.png) Pathways to Practice: Careers and Skills for Agriculture Extension
ACARN is hosting Pathways to Practice: Careers and Skills for Agriculture Extension on November 28, 2026 . This one-day professional development conference will bring together students, early-career professionals, researchers, agrologists, consultants, industry representatives, and others interested in strengthening agricultural extensions in BC. Through key presentation notes, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, participants will hear directly from professionals working across different areas of agricultural extension and explore the skills, experiences, and career pathways that connect research with practice. Sessions will also highlight practical aspects of extension work, including producer engagement, knowledge mobilization, facilitation, communication, and building effective relationships across the agriculture sector. Visit the event pagefor event details and registration. | Cultivating Resilience 2026 — Advancing Climate-Smart Agri-Food ACARN is co-hosting the Cultivating Resilience Summit on October 26–27, 2026 at the University of Calgary Downtown Campus, alongside the Agricultural Genomics Action Center (AG-ACt). The summit will bring together researchers, industry leaders, practitioners, and other partners to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and explore practical approaches to building more resilient agri-food systems. This year's summit will highlight the role of rangelands and pastoral systems in climate resilience, biodiversity, food security, and sustainable agriculture, while creating space for cross-sector discussion and collaboration. Curious about what emerged from last year's summit and why we are excited for this year? Explore key learnings from Cultivating Resilience 2025 to revisit the conversations, ideas, and insights that helped shape this year's event. | Summer Conferences Report Canadian agriculture doesn't have a research problem. It has an implementation problem . This summer, BC ACARN Manager Love-Ese Chile, PhD traveled across Canada to attend agriculture conferences, connect with people across the sector, and reflect on what helps move research into action. One message came through clearly: our greatest value is not necessarily generating more reports, but strengthening the systems that connect research, farmers, industry, and decision-makers. Key takeaway: Relationships and trust are increasingly being recognized as critical infrastructure for agricultural innovation, climate adaptation, and research adoption. Read the reports from the four conferences on BC ACARN website . | Stay Connected with ACARN Momentum 
We've launched Momentum, an exclusive update for members of the ACARN Network Directory Between seasonal editions of Sow What's New?, we'll share timely opportunities and insights from across the agricultural climate community, including professional development opportunities, event discounts, research collaborations, career postings, and invitations to participate in research. We'll also summarize key learnings from conferences, webinars, and events so you can benefit from important conversations, even if you couldn't wait. Joining the ACARN Network Directory also helps us connect you with people and opportunities that match your expertise and interests. Members may also have their research, projects, and initiatives featured through ACARN's newsletter and social media channels, helping increase visibility and build connections across BC's agriculture and research community. The directory is not public. It's thoughtfully stewarded by ACARN and used to connect members whose expertise and interests align. Know someone who should be part of the ACARN network? The best opportunities are shared. Invite colleagues working in agricultural climate research, extension, industry, or policy to join the ACARN Network Directory. Join the directory or update your profile to help us build a strong, more responsive network. Join the Network Directory | 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. | 30 Agricultural BMPs for Climate Mitigation in BC (2026 ) Dr. Sean Smukler, Chair of ACARN and lead of UBC's Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes Lab, recently led a study for the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food examining how farm management practices could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the province. The research reviewed 183 on-farm practices and identified 30 Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) with the strongest evidence for reducing emissions while also supporting farm resilience, productivity, and environmental sustainability. The study found that 19 of these practices could be used together without canceling out their benefits , creating opportunities to stack changes across farming systems. Examples include rotational grazing, improved nutrient and manure management, changes to cropping systems, and shifting farm equipment away from fossil fuels. The findings are presented in two companion reports that also identify research gaps and areas where further evidence is needed. Explore the Agricultural GHG Studies to read the reports and learn more about how these practices could contribute to BC's climate goals and inform future research, programs, and policy. | 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 finding: Fruit pomaces contain nutrients and beneficial plant compounds that may support their use in broiler diets, but their nutritional value varies by fruit type and they are better suited as supplemental feed ingredients. | | Key finding: Wildfire smoke does not always lead to smoke taint in grapes, and there is no single prevention or treatment method; test fermentations and a combination of vineyard and winemaking strategies are important for assessing and managing risk. | | Key finding: Black winter tarps can help retain soil nitrate and moisture over winter, but their effects on soil conditions and crop performance vary by site and management context. | | Abbotsford Agricultural Enhancement Grant – Fall 2026 Stream The Abbotsford Agricultural Enhancement Grant supports local farms and food processing facilities working on projects that can strengthen Abbotsford's agricultural sector. The Fall 2026 stream is open to farmers, producers, and processors based in Abbotsford who are partnering with a research institution so that project knowledge can be shared more broadly. Applications for the Fall 2026 intake will be open October 5 – November 23, with eligible Abbotsford farmers, producers, and processors invited to apply. Eligible projects can receive matching grants of up to $50,000. The program supports work in crop diversification, agricultural innovation, and entrepreneurial farm practices. Watershed Security Funds Grant Program Applications for the Watershed Security Fund Grants Program will be open October 5 – November 10, 2026. The program supports projects and initiatives that strengthen watershed health and resilience across British Columbia, with an emphasis on collaboration, reconciliation, and long-term stewardship. Funding is available through three streams, with grants of up to $50,000, $150,000, or $400,000 depending on project scale and readiness . Relevant themes include monitoring and assessment, land- and water-based learning, and projects connecting watersheds and food systems. Visit the link to review the application guide and eligibility requirements. AgriScience Program – Funding for Agricultural Research and Knowledge Transfer The AgriScience Program is currently accepting applications until funding is fully committed . Delivered under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the program supports pre-commercial applied research and development that addresses challenges and accelerates innovation across Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. Priority areas include climate change and the environment, economic growth, and sector resilience. Projects may receive up to $5 million in funding, with eligible not-for-profit organizations able to receive up to 70% support for projects focused on greenhouse gas reduction or carbon sequestration. The program also supports collaborative research involving AAFC scientists and industry partners. Visit the program page to review eligibility requirements and application details. BC Parks Living Lab for Climate Change & Conservation Program Applications are now open for the BC Parks Living Lab for Climate Change & Conservation Program, with applications due November 1, 2026 . The program supports climate-informed research in BC's parks and protected areas, helping researchers better understand climate change impacts and how these areas can be managed to adapt and reduce risks. Eligible projects may receive $10,000 to $30,000 in funding . Lead applicants must be professors at a public post-secondary institution in BC, with partnerships involving other organizations or individuals encouraged. Visit the link to review the research priorities, eligibility requirements, and application details. Fish and Wild life Compensation Program – BC Hydro The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program is offering funding for conservation and restoration projects across BC's Coastal, Columbia, and Peace regions. Supported by BC Hydro, the program funds work that helps conserve and enhance fish, wildlife, and habitats affected by hydroelectric development. Applications are due November 2, 2026. Projects must align with regional action plans and other conservation priorities. Visit the program page to explore regional funding priorities, eligibility requirements, and application guidance . Genome BC - GeneSolve Program Genome BC's GeneSolve Program is accepting Expressions of Interest until November 13, 2026. The program supports collaborative research that applies genomics to practical challenges across key BC sectors, including agriculture and agri-food. Projects must bring together a BC academic or research partner and a sector partner that can help move the research toward implementation or use. Eligible projects may receive up to $250,000 from Genome BC, with at least a 1:1 matching contribution from the sector partner. Projects can run for 6 to 24 months. Visit the program page to review eligibility requirements, and application details. | Smarter Farm Planning with LiteFarm Webinar (October 21, 2026) Join ACARN on October 21, 2026 for Smarter Farm Planning with LiteFarm, a practical webinar introducing LiteFarm, a free farm management platform designed for sustainable farms. The session will show how LiteFarm can support crop planning, record keeping, soil management, and day-to-day farm operations while keeping farmers in control of their data. It will also introduce the new Agroecology & Climate Resilience Assessment being piloted in BC, which gives participating producers personalized insights into their farm's strengths and opportunities while contributing to research on more resilient farming systems. Visit the event page for webinar details and registration. A Cross-sectional Approach to Extension and Advisory Services in Canada (October 14, 2026) Join the Canadian Agri-food & Rural Advisory, Extension and Education (CAREE) Journal on October 14 for a national discussion on how agricultural extension and advisory services are delivered across Canada. The session will bring together perspectives from different regions and sectors to explore how extension is organized, where gaps remain, and how stronger collaboration can improve knowledge sharing between researchers, industry, and producers. It offers an opportunity to better understand the changing extension landscape and the approaches being used to connect agricultural research with practice. North Okanagan Region 2026 On-Farm Composting Workshop and Field Day (October 15, 2026) The North Okanagan Region 2026 On-Farm Composting Workshop and Field Day will take place on October 15, 2026, at Smith Family Farm in Vernon. Hosted by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food and McDougall Environmental Consulting Inc., the event will focus on practical approaches to on-farm composting for small-scale producers. Participants will explore composting science, pile design and siting, soil testing, nutrient application, regulatory considerations, and how compost can support soil health and fertility while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Visit the Eventbrite page to learn more and register . Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers National Event (November 25–28, 2026) Vancouver will host Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers National Event from November 25–28, bringing this year's honorees and agricultural community together for A Taste of BC. The four-day program will spotlight the people, farms, and products that make BC agriculture distinctive, with behind-the-scenes farm visits and local food experiences woven throughout the event. The national event also recognizes young farmers whose leadership, innovation, and stewardship are helping shape the future of Canadian agriculture. Pacific Agriculture show (January 21–23, 2027) The Pacific Agriculture Show returns to Tradex in Abbotsford from January 21–23, 2027, bringing together farmers, researchers, agri-businesses, and industry professionals from across BC. The three-day event will feature agricultural equipment, technologies, products, and services, alongside conferences and learning sessions covering horticulture, dairy, regenerative agriculture, agri-innovation, and other emerging issues in the sector. It also provides a strong opportunity to connect with producers and industry partners and learn about new tools and practices being used across BC agriculture. To see more community events, check out the new ACARN Calendar ! | New Report Finds Growing Financial Pressures Threaten the Long-Term Viability of BC's Farms A new University of the Fraser Valley report examines the financial health of British Columbia's commercial agricultural sector and finds growing pressure from high land, labor, feed, financing, and other production costs. While BC's commercial farms continue to generate positive operating income, the report points to declining financial resilience, rapidly increasing farm debt, and particular challenges facing mid-sized farms with annual revenues between $500,000 and $2 million. | | Value-added in Canada: The Food and Beverage Manufacturing Opportunity Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector has strong production capacity, but much of its economic potential depends on capturing more value from what it produces. CAPI's 2026 Value Added Report explores how greater investment, innovation, processing, and commercialization can help Canada move beyond exporting primarily raw commodities and create more economic value within the country. The report also looks at the policy and business conditions needed to strengthen competitiveness, reduce risk, and create new opportunities for producers and the broader agri-food sector. | | The Halifax Statement: Priorities for Canada's Next Agricultural Framework The Halifax Statement outlines what federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers want Canada's next agricultural policy framework to prioritize as governments prepare for the period beyond the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It highlights productivity and competitiveness, market diversification, science and research capacity, and sustainable resource management, while emphasizing partnerships as central to the future of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. | | The Next Framework is Coming – What Should Agriculture Expect? In this CAPI and RealAgriculture Ag Policy Exchange, sector leaders and policy experts discuss what should shape Canada's next agricultural policy framework as governments look beyond the current Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The discussion focuses on priorities such as productivity growth, innovation and technology adoption, trade and competitiveness, and food-system resilience, while considering how the next framework can better position Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector for long-term success . | | Science in Canada Agriculture and the Closure of Research Centers A 2026 report from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food examines the impacts of proposed federal agricultural research center closures on Canada's research capacity. The report looks at implications for soil health, forage crops, livestock, seeds, regional research access, and continuity of long-term agricultural studies. The committee recommends stronger protection of public agricultural research, greater collaboration between governments, universities, industry, and producers, and making science and innovation a central priority in the next agricultural policy framework. | | | | | |
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