Episode 13

You should care about how BC defines 'agrology'

This episode: Jane Kerner, interim CEO of the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists, joins me to discuss recent updates to how professional agrologists are regulated in BC, the definition of agrology contained in that regulation, and what the exclusivity granted to agrologists in BC to offer agricultural advice means for farmers and other farming professionals who want to provide advice without a professional agrologist designation.

My contention is that the definition of agrology in the regulation is too broad. Jane disagrees! And we had a fulsome debate I think you'll enjoy.

If you want to understand the regulations governing agrology in BC, this PDF from the BCIA website goes into much more detail than Jane and I do.

Other links:

farminginbc.ca/submit if you'd like to contribute your thoughts for a future episode of the show. You're also welcome to send an audio recording to Jordan via text/whatsapp/signal Jordan at 250 767 6636 or via podcast@farminginbc.ca

farminginbc.ca/sponsorship to learn more about buying ads on the podcast or other forms of sponsorship.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Cover Cropping Field Day Advertised at the Head of this Episode

Head to https://organicbc.org/events/ to register for the field day at Lakeland Farms on October 2nd. Here's a summary: On Friday, October 2nd, join Organic BC and Ecocert at Lakeland Farms in Salmon Arm for a hands-on day exploring cover cropping, soil health, and drought resilience. Tour Lakeland Farms and learn more about their business model and where cover cropping fits in, along with the economics of cover cropping, the tools used to manage hundreds of acres of cover crops, and how they’re integrating cattle grazing into their cover crops. You’ll also hear from agrologist Tanya Brouwers on using cover crops to build soil organic matter, retain moisture, and strengthen farm resilience, and will have the opportunity to take part in simple, practical soil assessments you can use on your own farm. Refreshments and snacks will be generously provided by Askew’s Foods. This event is free and open to anyone interested, but registration is required. Learn more and save your spot at: eventbrite.ca/e/cover-cropping-drought-resilience-soil-assessment-lakeland-farms-tickets-1998671910487 Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).

About the Podcast

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Farming in British Columbia

About your host

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Jordan Marr

I'm Jordan Marr, a farmer and broadcaster in BC's North Okanagan. My farm business is called Unearthed Organics, where I produce milling corn and dry beans on a small-scale. I currently produce and host this podcast as well as The Organic BC Podcast & The Ruminant Podcast. I also produce a regular segment on food and farming in the southern interior for CBC Radio's Daybreak South, based in Kelowna. I live with my wife and two kids in Vernon.