New Community Events Calendar BC's agri-food sector is full of learning and networking opporunities, 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! | Recruiting for ACARN's Program Advisory Group (PAG) ACARN is recruiting for our new Program Advisory Group (PAG). The PAG is made up of ACARN members who bring perspectives from across key parts of the agricultural system, including agricultural programming and policy, agri‑tech and agricultural consulting, Indigenous communities, producers, and local and municipal governments. PAG members play an important role in helping guide ACARN’s program planning and identifying emerging priorities for the network. PAG members support ACARN’s research and extension work by: To learn more about the role of the Program Advisory Group, check out the updated ACARN Terms of Reference! Interested in getting involved? Contact the Network Manager at info@bcacarn.ca with a brief description of your background, expertise, and interest. | Join our network directory! Collaboration is at the heart of ACARN’s mission. We have built a smarter network directory by mapping climate expertise and interests across the province. 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 | Call for new research! Want your agricultural 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. | Dry farming field day at the Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture, North Saanich, BC. Photo by Michael Robinson. | The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is working with BC farmers to build local capacity for dry farming—growing crops with little or no supplemental irrigation. This approach relies on practices such as mulching, careful weed management, wider plant spacing, and drought‑tolerant varieties to conserve soil moisture through the growing season. In 2025, ISFS established dry farming demonstration sites on Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island, where farmers successfully grew tomatoes, squash, and dry beans without irrigation. Soil moisture sensors confirmed suitable conditions, and yields met or exceeded those reported in similar Pacific Northwest trials. Differences across sites and crops point to the importance of continued place‑based research. Next steps for this work include exploring the economic costs and benefits of dry‑farmed versus irrigated production, fertility management under dry‑farming conditions, and region‑specific guidelines to improve soil moisture conservation. To learn more, explore the Dry Farming Vancouver and Gulf Islands Extension Guide, read findings from the Farmer Dialogue on Drought, and stay connected through the Pacific Coastal Dry Farming Collaborative Newsletter for upcoming workshops and field days. | Dive into the newest BC Food Web 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: Dry matter is the best indicator of sweet cherry flavour other than colour. | | Key findings: Managing leafhoppers requires multiple complementary strategies. | | Key findings: Reflective groundcover and netting can reduce sunburn and improve colour. | | New CAREE Journal (University of Guelph) The Canadian Agri‑food & Rural Advisory, Extension and Education (CAREE) Journal, recently launched by the University of Guelph, is an open‑access, peer‑reviewed journal that promotes the exchange of knowledge and innovation in agricultural and rural extension, advisory services, communication, knowledge mobilization, and development studies. The journal invites both critical and applied research that explores how people, knowledge, and systems interact to drive change in agri‑food and rural contexts. By welcoming contributions from both academic and practitioner perspectives, the CAREE Journal provides space for work that challenges conventional approaches and introduces new tools, frameworks, and narratives in support of more equitable, adaptive, and sustainable rural futures. Climate Foresight Program | Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) is inviting proposals from researchers to lead multidisciplinary conversations on emerging climate challenges and solutions. Successful applicants will receive up to $30,000 to design and host a multi‑day, retreat‑style dialogue taking place this fall. This program is intended to bring together diverse perspectives and help shape forward‑looking climate solutions, particularly for topics that are under-researched and complex. The application deadline is May 10, 2026. More details and application information are available on the PICS website. Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP) helps organizations deliver training and learning activities for agricultural producers and food processors in British Columbia. Up to 75% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $7,500 per application Applications open: March 4, 2026 BC Peace Agriculture Fund | Farming Infrastructure The BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund opened its 2026 intake cycle! This program provides funding for agricultural events and education initiatives, farming infrastructure, and research and demonstration projects. Click the link to learn more about how this funding can support your work.
Intake 2 closes: July 2, 2026
| Research Impact Training Series: What is Research Impact? (April 15, 9AM) Research impact can often feel intangible - but it doesn't have to be. This webinar makes impact accessible, practical, and achievable for researchers at any stage. During this session, you’ll explore three powerful levers for impact: -
Mechanism: Define the change your research is working toward and how it can happen. -
People: Identifying your audience and how to reach them is foundational to everything that follows. -
Framework: Map your pathway to impact in a way that supports both strategic planning and credible evaluation. Who's growing Food Sovereignty in Canada? A Learning Circle Series (April 15 - May 13) How do we build more food sovereign communities? This series brings together visionary changemakers in our food movement from farmers, researchers, policy experts to grassroots activists. This series will explore the history, politics, and practices that support food sovereignty on the ground. Workshop 1 — Planting the Seeds: Introducing Food Sovereignty in Canada Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 12:00–2:00 PM ET Workshop 2 — Growing Food Sovereignty: Policy, Trade, and Fair Work Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 12:00–2:00 PM ET Workshop 3 — Food Sovereignty from the Ground Up Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 12:00–2:00 PM ET Biochar Webinar (May 7, 12PM) Biochar is gaining interest as a tool to improve soil performance, manage nutrients, and make better use of on‑farm resources. This upcoming webinar will explore how activated (or “charged”) biochar made from dairy manure is being researched and applied in dairy and mixed farming systems. Speakers will share practical insights on how biochar works, what current research is showing, and what farmers should consider if they’re interested in on‑farm demonstrations or trials. If you’re interested in manure management, soil health, or applied research collaborations, this session is for you! BC Agriculture Forum (June 24-25) This two‑day event brings together farmers, ranchers, government representatives, researchers, and industry partners to engage in meaningful dialogue on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in British Columbia. The Forum will feature on‑farm tours and a welcome reception on day one, followed by a policy‑focused conference, keynote speakers, and collaborative roundtable discussions on day two. Learn more and register by visiting the event website. To see more community events, check out ACARN's new calendar! ACARN Events Calendar | Policy Brief: Agriculture R&D through a critical infrasture lens For decades, public agricultural research in Canada helped build the sector we know today. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s network of research centres, satellite farms and labs, along with provincial institutions and universities, underpinned much of the innovation that farmers now see as standard. Over time, that foundation has thinned out. AAFC’s total spending on agricultural R&D has fallen, and the composition has shifted away from the infrastructure and operating budgets that keep research sites functional. | | A New National Freshwater Science Agenda Canada released a new National Freshwater Science Agenda to guide freshwater research priorities over the next decade. Developed with input from more than 800 experts and Indigenous Knowledge Holders, it outlines shared priorities such as water availability, pollution, ecosystem resilience, and the integration of Western and Indigenous science. Read the Government of Canadas press release for more information. | | A New National Strategy for Soil Health A National Strategy for Soil Health (Bill S‑230) was introduced in March 2026. Informed by the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry’s Critical Ground report, the strategy outlines a coordinated approach to protecting, conserving, and enhancing Canada’s soils. Read the Government of Canada's press release, or access the bill directly for full details. | | BC's new Plant and Animal Health Centre BC purchased a 40‑acre property in Abbotsford to build a new Plant and Animal Health Centre. The new centre will provide various services to producers and other members of the agri-food sector, including diagnostics to help monitor and manage plant and animal diseases. Read the latest provincial announcement for more details, and stay tuned for updates as the project progresses. | | | | | |
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