspiration for the Quw’utsun since time immemorial. Sulsa’meethl and Tousilum are devoted and skilled weavers who have generously offered to share their experience of working with cedar with us. Learning through experience is a great way to truly learn about the significance of cedar to this land and the people of this land. Learn about cedar’s central role in Quw’utsun culture, and create a cedar bracelet.
From Sales to Seeds: Crop Planning for Farming Success
with Scott Belll (Amara Farm)
In this workshop, participants will learn why crop planning and record keeping are vital parts of any successful farm. Topics covered will include: creating a sales plan, estimating yields, building a weekly planting schedule, calculating seed needs, and recording what actually happened during the growing season. Participants will leave this workshop with the foundation knowledge to create their own spreadsheets, procedures, and habits to ensure their records will help them for years to come.
Scott Bell is an organic farmer and educator specializing in small-scale, intensive growing practices. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agroecology and has been farming for ten years in both an urban and rural context. Scott is well versed in crop planning, farm design, organic growing practices, and record keeping. He is passionate about making small-scale farming highly productive and financially viable to create strong regional food systems that support farmers. With a strong belief in work-life balance, Scott hopes to empower growers to maximize their farms productivity through effective observation and good record keeping.
Farmers’ Market Best Practices
With Heather O’Hara, BC Association of Farmers’ Markets
Learn best practices of successful farmers who sell at farmers’ markets including: finding a farmers’ market, how to become a farmers’ market vendor, farmers’ market startup kit, how to maximize and leverage your farmers’ market storefront to build sales and customers in multiple sales channels, and marketing and merchandising tips. Heather will be sharing success stories of real farmers to get you inspired!
Heather O’Hara joined the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets in 2016 and brings over 10 years of experience in non-profit, social enterprise and entrepreneurial leadership to her position as Executive Director. As a social entrepreneur and food lover, Heather believes deeply in farmers’ markets and small-scale farmers as a critical force in our regional food system and farmers’ markets as an important gateway for small business development in communities across BC. She has worked with a variety of business, non-profit and charitable organizations, and loves to bring strategic thinking and entrepreneurial resourcefulness to make creative ideas come to life.
Farm Tax Jeopardy: Business and Tax Fundamentals for Farmers
With Marsha Stanley, CPA, CA, CBV, CGA & Cory Vanderhorst, CPA, CA
Whether you preparing to take over the family farm or are new to farming altogether, it’s important to run your business like a business. While keeping good records is essential for tax purposes, it can also help make your farm more profitable. This interactive, jeopardy-inspired session will reveal how to properly set up your reporting systems to ensure you have the information you need to effectively manage your farm and make good business decisions. We will also discuss the basic legal structures and tax strategies for a family farm and the major factors that impact the best choice for your operation.
Marsha Stanley, CPA, CA, CBV, CGA is the Regional Agriculture Leader for MNP’s Vancouver Island region. Based in Duncan, she provides accounting, tax and farm management advice to farmers and agri-businesses across the Island. With more than 20 years of experience in public practice, Marsha takes pride in helping farmers enhance profitability and grow their operations.
Cory Vanderhorst, CPA, CA is a member of MNP’s Vancouver Island Agriculture Services Team, specializing in serving the unique needs of Island farmers. He advises his clients on a wide range of accounting, tax and management issues to help them bridge the farming and financial aspects of their operations. Cory grew up on a small beef farm in Courtenay and understands the unique challenges of farming, both from a business perspective and as a way of life.
Integrating Livestock into Your Crop Rotations
with Corine Singfield
Until recently, farms were integrated systems where livestock, crops, forage and wildlife all played vital roles in soil health and productivity. This workshop is about how to bring mixed and integrative systems back into your farm to increase resilience and ecological function. Did you know that pigs can be used to manage cover crops without machinery? Help you control pests (like cabbage moth and flea beetle) and disease? Build soils and increase carbon sequestration? Geese will mow your orchard while ducks will control pests. Chickens are the ultimate nutrient recyclers.
We will look at some of the finer details about integrating animals on the farm including function, nutritional requirements, shelter, timing, stocking rates & carrying capacity and economic feasibility. Bring your farm specific questions!
Corine Singfield is an organic agriculture researcher at the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at KPU. Until recently, she was managing the Tsawwassen Farm School, an educational mixed farm that grows fruits and veggies for market and livestock on pasture. Started in 2014, the Farm School settled on 20 acres of severely depleted and compacted land in the Fraser Delta. With a focus on restoring soils, Corine has experimented with a lot of different techniques but none yielded such striking results as the full integration of animals in the whole farm systems and crop rotations. Recently she has shifted her focus to researching how pigs can help restore soils back to health and make them suitable for crop production and is completing a Master degree at UBC on the topic. Previously, she was farming and managing a multi-farm CSA in Bella Coola, using pigs to clear forested land as an off-grid homesteader and making all the mistakes and learning tons. For more info on the Farm School and to get in touch: http://www.kpu.ca/
Fruit Trees 101: Planting and Pruning
Working with fruit trees can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable horticultural endeavors. In this workshop, we will demystify two of the key factors of growing healthy, productive trees: planting and pruning. Knowing when and how to prune and train your trees is key to achieving high, consistent yields and promoting long term tree health.
Chad Morse managed the organic farm at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California where he also taught a six month intensive farming apprenticeship program. Chad and his family recently moved to Vancouver Island and are setting roots on their half-acre homestead in Cumberland. He has also farmed in Tennessee, Illinois, and at the University of California Santa Cruz.Cultivating Farmer Resilience
Kareno Hawbolt & Kimi Hendess are the owners/operators of Sweet Digz Farm, growing on 3 acres of leased land in Steveston BC (Coast Salish territory). They use ecological practices to grow veggies and seed for our 105-person CSA, weekly market, restaurant sales, and the BC Eco Seed Co-op. Kareno has taught for the KPU Richmond Farm School and spent over a decade apprenticing, working on, and managing farms before they moved to Richmond (to be close to family) and, in 2013, started Sweet Digz Farm.Bug Out! A Pest Café
With Arzeena Hamir
What’s bugging you? From wireworms to soldier bugs, a lot of farmers are saying there are more insects in the fields these days. With climate change in full swing, it’s time to get to know which insects are friends and which are foes. This workshop will use a “World Café” discussion to facilitate six-legged knowledge sharing amongst farmers. Bring your questions, your observations, and even samples to discuss!
Arzeena Hamir is a founding member of Merville Organics Growers Cooperative. She is also a Professional Agrologist who specializes in organic food production. 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. From 2008-2012 Arzeena was the Coordinator of the Richmond Food Security Society where she oversaw a number of community projects which included a proposal to the City of Richmond to declare itself a GMO-free Zone. In 2012, she and her husband purchased Amara Farm, a 25 acre farm, in Courtenay, BC. The farm became certified organic in 2015, the same year that Merville Organics Growers Cooperative was officially formed.
Organic Certification Table Talk
With Roanne Weyermars (Islands Organic Producers-IOPA), Arzeena Hamir, Megan Halstead, Niki Srutynski/Nick Neisngh
Are you interested in learning more about Organic Certification? Join us for a Sunday lunchtime round table hosted by Islands Organic Producers – a community of organic farmers and the certifying body for Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Get the straight goods on the benefits and challenges of certification from organic farmers like Arzeena Hamir (Amara Farm), Megan Halstead (Halstead Farm), Niki Strutynski and Nick Neisingh (Tatlo Road Farm). You’ll learn about what it takes to achieve certification and the group will touch on the on the topic of new provincial regulations for products being sold as organic. 1:00-2:30PM over lunch Sunday in the Upper Spencer Hall.
Roanne Weyermars joined Islands Organic Producers Association (IOPA) in 2016 to promote organic certification and grow a supportive community of organic farmers, consumers and supply chain partners. Roanne brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing and community leadership to her role at IOPA and she is an active contributor to multiple organizations focused on food security, sustainable agriculture and the environment. Roanne also manages social and environmental sustainability at Coast Capital Savings further exercising her passion for the planet.
Rethink, Respect, Regenerate: Approaches to Growing Food in Varied Situations
In this presentation, farmer Christopher Brown will explore thinking outside the box and offer a set of strategies on how to get growing with minimal resources other than your own determination! Topics on farm restoration, relationship building, urban farming, the salvage and gift economy, the local food economy, permaculture and community living.
About Christopher Brown: My interest in agriculture germinated twelve years ago through my studies of anthropology and early agricultural societies at Vancouver Island University. In 2012 I restored a small market garden in Cowichan Bay with great success. In 2013 myself and 3 other farmers founded Farmship Growers Cooperative and transitioned a conventional farm into an un-certified organic vegetable production. Six years later, after many lessons learned and many relationships established, we are one of the biggest sustainable market garden teams mid Vancouver Island.
My vision is to rebuild local economies around food production by facilitating opportunities for more farmers with the restoration and preservation of farmland. I believe in the philosophy and practice of permaculture in creating abundance for all. “Agrosylvopastoralism,” what a delightful word. We have an special opportunity on Vancouver Island to adapt to the challenges of climate change by re-establishing a food resilient and regenerative local economy. Sounds like a great life to me.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Online Sales Platforms for Farmers Panel
with Robin Tunnicliffe (Sea Bluff Farm), Graham Edward Bradley (Good Earth Farm), & Seann Dory (Salt & Harrow Farm)
Online sales platforms are the standard for all businesses these days, and farms are no exception. How are small farmers adapting to the new normal of online sales, convenience and choice? Robin, Graham, and Seann will share tips and platform examples that are working on their farms, and cover topics such as CSA sales, Google Forms, and recommendations for platforms for small farms.
Robin Tunnicliffe has been an organic farmer and passionate food activist for over 20 years. She currently runs Sea Bluff Farm, a 7 acre certified organic vegetable production. Sheis a co-owner of Saanich Organics, a cooperative marketing business through which she and other local growers market their produce to Victoria-area residents and restaurants. Robin has an M.A. in Food Policy and has presented at farm conferences across Canada and is a frequent speaker at community events.
Graham Bradley lives on Gabriola Island, near Nanaimo where he grew up. He is a 1st generation farmer at Good Earth Farm growing non-certified organic vegetables on 2 acres of wonderful peat with the 70 year old owner who is now his business partner. They have a succession plan. Alongside that he runs a small scale food hub which helps connect other island producers with island businesses and folks mostly using an electric cargo bicycle. In terms of education he has been farming for 7 seasons, as a BA Specializing in Human Geography and Photography from Concordia University and backpacked around the globe in a 2.5 year adventure.
Seann J Dory farms on Vancouver Island at Salt & Harrow Farm. Before starting Salt & Harrow, Seann was the Co-Director and Founder of Sole Food Street Farms, a social enterprise that provides jobs and agricultural training for people in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Seann is a founding member of the Young Agrarians; an initiative to recruit, promote and support young farmers in Canada. Seann speaks regularly at events including the Young Farmers Conference at Stone Barns and the EAT! Festival. Seann in a member of the National Farmers Union and is part of the steering committee for the National New Farmers Coalition, working on farm policy to reduce barriers for new farmers entering agriculture.
On-Farm Efficiency & Technology Panel
with Robin Tunnicliffe (Sea Bluff Farm), Graham Edward Bradley (Good Earth Farm), & Scott Bell (Amara Farm)
Do you ever feel like things could be more efficient on your farm? From wash station work flow to the best farm tools for the job, these three seasoned farmers want to help you get the job done faster! Join our expert efficiency panel for a lively discussion on tips, tricks and hacks to streamline your farm processes.
Robin Tunnicliffe has been an organic farmer and passionate food activist for over 20 years. She currently runs Sea Bluff Farm, a 7 acre certified organic vegetable production. Sheis a co-owner of Saanich Organics, a cooperative marketing business through which she and other local growers market their produce to Victoria-area residents and restaurants. Robin has an M.A. in Food Policy and has presented at farm conferences across Canada and is a frequent speaker at community events.
Graham Bradley lives on Gabriola Island, near Nanaimo where he grew up. He is a 1st generation farmer at Good Earth Farm growing non-certified organic vegetables on 2 acres of wonderful peat with the 70 year old owner who is now his business partner. They have a succession plan. Alongside that he runs a small scale food hub which helps connect other island producers with island businesses and folks mostly using an electric cargo bicycle. In terms of education he has been farming for 7 seasons, as a BA Specializing in Human Geography and Photography from Concordia University and backpacked around the globe in a 2.5 year adventure. Graham has been an associate member of the NFU for 4 years, attended 2 conventions and 1 youth convention. He serves on 2 advisory boards for the Young Agrarians, is on the BOD of Hub City Cycles Community Cooperative and is involved with his local museum and chamber of commerce. Graham feels hope for the future working with so many food producers and grateful to be able to get the kind of education that goes with being a part of the NFU. He has decided to be an implicated participant and try and be and spread the kind of change he hopes for in the global food system. He is quite serious about combining bicycles and small scale farming. He identifies as a cosmological being.
Read more about Scott Bell above in the Crop Planning Workshop description!
Value-Added Processing of Farm Products Panel
With Candice Appleby (Small Scale Food Processors’ Association), Arzeena Hamir (Amara Farm/Merville Organics), and Katie Selbee & Matthew Vasilev (Twin Island Cider)
Thinking about adding value to your farm products? It’s time to put on your apron and get inspired! From garlic scape jam to shrub to hard cider, this panel will offer insight into a variety of levels of farm food processing operations, as well as a look at the rules and regulations you will need to understand to get started.
Katie Selbee and Matthew Vasilev are orchardists and cider makers on Pender Island. They started Twin Island Cider two years ago after partnering with local landowners. Using traditional English and French cider making techniques, they harvest and press fruit from over twenty different backyards and heritage orchards on the Gulf Islands, and maintain numerous orchards both new and old, from grafting to pruning.
Read more about Arzeena Hamir under “Bug Out: A Pest Café” above.
Candice Appleby is the Executive Director of the Small Scale Food Processor Association.
Stay tuned for more workshop descriptions—we’ll keep you posted! Want to stay up-to-date with Vancouver Island YA news? SIGN UP for our email list and be sure to specify the Vancouver Island/Coast as your region!
MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS
We are overjoyed to welcome Nature’s Chef (Tom Kral) back to our 2018 Mixer. Last year, Tom lovingly crafted nourishing and delicious meals for 120 hungry farmers—no small feat! His beautiful cooking inspired rave reviews on our survey last year, so we are thrilled to have Nature’s Chef back for another year.
Bellies are already grumbling at the thought of the deliciousness to come!
Check out Nature’s Chef on Facebook to get inspired 🙂
Food Donations Welcome!
We are currently lining up food donors for our 2018 Mixer. Do you know a local food business or farm that would like to donate produce, meats, staples or snacks to our Mixer this year? We love to feature fabulous local foods at our Mixer and promote our food donors. Please get in touch! westcoast@youngagrarians.org
The Food & Snack Lowdown
- We’ll providing lunches, light snacks, a dinner protein option (accompanied by your potluck contributions), and a light Sunday breakfast.
- We try our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, and we encourage folks to bring the snacks and special food items they may need to be comfortable. Please let us know of dietary restrictions when you register.
- BYOM—don’t forget a re-usable mug for your hot beverages—coffee and tea will be available.
- POTLUCK ALERT! Please bring a dish or food item to share at the Community Potluck on Saturday night. And invite your friends and family, the more the merrier!
Accommodation
Registration includes access to shared accommodation for Saturday night only. Register early to secure your sleeping space—we can accommodate up to 70 people in beds. After that, we ask folks to bring bedding to sleep “indoor camp-out” style in common areas.
If you need to stay in the area for Friday night as well, we encourage you to reach out on our Facebook event page here!
What to Bring
Here’s a small list of the things you’ll need to bring to make sure you have a great weekend:
- Travel mug for your coffee or tea
- Potluck item to share for Saturday night (refrigeration available for the day on Saturday!)
- Bedding, toiletries
- Notebook and pen, or laptop
- Rain gear and sturdy shoes for outdoor exploring (do we need to remind farmers about this?)
TRAVEL
Please use the Facebook event page to find rides and plan your travels. If you are NOT on Facebook, please send a note to westcoast@youngagrarians.org SUBJECT: Ride to Vancouver Island Mixer, OR Have a ride to offer to Vancouver Island Mixer.
Be sure to let us know where you are travelling from, and your timing needs.
THANKS TO OUR FUNDERS!
This event was made possible by Coastal Community Credit Union, and with funding provided by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Thank you to all our funders and sponsors.
THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!
