Farm Business Incubator Program Workshop June 24, 2015

Transcription

1 City of Kamloops Agriculture Area Plan Implementation Action Item # 40 Farm Business Incubator Program Workshop June 24, 2015 Development & Engineering Services Department Planning and Development Division September 2015

2 Contents Overview... 2 Background... 2 The Participants... 3 The Presentations... 4 Jim Forbes, Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture... 4 Christie Young, Executive Director, FarmStart... 4 Elmarie Roberts, Farmer and Education Representative, Haliburton Community Organic Garden... 5 The Workshop... 5 The Results... 6 Overall Key Resulting Themes... 6 Training and Education Results... 8 Next Steps... 9 Appendices Appendix 1- Vision Tree Activity Appendix 2- Equipment, Infrastructure and Tools Activity Appendix 3- Types of Mentoring Activity Appendix 4- Limitations, Risks or Issues Activity Appendix 5- Benefits Activity Appendix 6- Training and Education Activity Appendix 7- Additional Ideas, Issues, Suggestions or Concerns Appendix 8- Farm Business Incubator Program Concept Plan Page 1 of 20

3 Overview The purpose of the Farm Business Incubator Program (FBIP) Workshop was to evaluate demand for a FBIP in Kamloops. The City of Kamloops partnered with Community Futures Thompson Country (CFTC) to hold a workshop on June 24, 2015 at the Interior Savings Centre. The goal of the workshop was to create awareness of what a FBIP would mean to the community and/or region, and identify best practices, governance, struggles, operations, financing and ongoing opportunities for a FBIP. The workshop was a step toward developing new viable farming enterprises and building on the local agricultural economy. Attendees were welcomed by City Councillor Ken Christian and CFTC Board Chair Ken White. Following welcoming remarks, Maren Luciani, Community Planning Supervisor, City of Kamloops, provided a general overview of the Agriculture Area Plan (AAP), which identified a FBIP as one potential solution to agricultural industry issues, such as a lack of succession planning. Jim Forbes, Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture, provided information on new farm businesses, the future of agriculture in British Columbia, and the challenges and opportunities in the region. To understand from experience, keynote speakers, Christie Young, Executive Director of FarmStart, a leading Agriculture Business Incubator Program in Canada, and Elmarie Roberts of Haliburton Community Organic Garden in Saanich, BC provided overviews of their respective farm business incubators. The remainder of the workshop was dedicated to obtaining suggestions and ideas from participants through a series of roundtable-style activities, and identifying potential new and aspiring farmers for the FBIP. The workshop aimed to specifically determine the following: A Farm Business Incubator Program aims to help new and beginning farm entrepreneurs establish their own successful businesses by providing specific resources and services that are difficult for startup entrepreneurs to access on their own. (The Farm Incubator Toolkit: Growing the Next Generation of Farmers) If there is a demand for a FBIP; What resources, training and education are important to new farmers; Potential risks, issues and limitations of a FBIP; The intent and desired outcome of a FBIP; and Suggestions on what the incubator farm would look like and how it would operate. Background In 2013, City Council adopted the first Agriculture Area Plan (AAP) for Kamloops, a much-needed policy document, to establish updated and more defined policies to protect and promote local agriculture and encourage sustainable agricultural practices. The plan was developed by staff with support from an Agriculture Advisory Committee, comprised of local producers, City staff and Ministry of Agriculture officials. The project included extensive and broad industry and public engagement. The City Page 2 of 20

4 acknowledged that agriculture had not been a top of mind issue for several years and that the AAP was a first attempt to get the topic and the industry itself back on the radar. The AAP identified preservation, growth, and diversification of the local agricultural sector as fundamental goals. In particular, education and support for new farmers was an identified priority. Some of the issues identified through public input included: Security of land and water resources; Industry recognition and support; and Education and support for new farmers. One of the 72 action items that resulted from the above issues was the provision of public land for a FBIP. Recruiting new farmers to support succession planning has been difficult as access to good farmland is financially unattainable for many. A FBIP provides an opportunity for new and aspiring farmers to start a farm business with support in terms of land and resources. The program, if developed, would provide the tools and resources agricultural entrepreneurs need to develop and manage viable farm enterprises in Kamloops. The incubator farm would aim to reduce the traditional barriers for new farm businesses by providing access to land, shared equipment and infrastructure, and business mentoring and training. Launching farm-based incubator businesses are low-risk endeavours, and greatly increase the likelihood of business success. The Kamloops FBIP would likely operate as a pilot program initially, on municipally owned land. For a small fee, the City would lease land to a non-profit partner responsible for development and management of the program. The non-profit partner would also receive advisory support from the City. Community Futures Thompson Country has offered to partner on this project. The hope is that a longterm commitment and partnership between the City, CFTC, and the agricultural community will help strengthen and enhance agricultural viability in Kamloops. The Participants The workshop, held on Wednesday June 24, 2015 at the Interior Savings Centre, was open to the general public in Kamloops and beyond. Over 45 participants gathered to discuss their ideas, issues and concerns. Participants included representation from, but not limited to: local and provincial government, the business community, Thanks for the hard work you guys did in bringing the Farm Incubator Workshop to Kamloops. From what I saw, it was a great session and it looks like there were some potential farmers in the audience. [ ] I look forward to seeing how this idea takes root (pardon the pun). Thanks once again! - Workshop Participant Page 3 of 20

5 existing local and regional farmers, aspiring and new farmers, and others interested in participating in a FBIP in some capacity. A wide demographic of individuals participated in the workshop, from aging farmers preparing for the future, to young individuals looking for assistance to enter the industry and gain access to land and/or support services. Some participants indicated they attended to obtain assistance in getting a small farm active again, or because they have grandchildren interested in agriculture, or were passionate about agriculture in Kamloops and the region. Participants also included existing farmers who wanted to help with the project by providing skills, training, mentorship and equipment. The Presentations Jim Forbes, Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture There are many challenges and opportunities associated with the development of a new farm business. Jim Forbes, Regional Agrologist, Ministry of Agriculture, identified some of the tools available to new farmers to increase their success rate. Key points: Farmers can improve the odds of success through preparation, research, establishing a solid business plan, and taking advantage of mentorship opportunities; There are over 200 agricultural products in British Columbia. Understanding the market, parameters, regulations, and risks will impact a farm s profitability; and Several planning workbooks, guides and checklists were highlighted as available resources. These include but are not limited to: SmartFarmBC, the Guide for Agriculture Lease Agreements in British Columbia (2014 Edition), FarmLINK.net, and Ministry of Agriculture Business Management. Christie Young, Executive Director, FarmStart FarmStart began near Guelph, Ontario, growing from the acknowledgement that farmers are aging and there are many challenges preventing young farmers from entering the agriculture sector. Executive Director, Christie Young, provided an overview of FarmStart, highlighted some of their best practices, identified the pitfalls, and shared information on establishment and operation of a successful FBIP. Ms. Young described the overall agriculture community revitalization that has resulted from FarmStart. They have seen farmers transition from the start-up incubator farm Page 4 of 20

6 to buying shares in a farmer co-op, clustering together and participating in management of the farms. Both during participation in the incubator farm and after, farmers tend to not only share equipment, but child care and rides into town. She indicated that young farmers generally prefer to move into communities where there are other young and established farmers for support and mentorship. Challenges are bound to happen with any business, but resiliency and proactive reaction to crises, and participating in an incubator farm have proven to be profitable and sustainable for the FarmStart farmers. Elmarie Roberts, Farmer and Education Representative, Haliburton Community Organic Garden Elmarie Roberts, Farmer and Education Representative of Haliburton Community Organic Garden, provided an overview on starting a Farm Business Incubator based on Community Social Planning Council for the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CR- FAIR) and the Incubator Farms Introductory Guide. Haliburton is a thriving community farm on publicly owned land in Saanich, within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Ms. Roberts described Haliburton Farm as a success story. The land was recovered from proposed development, a low rental and property tax waiver commitment from the municipality was provided, established farmers provide valuable peer support, and the neighbours and community have embraced its presence. The farm has grown to 12 farmers, with a mix of experience levels, who participate in farmers markets and wholesale deliveries. Ms. Roberts indicated there have been some challenges with farmers transitioning to their own land it works for some, and not for others. There are approximately 100 annual farm tours on the incubator farm. Continued success stems from the establishment of clear policies, a committed Board of Directors, and a strong partnership with the municipality. The Workshop Following the presentations, roundtable-style activities generated meaningful input. Participants were asked to provide ideas, concerns and comments on the following issues: A vision for the incubator site; Benefits of a FBIP; Training and Education needs; Mentoring opportunities for the FBIP; Equipment, Infrastructure and Tools; Limitations, Risk or Issues; and Any additional ideas, issues, suggestions, or concerns they may have had. There was also an opportunity for participants to sign up to be an entrant into the Kamloops FBIP. Page 5 of 20

7 The Results The following section outlines the public input received from the activities at the FBIP workshop. Participants were all passionate about local agriculture and the development of a FBIP. The activities resulted in idea sharing and some technical concerns, yet generally indicated enthusiasm for a FBIP in Kamloops. A number of major themes emerged for consideration. The results will be further analyzed in the coming months as a program agreement between the City of Kamloops and CFTC is established, and next steps are identified. Overall Key Resulting Themes (also see Appendix 1-5 and 7 for all comments received) Theme Community-oriented Local Agriculture Regulatory Function of FBIP FBIP Participants Description Work together as a single brand, build ties and help each other achieve success, community involvement, build a diverse community of farmers, host community events Buy local, invest local, eat local and educate on local agriculture, food security, revival of Kamloops agricultural roots Concerns of zoning, regulations, competing demand for land use and assessment restrictions within City limits Need to establish a solid contract that includes length of participation, management, equipment and infrastructure, determine cash flow and establish a contingency plan for shortfalls, equipment breakdown, repairs and replacement, the farm site needs to be centrally located and accessible, concern with long-term funding and how participation costs will be evaluated, opportunity to include agriculture-tourism component Concerns of conflict with incubator operator or other participants, motivation of participants may dwindle over time, measurement of performance required, where farmers will live, need clear processes, need to ensure room for creativity and flexibility, offers a trial run for farming, provide incentive and support to transition experienced growers to their own operations off site Page 6 of 20

8 Community Education First Nations Sales and products Crops and Soils Infrastructure Social Infrastructure Equipment Tools and Supplies Experienced Farmers Business Development Skills and Mentorship Provide school tours and curriculum support, partner with TRU and horticulture program, public education and awareness, link with business community Opportunity for partnership with First Nations, utilize knowledge of Tk emlúps te Secwépemc elders to develop healthy ecosystems, understanding of traditional plant uses by First Nations Opportunity for onsite market, highway product stand, yearround farmers market, multiple varieties of products (i.e.: goats for dairy and fleece, bee keeping, market vegetables, orchard fruits, grapes, berries, pasture pigs, sheep, chickens/poultry etc), organic, biodynamic Opportunity for crop diversification, concern of cross contamination, pesticide use and disease, environmental impact on riparian zones and interface areas, land capabilities, competition with other growers, understanding companion planting and monocrop risks, compost, understanding soil science, permaculture Cold room or coolers, drying building, commercial kitchen, irrigation, green houses, washing area, packaging area, fences, on site energy supply, bee hives, internet, shared resources, compost area Consider providing housing, shared houses and accommodation, provide buildings for interacting and shared meals Weed whacker, rototiller, tractor, lawn mower, fuel tank & pump, utility trailer, shared equipment Hand tools (clippers, shovels, hoes, etc), pots, seed trays, gloves, rubber boots, seeds, shared tools Connect FBIP participants to existing farmers, bridge the gap between established farmers and new farmers, opportunity to apprentice or work with farmers, learn from experienced farmers and acknowledge their wisdom Provide education and training for: budgeting, business planning, marketing, records, product and market demand research, time management, bookkeeping and accounting, and tools to build business relationships Page 7 of 20

9 Specialty Skills and Mentorship Recruiting New Farmers Provide opportunities to share progress, ideas and training, labour saving techniques, best practices in planting and animal husbandry, organic and holistic pest and weed management, crop variety Bring in a new generation of farmers, encourage succession planning of existing farm operations, encourage a direct connection between incubator farmers and land owners, opportunity for transfer of knowledge in farming community, concern that engagement from mentors to support new farmers may not be consistent Training and Education Results Providing opportunities for training and education for the farmers participating in the FBIP is important to ensure their long term success. Growth of the program, developing participants capacity to earn a livelihood as a farmer, and contributing to the local agricultural economy can be achieved in part by providing access to training and education. See Appendix 6 for results of the Training and Education activity. When asked, it was evident that all types of education would be beneficial, however, some types were ranked more important than others. Those that ranked highest, in order were: Whole farm design and management, and sustainable farming practices (creating a whole farm plan, crop rotation, renewable energy resources, water management) Business Planning (preparation of business goals and plans for reaching them, financial record keeping, accessing land and credit) Production Planning (what to grow and how, irrigation, bed/field preparation, soil health and cover cropping, nutrient management, plant biology and crop families) Marketing Skills (where and how to sell, contract negotiations, relationship with buyers, advertising methods) An organic farm run by a cooperative of ecologically-minded & community-minded people moving this region into a new sustainable direction. Educates, experiments & hosts workshops & community-oriented, food related events. A hub of sustainability. Workshop Participant Page 8 of 20

10 Next Steps Whether as a farmer enrolled in the program, a mentor, a land provider, or supporter in another capacity, feedback received indicated there is interest in pursuing the development of a FBIP in the City of Kamloops. 7 participants indicated they would like to be involved in the FBIP as a mentor, land provider, or other support role. 8 individuals indicated interest in participating in the FBIP as a new farmer. Due to the success of the workshop, the City and CFTC will pursue further development of the FBIP as a pilot program. Since completion of the June workshop, public land for the operation of the FBIP has been secured at the Tournament Capital Ranch in Rayleigh. The attached Farm Business Incubator Program Concept Plan identifies a possible layout for the future FBIP at the Tournament Capital Ranch. The following next steps are anticipated for the development of the FBIP: Execute an agreement between the City of Kamloops and CFTC; Evaluate the Tournament Capital Ranch soil needs and technical issues prior to implementation of the FBIP; Prepare the land and fence the program area; Develop a project advisory committee to support program development; Develop the FBIP manual (develop a mission statement, intent, farm incubator components, program challenges to overcome; technical assistance available to farmers, desired economic and community outcomes, establish partnerships); and Search for additional funding. Stakeholders will be kept informed and provided with additional opportunities to provide input as the project moves forward. Staff anticipate that over the next year, the program will be solidified and the land allotted at the Tournament Capital Ranch will be enhanced for farming. A 2017 Farm Business Incubator Program growing season is anticipated. Page 9 of 20

11 Appendices Appendix 1- Vision Tree Activity Appendix 2- Equipment, Infrastructure and Tools Activity Appendix 3- Types of Mentoring Activity Appendix 4- Limitations, Risks or Issues Activity Appendix 5- Benefits Activity Appendix 6- Training and Education Activity Appendix 7- Additional Ideas, Issues, Suggestions or Concerns Appendix 8- Farm Business Incubator Program Concept Plan Page 10 of 20

12 Appendix 1- Vision Tree Activity WHAT DOES THE INCUBATOR FARM SITE LOOK LIKE TO YOU? WHAT INFRASTRUCTURE IS NEEDED? WHO IS WORKING ON THE FARM SITE? WHAT WILL BE PRODUCED ON THE INCUBATOR FARM? WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS? 1. Community oriented. 2. Regulations around protein (will the incubator need a licence for slaughter? Carts?) 3. Shared tools and space to share information with fellow farmers with ½-1 acre per person 4. Organic vegetable farm, with a farmers market, commercial kitchen (with possibility for value added products) 5. Increased cost for longer you use the program incentive to move experienced growers to their own operations 6. A central location & Using satellite lots in the city private city lots in a network of test plots 7. Focus on cash crop best suited for climate. Train new farmers on a variety of crops. Only open crop diversification in 3 rd year. 8. An organic farm run by a cooperative of ecologically-minded & community-minded people moving this region into a new, sustainable direction. Educates, experiments & hosts workshops & community-oriented, food related events. A hub of sustainability. 9. Something similar to Haliburton site. Multiple varieties of products. Information: training. 10. Year-round farmers market. 11. Merging minds of business and farmers minds. 12. Machinery shared for beginning farmers. Access to irrigation/coolers, drying rooms. Meeting w/ others to share progress, ideas, training in specific areas. 13. Revival of Kamloops agriculture roots. High profile community involvement & association. 14. Shared equipment, saves money, booking system with inspection (like a library) to make sharing fair & manage damages. 15. Mentorship: farming, finance, marketing. (*) 16. Value added opportunities. 17. Correction of incubator to existing farmers. 18. School tours: this is where food comes from! Turn kids on. 19. Local product stand on highways. 20. Lobbying and public education/awareness. 21. Site that is easily accessible. 22. At least an acre for each farmer, cooler room, drying room, garlic, and hot pepper. 23. Many incubator farms 7-8 farm units in many areas. 24. Branding, working together as a single brand. 25. Program development with TRU for training/agriculture education & business marketing/development. 26. Local library for knowledge transfer/succession. Please note the quotes contained within this document have not been altered in any way so as to maintain the integrity of public comments received. As a result, there may be some spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in sections containing quotes. Comments which received agreement from multiple participants are indicated by a star (*). Page 11 of 20

13 Appendix 2- Equipment, Infrastructure and Tools Activity WHAT EQUIPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND TOOLS WILL THE INCUBATOR FARM NEED? 1. Rototiller wood chipper (*) 2. Felco clippers (secateurs) 3. Tractor 4. Disc or tiller 5. Irrigation 6. Fuel tank & pump 7. Utility trailer 8. Cold room storage 9. Drying building 10. Good access & roads year round 11. Fences (*) 12. An ecosystem reserve (grassland, forest) for water, soil, biodiversity management 13. Bee hives! (*) 14. A refrigerator & sterilization system for propagating fungi. Healthy soils are made by healthy fungi: 15. Bee keeping equipment 16. Chicken coops 17. Teach to maintain equipment: tractor, truck 18. BCS tractor 19. Irrigation (*) 20. Fencing 21. Shovels, hoes, etc. 22. Bulk buying for plastic mulch, etc. 23. Compost/soil amendment (*) 24. Cold storage (*) 25. Commercial kitchen (*) 26. Drying shed (*) 27. Market space? 28. Irrigation equipment 29. Wood for staking & structures & green houses 30. Rototiller 31. Building for storage of crops & equipment 32. Gloves (rubber at bottom) 33. Rubber boots 34. Organic seeds 35. Contact with TRU s Horticulture Program 36. Tractor with strict instruction & maintenance 37. Irrigation 38. Greenhouse(s) (*) 39. Pots, seed trays, etc 40. Shared house/building for hanging out and cooking & sharing meals in 41. Farm house 42. Cleaning facilities 43. Storage (cold) 44. Sorting Page 12 of 20

14 45. Disposal 46. Bees, honey, hives, mentor 47. Produce processing area 48. Wash area 49. Sorting area 50. Packaging area 51. Lawn mower 52. Weed wacker 53. Composting facility 54. Communications: internet, etc. 55. Also, good neighbours for safety & support (social infrastructure) 56. Onsite energy? - Geo thermal (if there are structures) - Solar - Small scale wind (not everything has to be big turbines) Please note the quotes contained within this document have not been altered in any way so as to maintain the integrity of public comments received. As a result, there may be some spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in sections containing quotes. Comments which received agreement from multiple participants are indicated by a star (*). Page 13 of 20

15 Appendix 3- Types of Mentoring Activity WHAT TYPE OF MENTORING DO YOU THINK IS NEEDED FOR THE FARM BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAM? 1. People who have been through process, have experience. 2. Farmers who have experience with the produce you are trying to grow, etc. (*) 3. Dealing with financial and government institutions. (**) 4. How to make contact with ranchers/farmers who are not computer savvy. (*) 5. Best practices in planting and animal husbandry. (*) 6. Labour-saving techniques. Budgeting, business planning, marketing, governance. 7. Organic and holistic pest and weed management. (**) 8. Zoning and assessment restrictions within city limits. 9. Working with farmers who have experience. Working with institutions who can guide you through planning and navigate legislature and red tape. (*) 10. Permaculture (**) 11. Biodynamic farmers 12. Ecologists/Secwepemc Elders who know what builds healthy ecosystems and how to not harm them. (*) 13. Working with experienced farmers (ie. Goats for dairy and fleece, bee keeping, market vegetables, orchard fruits, grapes, berries, etc.) 14. Product and market demand research. (*) 15. Business skill development (ie. Records, marketing, processing/prep for market, time management & planning) 16. Work or co-op with actual farmers. 17. Pasture pigs, goats, sheep, chickens/poultry by experienced farmers/professionals. 18. Companion planting (*), saving seeds, preserving, acknowledge elders wisdom. 19. Water harvesting, water use & storage 20. Education of children/school visits. (**) 21. Bookkeeping and accounting especially for farms. 22. Soil science, irrigation specialists, mechanics. 23. Involvement with TRU s Horticulture Program 24. Marketing, fostering business relationships Please note the quotes contained within this document have not been altered in any way so as to maintain the integrity of public comments received. As a result, there may be some spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in sections containing quotes. Comments which received agreement from multiple participants are indicated by a star (*). Page 14 of 20

16 Appendix 4- Limitations, Risks or Issues Activity WHAT DO YOU SEE AS LIMITATIONS, RISKS OR ISSUES WITH THE FARM BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAM? 1. Contract Flow through (next steps) farms can t make it out of the incubation Financing regulations Long term sustainability Length Money value (appreciation) equipment & assets & infrastructure market Insurance Contract with participants/mentors check-ups not 9-5 no days off? 2. Land capabilities possibly multiple small Water Soil type plots = diversification 3. Environmental impact interface areas riparian zones 4. Room for creativity 5. Flexibility Room for bad years 6. Public People (neighbours) Effective use of space (city space) Buy in? First Nations partnerships? 7. Government Zoning, permitting, regulations Funding for long term Leveraging all levels Monocrop mortality with fast payback crops versus long term return 8. Cash flow Contingency plans Shortfalls Depreciation/wear on equipment 9. Participant conflict with incubator or other participants Processes Costs ($) Board management/support 10. Management Huge organizational power Page 15 of 20

17 Commitment Money 11. Crop risk Cross contamination Disease 12. Participants What is motivation? Performance measurement? Housing 13. Mentors Engagement Run time commitment Contracts? 14. Marketing Marketing is money Awareness Buy in = prove and show results Economic impact Please note the quotes contained within this document have not been altered in any way so as to maintain the integrity of public comments received. As a result, there may be some spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in sections containing quotes. Comments which received agreement from multiple participants are indicated by a star (*). Page 16 of 20

18 Appendix 5- Benefits Activity WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BENEFITS OF A FARM BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAM? 1. Reducing dependency on foreign imports 2. Economic spinoffs: supplies & tourism 3. Helping farmers establish a plan (*****) 4. Organizing support farming as a business is complicated (**) 5. Mentoring (*****) 6. Bridging the gap between established farmer and new farmer (*) 7. Food security / food sovereignty (****) 8. Building a community: single parent, students, elderly (*****) 9. Successful planning (**) 10. Development a sustainable culture (*) 11. A trial run of farming (****) 12. Farm sitting: one farm covers another nearby farm for ex. 1 week vice versa for a break/emergencies 13. Links with local education & business: schools, TRU, hospital (*) 14. Bringing in a new generation of farmers (**) 15. Food does not come from Safeway! 16. Intergenerational learning 17. Another way to use the land: a network, a way of re-thinking the City 18. to re-connect with land/seasons (solving the nature deprivation problem) 19. Improving the urban/regional ecosystem (*) 20. Peer support 21. Connection to support groups 22. Direct connection between incubator farmers & land owners (*) 23. Succession planning (*) 24. Buy Local Invest Local Eat Local Please note the quotes contained within this document have not been altered in any way so as to maintain the integrity of public comments received. As a result, there may be some spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in sections containing quotes. Comments which received agreement from multiple participants are indicated by a star (*). Page 17 of 20

19 Appendix 6- Training and Education Activity EDUCATING THE FARMERS PARTICIPATING IN THE FARM BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THEIR SUCCESS AND VIABILITY. GROWTH OF THE PROGRAM, DEVELOPING PARTICIPANT CAPACITY TO EARN A LIVELIHOOD AS A FARMER, AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY CAN BE ACHIEVED BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO TRAINING AND EDUCATION. Business Planning (preparation of business goals and plans for reaching them, financial record keeping, accessing land and credit) Whole farm design and management, and sustainable farming practices (creating a whole farm plan, crop rotation, renewable energy resources, water management) Marketing Skills (where and how to sell, contract negotiations, relationships with buyers, advertising methods) Production Planning (what to grow and how, irrigation, bed/field preparation, soil health and cover cropping, nutrient management, plant biology and crop families) Small Livestock Production (pasture management, food safety regulations, animal health, nutrition, slaughter practices) Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling (harvest timing, harvest methods, washing, using potable water, avoiding cross-contamination, processing, packing & preventing damage, storage, food safety) Risk Management (challenges and how to manage them, weed, disease and pest management) 1 Not at all Important 2 Slightly Important 3 Important 4 Fairly Important 5 Very Important No Opinion Equipment Use and Maintenance (proper equipment use, safety, basic knowledge of operation and repairs) Your Big Idea! - Permaculture (*) - Permaculture & Organic Methods (**) - Water Management - Biodynamic Farming Methods (*) - Stop on bus route if location is at TCR - Business Plan = exercise in fantasy, but good exercise - Record keeping is vital - Complete farm model self-sufficient: solar, geothermal, water - Ethnobotany and traditional plant uses by Secwepemc people (******) Please note the quotes contained within this document have not been altered in any way so as to maintain the integrity of public comments received. As a result, there may be some spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in sections containing quotes. Comments which received agreement from multiple participants are indicated by a star (*). Page 18 of 20

20 Appendix 7- Additional Ideas, Issues, Suggestions or Concerns 1. I have some experience & some equipment. I ve been a lawyer, a mediator and could be a mentor. Also an investor. 2. Option for farm management for farmers with land but don t want to be/have time to be landlords. So similar to property management companies in regards to real estate. 3. Getting the information to people/communities across Canada. 4. Prevent duplication of info central database. 5. Curriculum in elementary schools. Outdoor classrooms ex. South Broadview in Salmon Arm 6. Competing demand for land use (resource exaction, housing, etc.) 7. Higher level land use policy and regulations. (eg. Mining Act vs ALC Act) 8. Availability of housing/accommodation 9. Concern: competition w/ other growers (subsidies, unfair competition) 10. Opportunity for public education RE: food production (for public as well as farmers) 11. Opportunity for crop diversification 12. Challenge transition to being able to live on the land from incubator > co-op > long term farm/living situation > potential community living situation 13. Concern w/ pesticide usage would like to be organic and sustainable 14. Opportunity for partnership w/ TRU Please note the quotes contained within this document have not been altered in any way so as to maintain the integrity of public comments received. As a result, there may be some spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in sections containing quotes. Comments which received agreement from multiple participants are indicated by a star (*). Page 19 of 20

21 ~0.41 ha ~0.42 ha ~0.42 ha ~0.42 ha ~0.42 ha Second Farm Building ~200 m2 ~0.67 ha ~0.47 ha 24/08/2015 1:9,000 Development & Engineering Services Dept. Appendix 8- Farm Business Incubator Program Concept Plan Common Lot ~0.5 ha Farm Building ~450 m2 ~0.41 ha 500 Meters Page 20 of 20