Welcome ACARNs two new team members! | Yussuf Adedeji as Project Coordinator! Yussuf brings a background in agriculture, research, and extension to his work in climate knowledge mobilization. His interest lies in the practical journey of evidence: how it is translated, communicated, and used by producers, communities, and decision-makers. Having worked across agricultural and learning contexts, he is especially attentive to the gap that can exist between research findings and the realities of implementation on the ground. At ACARN, Yussuf supports the development of knowledge products and learning opportunities that make climate adaptation knowledge more accessible and actionable. His work is guided by an interest in regenerative agriculture, resilient food systems, and approaches that respond to both environmental change and community needs. He holds a Master of Arts in Environmental Management from Royal Roads University, where his research on organic and regenerative agriculture in BC was recognized with the Sustainability Bridge Award. | | Zeinab Salenhiankia as Communications Assistant! Zeinab brings expertise in environmental science, plant biology, climate communication, and community engagement to her work in knowledge mobilization. Her interest lies in making climate research more accessible, and connected to the communities it is meant to support. Having worked across research, non-profit, and community organizing spaces, she is especially drawn to the role of storytelling, relationship-building, and plain-language communication in moving ideas into action. At ACARN, Zeinab supports the development and delivery of communications and knowledge-sharing activities. Zeinab holds a Master of Environmental Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a B.Sc. in Plant Biology from Shahid Beheshti University in Iran. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new foods and cultures, hiking local trails, and listening to people’s stories. | | Mark you calendar! ACARN is excited to announce the Pathways to Practice: Careers and Skills for Agriculture Extension event in BC on November 28, 2026. The one-day professional development conference focuses on careers in agri-extension. Designed for students, early-career professionals, researchers, agrologists, consultants, industry representatives, and others interested in connecting research with practice, the event will explore the skills, opportunities, and career pathways for shaping agricultural extension in British Columbia. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, participants will gain practical insights from experienced professionals and build valuable connections across the sector. The day will conclude with a networking reception to connect employers, mentors, and peers from across BC's agriculture community. Stay tuned for event details and registration information! | Join our network directory! Collaboration is at the heart of ACARN’s mission. We build a smarter network directory by mapping our members’ climate expertise and interests. Whether you’re seeking research collaborations, sharing climate solutions, or following ACARN’s programs, our goal is to connect you with the right people to mobilize your climate action. The directory is not public. It’s thoughtfully stewarded by ACARN and used to connect members whose expertise and interests align. Join the directory or update your profile to help us build a strong, more responsive network. Join the Network Directory | Network events calendar BC’s agri-food sector is full of learning and networking opportunities, and now you can find them all in one place using ACARN'S community events calendar! We gather events from agrologists, researchers, producers, and other partners into a hub, so you can quickly find what’s coming up and get involved! Have an event to share? Add it to the calendar using this submission form! | Call for research briefs! Want your research in the hands of producers? Share a recent peer-reviewed publication with us, and we’ll translate it into an accessible research brief and feature it on BC Food Web. Each brief translates your methods and findings into an accessible summary with clear, actionable takeaways for policy and practice. We feature diverse research from across the agri-food sector, from livestock grazing management to cover cropping. Scroll down to see out latest briefs! Contact info@bcacarn.ca with the citation of your publication(s) and we’ll follow up to schedule a time to discuss how we can feature it. | This spring, ACARN partnered with the SoilRes3 Lab at UBC and BC Dairy to explore an innovative approach to improving nutrient management and soil health in BC farming systems: manure-charged biochar. Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by heating organic matter in a low-oxygen environment. Its porous structure can help retain water and nutrients, and store carbon in soils over the long term. When "charged" with dairy manure before application, biochar may act as a slow-release nutrient source, helping reduce nutrient losses, improve crop access to nutrients, and make better use of existing manure resources. Researchers at UBC are currently investigating this potential through field trials on the Sunshine Coast and a demonstration project in Abbotsford. Alongside evaluating agronomic benefits, the project is examining practical considerations such as costs, adoption barriers, and opportunities to ensure the approach is both relevant and feasible for BC producers. Visit the project webpage to explore the research, watch the webinar recording, and discover opportunities to get involved! Farmers interested in participating in future trials are encouraged to contact the research team and complete the survey. Your input will help guide the development of practical biochar solutions for BC farming systems. | New growing season, new insights! Dive into BC Food Web's newest research briefs. These short, easy‑to‑read summaries break down recent findings from across the agri‑food sector, giving you actionable insights to support a more sustainable food system. | Key findings: Researchers identified some dwarfing and semi-dwarfing rootstocks with disease resistance and extreme temperature tolerance that can produce similar or higher yield than M9. | | Key findings: Applying the right kinds of nitrogen at the right rate, place, and time is key to reducing emissions and financials losses. | | Fair Finance Fund Expands to BC | Open Summer Intake Fair Finance Fund has officially expanded into British Columbia, bringing its flexible financing model to food and farm businesses beyond Ontario. The expansion begins with its first BC investment in the LocalMotive Food Innovation & Distribution Hub, helping strengthen regional food infrastructure and support local producers. Applications for Fair Finance Fund's Summer Loan Intake will be open July 7 – August 15, with eligible food and farm enterprises in Ontario and British Columbia invited to apply. The Fund offers flexible loans of $20,000–$200,000, along with mentorship, to businesses building stronger local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and resilient local economies. SHRRC Connection Grants: 2026 Competition Applications are now open for Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative (SARI) Connection Grants. Offered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) in partnership with NSERC and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, this funding opportunity supports events and outreach activities that bring together researchers, producers, and partners to address sustainable agriculture and food system challenges. Applications are due August 4, 2026. By funding workshops, forums, and other knowledge-sharing activities, SARI Connection Grants foster cross-sector collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and help advance practical solutions for a resilient, low-carbon agri-food system. Visit the link to learn more and apply. Clean Agri-Tech Accelerate (CATA) Program The Clean Agri-tech Accelerator (CATA) Program is accepting Letters of Intent until August 19, 2026. The program provides non-repayable, project-based funding to Canadian businesses in the agri-food and agri-technology sectors developing solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve sustainability, and support Canada's environmental goals. Eligible projects may receive matching contributions of up to $200,000. Visit the Bioenterprise website to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply. Canadian Agri-food & Rural Advisory, Extension, and Education (CAREE) Journal | Call for papers The Canadian Agri-food & Rural Advisory, Extension and Education (CAREE) Journal is inviting submissions for upcoming issues. As an open-access, peer-reviewed journal, CAREE focuses on topics including agricultural extension, advisory services, knowledge mobilization, communication, and rural innovation. The journal welcomes both research and practice-based contributions that explore how knowledge is created, shared, and applied across food and farming systems. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the CAREE Journal aims to advance dialogue, support innovation, and foster more effective approaches to learning, collaboration, and change in agricultural and rural communities. | Adapting to Change: A Free Webinar on Drought, Costs, and Farm Resilience (July 16, 2026) Join Agrotek Industries on July 16, 2026 (10:00–11:00 a.m. PT) for the first webinar in a series focused on how agriculture is adapting to rising input costs, drought conditions, and growing uncertainty. The series brings together producers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders to exchange practical insights and real-world experiences. Participants will explore strategies for building more resilient farming systems and responding to ongoing climate and economic challenges. Learn more and register through the link. Cover Cropping for Orchard Soil Health: A Virtual Field Day at Little Dog Farm (July 29, 2026) Join FarmFolk CityFolk on July 29 at 6:30 PM to explore how cover cropping and soil-building practices can contribute to healthier, more resilient orchard systems.
Gain practical insights from Little Dog Farm stewards Cathy and Ian Finley, and regenerative soil and living compost specialist Jo Tobias of RootShoot Soils. Visit the link for details and registration. This event is funded, in part, by the Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (CAF). Funding for CAF has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund. Water Management for a Mediterranean Climate Workshop (August 14-17, 2026) TreeEater Farm is hosting a hands-on workshop on water management from August 14–17, 2026, on Denman Island, BC. Participants will explore practical approaches such as water storage, irrigation design, and soil-based strategies to better manage seasonal water availability. This workshop aims to support growers and land stewards in developing locally adapted, climate-resilient practices. Through on‑farm learning and peer exchange, it offers an opportunity to connect knowledge with practice and strengthen approaches to long-term water stewardship and food system resilience in BC. The Need for a Right to Food Approach (August 20, 2026) Join the BC Institute of Agrologists on August 20, 2026 for an online session exploring a right-to-food approach through farmer-identified solutions to reduce and prevent food loss in Southwest B.C. By centering farmer knowledge and real-world experience, the session will foster dialogue on food security, systems change, and practical solutions for building more resilient and responsive food systems in British Columbia. Visit their webpage to learn more and register. Cultivating Resilience Summit (October 26-27, 2026) The Cultivating Resilience Summit is returning for another year! Hosted by the Agricultural Genomics Action Centre, this event will take place in Calgary on October 26–27, 2026. This year's program will focus on the role of rangelands and pastoral systems in supporting sustainable food systems in Canada. Early-bird registration is now open and closes on August 15. Submissions for posters, infographics, and lightening talks are also open until August 31. Showcase your work, ideas, and innovations at this pan-Canadian event and connect with researchers, producers, industry professionals, and policymakers from across the country. Visit the link for additional details, event registration, and submissions. | New National Food Security Strategy The Government of Canada has released its National Food Security Strategy, a roadmap aimed at making food more affordable, strengthening domestic food production and processing, and reducing Canada’s reliance on imported food. Built around the themes of “More Choice. More Control. More Canada,” the strategy identifies key vulnerabilities in the food system and outlines new initiatives to improve competition, expand food processing capacity, support year-round production, and enhance food security for Canadians. | | Five actions to unlock Canada's digital agri-food potential Canada's agri-food sector is increasingly relying on digital technologies to improve productivity, resilience, and competitiveness, but progress is being slowed by challenges such as limited connectivity, skills gaps, and fragmented digital systems. The report calls for stronger collaboration to accelerate adoption and scale digital solutions across the agri-food value chain. It also identifies five priority actions to help build a more connected, inclusive, and implementation-ready digital agriculture sector in Canada. | | Youth leading the way in agrology Young people are helping strengthen data sovereignty in agroecology by developing and promoting community-owned digital tools that reflect farmers' needs and priorities. Drawing on examples such as LiteFarm and other grassroots initiatives, the article highlights how youth can bridge technology and farming while supporting farmer control over data and digital infrastructure. The piece also explores barriers facing young people, including limited access to training, funding, and decision-making power. | | A LiteFarm experience: A pan-Africa co-design workshop on community-owned digital futures LiteFarm shares insights from a Pan‑African co‑design workshop that brought together farmers, researchers, and technologists to explore community‑owned digital futures for agriculture. The piece highlights how collaborative, locally grounded approaches can shape digital tools that reflect farmer needs, strengthen knowledge sharing, and support more equitable and resilient food systems. | | Farmland Access Challenges in Canada and the Case of BC Farmland Trust This new white paper from the BC Agriculture Council explores how a provincial farmland trust could help keep agricultural land in production, improve access for new and next-generation farmers, and support farm succession. It also outlines the legal, policy, and tax changes needed to make the model work at scale, offering a timely perspective on the future of farmland access and food security in British Columbia. | | | | | |
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