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Organization

BC Farmers Institutes

Farmers Institutes are rural organizations that are incorporated and continued under the Farmers and Womens Institutes Act RSBC 1996, Chapter 133. They are cross-commodity in nature, and are concerned with most aspects of the farming industry and society from a community agriculture perspective.

According to the Act, BC Farmers Institutes strive to serve the needs of the local agricultural community. Their boards meet to identify and address issues of interest and concern to local farms, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders. Board members also sit on committees in the wider community, advocating for farmers’ interests at community, municipal, provincial and federal levels. Institutes offer regular workshops, farm tours, professional development opportunities, farmers markets, and social events to benefit farmers, farms, other agricultural stakeholders and the local community.

Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute (PRFAI)

Aims and Objectives

To improve conditions of rural life, so that settlement may be permanent and prosperous, and to welcome newcomers to the agricultural community.
To promote the theory and practice of agriculture by lectures, essays, the circulation of information and other educational material, methods, and to stimulate interest by exhibitions, prizes, and other means.
To arrange on behalf of its members for the purchase, distribution, or sale of commodities, supplies or products, and generally to act on their behalf in all matters incidental to agricultural pursuits.
To promote & facilitate community involvement in agricultural initiatives and food systems.

History

Timeline History of PRFAI

By-Laws

Bylaws

2024 PRFAI Executive

President

Juhli Jobi
Tel/text: 604-414-5076
Email: juhlianna@hotmail.com

Vice President

Erin Lurkins
Email: erinlurkins@hotmail.com

Treasurer

Jolene McGill

Secretary

Emily Jenkins

Directors at Large

Aaron Ash
Aaron Mazurek
Alexis McRae
Ellen deCasmaker
Ken Day
Rowwie McKeown

PRFAI Committees

FALL FAIR COMMITTEE

Chair: Open

Plans, organizes and hosts an annual fair showcasing the best of Powell River in agriculture, animals, food, music and locally produced items. The exhibition hall allows everyone in town to submit entries into a number of different categories for both adults and children. Enjoy the best produce, flowers, canning, baking, photos, crafts, lego and much much more. The fair is typically held in September and is open from noon – 5pm with a $5 entry fee. Free entry to participants in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program.
Fall Fair Information
Fall Fair Terms of Reference

FARMERS’ MARKET COMMITTEE
Email: powellriverfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Tel/text: 604 414-3327

The Powell River Farmers’ Market is held at the Exhibition Grounds (4365 McLeod Road) every Saturday from 10:30am – 12:30pm (May - Sept) and Sunday from 12:30pm – 2:30pm (year-round). The market focuses on any product that is made, baked, grown or wild harvested in Powell River and allows the community to shop local. Local musicians take the stage and on Sundays the Powell River Forestry Heritage Society runs their train for kids and adults to ride and enjoy.
Farmers' Market Information
Farmers' Market Terms of Reference

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

Chair: Aaron Mazurek
Email: aaronmmazurek@gmail.com

High School Students: Scholoarships are available to local high school students who hope to further their education in agriculture or veterinary studies. An annual award of $1,000 is available.
Workshops: Scholarships are available for adults to assist with up to $200 in workshop tuition fees. The scholarship money will not cover the cost of travel, accommodations or meals. Adults must reside in the qathet Regional District to qualify and be 18 or older.

Scholarhsip Application Form (you will be leaving this website)

SEEDY SATURDAY COMMITTEE

Chair: Ellen de Casmaker
Email: gmofreeseed@gmail.com
Tel: 604-487-1304 

Seedy Saturday happens in March, it's a day of seed swapping and information sharing for community groups, gardeners and farmers. This event aims to promote regional food self-sufficiency by growing a community network of growers and seed savers. Participants save their best seeds from various fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, shrubs and trees that thrive in the local environment. By exchanging these seeds within the community, both the quality and quantity of affordable seeds rise for everyone. Informed seed-saving also assists in maintaining regional bio-diversity and our agricultural heritage.

Seedy Saturday Information
Seedy Saturday Terms of Reference

Reports & Planning Docs