The province’s largest agriculture show takes place January 23-25 at Tradex in Abbotsford, and exhibitors are ready.
“There’s real demand,” says Pacific Agriculture Show organizer Jim Shepard. “The show sells out so quickly, we’ve got a long waiting list.”
This year’s event, taking place alongside the Lower Mainland Horticultural Conference, will feature the latest in technology as well as displays for the whole family.
The petting zoo, a perennial favourite, will present the softer side of agriculture, as will the Rabbitats Rescue Society display that proved popular last year.
A registered charity, Rabbitats is dedicated to rescuing abandoned and feral rabbits, populations of which have overtaken parkland and have been a long-time threat to crop producers in Richmond and Surrey. Giving a home to the fluffy pests is a perfect blend of the heart-warming and the practical.
Coinciding with the show, the BC Agriculture Council gala on January 22 will celebrate leaders in BC agriculture, including the BC Agriculture in the Classroom’s Teacher of the Year, the Scotiabank Champion of Agriculture and the BC Agriculture Council’s Award for Excellence in Agriculture Leadership.
A silent auction is raising funds for the next generation of agricultural leaders, with proceeds supporting the BC Young Farmers.
Country Life in BC will also be on hand, as well as online. The paper’s show preview, available in the January-February edition, is posted to its website, and hard copies will be available at the booth on the show floor.
The usual educational streams for berry, vegetable and floriculture producers will be running as part of the horticulture conference, with water management and agri-technology being particular focuses given the backing of the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
The ministry is also organizing the educational program for the Islands Agriculture Show (January 31-February 1) at Cowichan Exhibition Park, Duncan, and the Southern Interior Horticultural Show (February 12-13) at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, Penticton.
Country Life in BC will have a presence at both events, covering the local discussions around water management, innovation and other issues of importance to producers.
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