PAS kicks off

The province’s largest agricultural trade show kicks off this week, as the Pacific Agriculture Show celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Tradex in Abbotsford on January 26-28.

Registrations for the rebranded Regenerative Agriculture and Growers Short Course indicate strong attendance this year that will push Tradex – now under new management – to the max.

Organizers told participants to expect “a really full event” when the show kicks off January 26. The trade show floor will be full, and the province’s role as lead organizer has seen admission to all parts of the event lowered to just $15 per person.

“Tradex has assured us there are adequate food service options for attendees,” organizers reported last week, with food trucks adding an element of excitement to the standard fare.

Running concurrent with the trade show, the short course marks its 65th anniversary this year. It will kick off with sessions on regenerative agriculture, agritech and greenhouse and vegetable production on January 26.

Raspberries and strawberries will also feature on the first day, followed by all-berry sessions on Friday and blueberries on Saturday.

Sessions on January 27 focus on potatoes, field vegetables, hazelnuts and cannabis, as well as spotlights on the province’s Feed BC initiatives, including Every Chef Needs a Farmer.

Direct marketing, organics and hops production dominate Saturday, alongside blueberries.

Saturday is often prime time for families to attend and learn more about local farms. Displays include an expanded petting zoo where kids can get up close and personal with their farm friends.

Due to the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, live poultry will not be present as poultry producers continue to observe stringent biosecurity protocols. Tradex sits in the middle of one of the primary control zones established by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to control the disease.

While registrations have been steady, those who cannot attend have the option to register to attend virtually. The popularity of this option in the past has made it available once again this year. In-person attendees will also receive a code to stream the live presentations after the fact, reviewing them for details they might have missed.

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It provides for more than produce. It includes, eggs, meat and honey!

Good program. Additionally, I toured the Kelowna Food bank yesterday. They are serving about 12,000 people a month. Lots are working people.

I have seen people at the Saanichton markets asking if vendors take the coupons and being embarrassed when the vendor says no. Are there signs that are placed on the tables so people know who is part of the program and who is not?

You would have a slim choice of meat if you only get $27.00 .

“While it’s unfortunate that programs like this are necessary, I’m grateful they exist to support families and local farmers.”

Food stamps?

This should be made a little more accessible, especially for seniors

What exactly is this and how does it work? I've never heard of it before. How does this get applied to us who it's intended to help?

Christy Sakai its a week and if you to the markets you can get a small bag of carrots 5bucks, a few potatoes, usually a bag of apples are 5 bucks, and in summer you have fruit choices. Yes doesn't seem like alot but it could be stretched at the markets and remember its a week so really ypu going to use the whole bag of carrots in a week, probably not so you have something for the next week. Heads of lettuce 5 bucks. Every little bit does help when it comes to supporting local farmer and family.

This program has helped me afford local produce, as a senior. I am grateful for the assistance and eat a healthier diet.

I have been a working poor and 🙏👍for recognizing the people who deserve a bit of help as they are doing the best they can 😘👍

This sounds a little more complicated to enroll in than it needs to be. A lot of people probably never heard of it, I only did because I read this post.

It is illegal for me to grow a garden . We can all afford to eat if we can grow.

How does a senior apply?

On my smalltown the food bank puts your name in a lottery for this Seniors included in lottery

Here are the general qualifications: Income Threshold: Generally for lower-income households. Some specific, local programs have identified a threshold of $27,000 or less for a single person or under $50,000 per year for a household. Targeted Groups: Participants must be seniors/elders, pregnant individuals, or families with children under 19. Participant Requirements: In addition to income, participants must: Participate in a food literacy program (e.g., cooking, gardening, or food budgeting). Be able to travel to a participating market to shop for themselves. Allocation: Because demand is high, coupons are often prioritized for new participants each year. Important Information: Coupons are not handed out by the BC Farmers' Markets directly. You must connect with a local community partner (such as a food bank, community centre, or neighbourhood house) to apply.

Glad to see this continue. With the increase in cost of living, this program should be increasing, not staying even with last year. Our local food bank is inundated with need.

It’s a great program. Too bad they won’t extend it to Farmstands as well. Some producers can’t make it to market because of work schedules. And there is more than just vegetables out there.

Where do people apply? Thinking of those I know who need this program.

Have you got an email yet?

I wish a person on disability could get the help too :(

What cities have this

I didn’t know that the program existed

Please if you have these coupons do not be embarrassed to use them they are a good as anyone's money to a grower! I would agree it is a slippery slope to have people pay with government coupons but Remember large scale agriculture is subsidized in this country in way that dwarfs this little program. We are all in a sense are paying with coupons at the big supermarket. As a small scale grower grower I can tell you when you see the higher prices at the farmers market, no one is getting rich off you. That is the true cost of food. Yes that should scare you

Excellent work, BC Ministry of Health! 👍👍👍 An amazing program

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