SOUTH ISLAND FARMERS INSTITUTE Presentation
Presentation slides covering the history, mission, membership, and recent activities of the South Island Farmers Institute.
SOUTH ISLAND FARMERS INSTITUTE
Established July 2023
South Saanich Farmers Institute 1903- 1939
WHO WE ARE
The South Island Farmers Institute is a membership-driven organization that works to improve agricultural land stewardship and food security.
We represent a dynamic group of growers, producers, and agricultural supporters.
We are a local Institute founded and governed by farmers, for farmers and community members who support agriculture.
WHO WE ARE
PROUDLY REPRESENTING FOOD, FUEL, FIBER AND FLORAL PRODUCERS
MEMBERSHIP
As of January 2025 we have 71 Farmer Members and 28 Agricultural sector supporters
Who are our Farmers?
- 0.5 – 100 acres
- new entrant – lifetime
- Certified organic – conventional
- land owning – land leasing
- landless farmers
- farm workers
- learners and mentors
Who are our Friends?
- eaters
- food security organizations
- food sovereignty organizations
- businesses who buy from farmers
- businesses who sell to farmers
- landowners who provide land access
- farmers markets
WHAT WE DO
We commit to supporting and celebrating our members success in their agricultural pursuits. South Island farmers are valuable contributors to the social, economic and environmental fabric of the South Island's long term prosperity.
We promote farming in the region through education, innovation, research and collaboration.
PARTNERSHIPS
SIFI was incorporated with the support of the Peninsula and Area Agriculture Commission under the Farmers and Women’s Institute Act
Community Partners
- SPEC BC
- Haliburton Farm
- Shift Solar
- FarmFolk CityFolk
THE FIRST 18 MONTHS
Executed 24 learning events
The Sustainer Series
Celebrating our communities Sustaining Farmers
Innovation Series
Field Days featuring local farm innovation
Business Series
Supporting economic success through local mentors
Farmer to Farmer
A week long winter school for Farmers including field days, hands-on workshops and a full day conference, facilitated by local experts
THE SUSTAINERS SERIES
This monthly event series celebrates and showcases the history, successes and challenges of sustaining farms and Farmers and addresses topics of regional concern.
John and Lorraine Buchanan Parry Bay Sheep Farm, Metchosin
Regional Concerns
- Land access
- Labour
- Canada goose control
- Knowledge access
- Distribution
THE INNOVATION SERIES
This series features on-farm field days showcasing local production innovation in the spring, summer and fall.
Applied Bio-Nomics, North Saanich
On Farm Field Days
- Land-scaled cultivation
- Biological pest management
- Plant sciences technology
- Agro-ecological practices
THE BUSINESS SERIES
This winter series features local farm business experts mentoring essential skills.
How to decode your soil test at the Saanich Fairgrounds
Business Foundations
- Structure
- CRA
- Insurance
- Pivoting your business during an extreme climate event
- Labour and employment
- Emergency preparedness
FARMER TO FARMER
A full week conference filled with field days and one indoor conference day led by local experts
FARMER TO FARMER FIELD DAYS
features skill and knowledge building, peer learning and hands-on practice.
Field Days Include
- Understanding South Island Soils
- Grafting Tomatoes, Cukes and Melons
- Understanding Your Soil Lab Results
- Integrated Pest Management
- Water Wise Irrigation Strategies
- Maintaining the Health of Your Livestock
- Irrigation Ponds and Dug-outs
- Machine Maintenance
- Farm Water Management
- Post Harvest Handling
- Greenhouse Design and Management
- Farm Systems
Small Scale Solar for Unserviced Farms
FARMER TO FARMER CONFERENCE
The Farmer to Farmer Conference Day is a full day immersion into hands-on workshops, presentations and panels, addressing the needs of our farmers. It is a day of knowledge building, networking and collaboration.
In the past two years, the conference has included:
- Municipal Plenary Presentations
- Lunch Roundtables
- Community Networking
- Workshops
- Lectures
- Exhibitors
- FireSmart Presentations
- Awards
- Panels
- Demonstrations
- Collaborative Initiatives Brainstorming
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2025?
- Tool Share Network – John Pendray Bequest
- Bulk Purchasing Network
- Expanding Member Benefits
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT?
Direct Funding allows the South Island Farmers Institute to operate independently, utilizing South Island experts to raise the capacity of our industry as a whole. We are able to run programming that fits our regional context within timelines that are appropriate for our local producers
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT?
other things to consider
- DOES YOUR MUNICIPALITY HAVE A LOCAL PROCUREMENT POLICY?
- HOW MANY OF YOUR RESIDENTS EAT?
Market crates filled with fresh green beans and cucumbers - IS YOUR MUNICIPALITY REDUCING BARRIERS TO AGRICULTURE?
A flat lay of various farm-fresh produce including potatoes, onions, eggs, cabbage, and broccoli - IS YOUR FALLOW LAND IN PRODUCTION?
A collection of various vegetables including a pumpkin, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a jar of "Pickle & Ponder" brand pickled beets - DOES YOUR MUNICIPALITY HAVE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTION?
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