Does anyone have any extra news about the changes to CFIA regulations for Central Saanich re:golden nematodes?  Does this mean the ban is lifted for some farms?  How do we find out?

Thanks!

Shawn

Join expert instructors at the Compost Education Centre: 

1. Grow the Best Garden Series - In person click here, online asynchronous click here). Join expert instructor Kayla Siefried for a series that explores a wide variety of incredibly important gardening topics, from planning and planting, to harvest and seed saving! Fabulous for new gardeners, or experienced gardeners who are looking to level up their growing.

2. Public Workshops with regional experts - so many more public workshops! Folks can register for those here.  

3. Book a private workshop - click here to see some of the topics we teach for your group of neighbours, farmers, clubs, but also don't hesitate to inquire about specialized workshops. They can happen at your gardens or here at the Compost Education Centre where we have an indoor space. 

4. And don't forget that the Compost Education Centre has a wealth of resources on our website. From Composting FAQ's to our extensive Factsheet Series - it's worth checking out.

"Repealing two regulations and one Ministerial Order related to the Golden Nematode pest in Central Saanich, British Columbia, which are no longer required to mitigate risk, and narrowing restrictions to only the small area still affected" 
Read more here

B.C.'s Agri-Business Planning Program provides funding support for primary agricultural producers and agriculture, food and beverage processors to support informed decision making and ensure business development.

Funding is available under two streams:

1. Agri-business skills and leadership development 
2. Business planning, preparedness, and disaster recovery

Learn more here: B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program - Province of British Columbia

The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food is presenting a Virtual Workshop: Understanding Your Soil for Better Crop Decisions.

Do you have a soil test report but aren't sure what it means? Join Ministry of Agriculture and Food for a virtual hands-on session where we'll decode soil test results and learn how to use them for better crop, fertilizer and land management decisions.

What to expect during the Workshop? This Workshop will help farmers to:

• Understand soil analysis reports and nutrient application recommendations
• Understand crop nutrient requirements and fertilizer application rates
• Understand how to select fertilizer products and alternatives

To help presenters better understand and prepare for the needs of the participants, please consider answering some questions on check-out. This will only take a few minutes. We appreciate your input and time.

This is an online event. A ZOOM link to join will be sent to you upon registration.

Don't have your test results yet? Don't worry, you are still welcome to join!

For more information please contact Clare Dwyer events02@vgnresources.ca

Date: December 16th, 2025

Time: 10am-12 noon PT 

Register here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-workshop-interpreting-your-soil-test-report-tickets-1972836370692

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This is a B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food event in partnership with Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Booking support provided by VGN Resources Group, Inc. Logistical support provided by VGN Resources Group.

The Premier's Task Force on Agriculture and Food Economy, formed in February 2025, consists of 16 members representing the entire food industry. They provide external policy advice to the government on five key areas: water, competitiveness, labour, land, and investment.
Find more info here

Under 5 years in production and looking for a grant for equipment or infristructure?  > Check it out!

The Cowichan Agricultural Society Advocacy Committee is hosting a Farmer to Farmer Policy session on Thursday, Oct 2 at Keating Farm from 6:00 to 9:00 pm
We are going to be discussing provincial and local government agricultural regulations; provide updates on ongoing regulatory and policy work; and solicit feedback from farmers. We are planning to draft a summary of the discussion and submit it to MAF and our local governments here in the Cowichan Valley
From our friends at the Cowichan Ag Society

Hi Everyone, 
It's that time of year when leaves are now available to request for Saanich Farmers (and home growers). As this is a municipal initiative, folks interested in leaves that are located in other municipalities will have to contact their munis specifically. 
To learn more about receiving leave in Saanich and sending in a request, check out here: https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/business/selling-to-saanich/bid-opportunities/annual-leaf-collection-program-2024.html

See you soon

Katie

Robin and Sasha have invited SIFI folks for an evening potluck and party in Metchosin on September 27th. Enter the farm off of Witty's Beach Road for a farm tour starting at 5