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CBT supports project to identify and address Creston Valley needs
Creston Valley’s agriculture sector has the potential to help feed the region and drive local community and economic development.
In order to realize this potential, College of the Rockies (COTR), the agriculture sector and other community partners will be exploring what programs, services and facilities for agri-food education would best meet local needs. The project is being funded in part with $17,000 from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT).
“Changing demographic, economic and environmental conditions are demanding new approaches to farming and food production,” said Laura Hannant, COTR Facilitator, Partnerships for Community Development. “This project will enable us to develop adequate, accessible supports that will help make it possible to adapt to these changes or to enter these fields and succeed.”
Examples of potential programming include courses on beginner farmer training, farm/agri-business succession planning, environmental farm planning, dyke maintenance and agri-tourism.
“This is very inspiring to us, because it is probably only in the last five years that we have really met young folks who are wanting to farm again and they need to be supported,” said Joanne Galius of Full Circle Farm.
The project also strives to build the community’s ability to work collaboratively to address local issues. In addition to COTR, the project involves Community Futures of Central Kootenay, Creston Valley Agriculture Society, Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce, Creston Valley Food Action Coalition, Kootenay Employment Services, Lower Kootenay Band, Prince Charles Secondary School and other local groups and individuals.
“Last fall, people involved in agriculture in the Creston Valley met to identify challenges and new ways to work together,” said Gary Ockenden, CBT Director, Community Initiatives. “This project is a practical step out of that meeting and should lead to tangible progress.”
Members of the public are invited to attend an open house to learn more about the project and share their perspectives on the kinds of agriculture and food security learning supports that would benefit them most. The open house takes place Monday, June 17, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at COTR’s Creston campus. People may also get in touch through [email protected] or by calling 250.428.5332, ext. 4181.
CBT supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.
Above photo: Improved agri-food education in Creston Valley aims to benefit the local agriculture sector, including farms like Full Circle Farm. From left to right: Farmers Joanne and Drew Galius and Community Agriculture Learning Needs Assessment Coordinator Nigel Francis.
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