Agri-Food Futures Fund


Under the goals of the Agri-Food Futures Fund (AFFF), consideration was given to strengthen the role of women in agriculture throughout the province of British Columbia.

A steering committee comprised of representatives with agricultural related interests was formed to establish the groundwork for the Women in Agriculture Initiative.

A fund of $200,000.00, given over the next three years, will be used to meet the goals established by this steering committee.

These goals are:
1. Establish province-wide opportunities for women to heighten their personal involvement in agriculture through community or commodity based group activities.

2. Increase younger women's participation in agricultural committees and encourage younger women to join existing women's agriculture organizations that will strengthen and sustain a voice for women in agriculture.

3. To encourage successful women in agriculture to mentor individuals or groups. Many opportunities exist such as:traditional agriculture, niche markets, home based value added, agri-tourism and promoting agriculture careers.

It was recognized that there is an opportunity to increase workshops, networking and building a mentorship program to support and introduce more women to agriculture, while building equality and respect for women in agriculture.

The Women In Agriculture Steering Committee recognizes that women are a part of the broad farming community and view the Agri-Futures Fund as an opportunity to empower women in agriculture, thus contributing to the long-term strength of agriculture in British Columbia.

The British Columbia Women's Institute, along with the Trustee, Investment Agriculture Foundation, will administer this fund.
Applications will be accepted twice yearly, with the deadlines being March 15, 2005 and October 15, 2005 for the upcoming year.

Information and application forms may be obtained on the British Columbia Women's Institute website, www.bcwi.org