Following is a summary of the many tasks undertaken and support of
the BC Farm Women's Network to members on education, health, financial and
safety issues.
The BCFWN has lobbied long and hard for all rural and remote telephone
communications, extension of hydro and better road conditions.
Since 1987, BCFWN has accomplished the following:
1. BCFWN did a valuable 'Training Needs of Farm Women's study in 1989.
This telephone survey of roughly 100 farmwomen was sponsored by the Cattlebelles,
and was completed at a cost of $300. Later, a national survey was completed
at a cost of $60,000.
2. From 1987 to present, several members attended national seminars
in St. John's, Newfoundland; London, Ontario; and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Two members attended the National Agricultural Conference in Winnipeg
and two delegates attended the Agricultural Outlook Conference in Ottawa.
We sent our president to New Brunswick for a conference on rural health issues,
quality of air and water and lobbying strategies in 2001.
We have sponsored yearly seminars throughout BC and hosted other provincial
networks at a Vancouver conference. All of these seminars had quality speakers
on many subjects and provided valuable networking opportunities.
In 2002, our Vice-President attended the 3rd World Congress on Rural Women in Madrid,
Spain. She very much appreciated the support we were able to provide for her.
3. 1998 Rural Women's World Conference in Washington, DC attended by
Elizabeth Mann and Linde Cherry.
4. In 1996, the BCFWN, along with the Women's Institute, completed a provincial
study on farmwomen's low contributions to the Canada Pension Plan.
A request was made for changes to the plan to accommodate farmwomen.
The Status of Women funded the study.
5. Publication of quarterly newsletters available to all members.
6. BCFWN has supported Agriculture in the Classroom and provided assistance
for one of our members to attend and obtain credits for this program.
7. 1987 - 2004 Seminars held at various locations throughout the province.
Cowichan Valley, Vernon, Powell River, 108 Hills Guest Ranch, Harrison Hot Springs, Merritt,
100 Mile House, Valemount and this years seminar to be held in Kelowna.
8. We have lobbied very strongly to bring communication to rural and
remote areas via Andy Mitchell, former Minister of Rural Affairs.
We hope this will be done by GPS (Global Positioning System).
(If this is successful on animals and school buses, surely it is possible
for rural and remote areas.)
9. BCFWN has created a $250.00 bursary available yearly to
BCFWN members and/or their children for continuing education.
10. We became members of F.A.R.M. and FarmFolk/CityFolk to keep informed and
to help support worthwhile endeavours.
11. The Network supported a member to attend the Grasslands Conservation Symposium,
2002 and the 2003 conference at Big Bar Guest Ranch, on species and spaces at risk.
12. We are now concerned about Canada's waters re: N.A.T.A., G.A.T.S., F.T.A.A.
AND F.T.A. We urge all members to learn more on this issue and be aware of
how serious and vital this could become.
13. Gold Ribbon Campaign: 1998/99, to promote awareness of agriculture province-wide.
14. BCFWN and BC Women's Institute joint meeting with a, coordinator and
three guest speakers.
15. Six Mile Ranch - BCFWN and Interlakes CattleBelles jointly submitted a
letter of opposition regarding removal of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve
for commercial and residential development on the Ranch.
16. Fraser Basin Council - Invasive Plant Strategy - to be completed by end of 2003
and implemented in early 2004.
To date, over 20 agencies and organizations from
across the province meet to express support for this province-wide strategy.
17. Strengthening Rural Communities - Helen Horn attended this meeting in spring 2002.
The BC Ag. Council continues to build partnerships with other organizations aimed
at helping create more sustainable communities in the Fraser Basin and across Canada.
18. Rural Communities Summit, 2003 - Lorraine Jerema attended this conference in
Clearwater, BC. This Summit was an opportunity for learning, networking and advocacy
related to rural community development.
The next Summit is in Rossland, BC in June 2004.
Elizabeth Mann and Audrey Mann will be attending.
19. Pacific Agriculture Show, Abbotsford BC, February 2004 - Several members attended
this venue and set up a display board with Network information.
There were many enquiries and new members signed up.
We networked with the agricultural industry and made many contacts in business,
government and agriculture.
20. Women In Agriculture Initiative (WIAI) - Loretta Cross and Lorraine Jerema are
two of ten members on this steering committee. The WIAI was established as a
strategic planning session to provide guidelines for women's organizations to
access funds provided by the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
21. Newsletter editor, Lynne Wilson is on the Board of the Agricultural Environmental
Initiatives Management Election Committee.
22. We sent letters of opposition to the closing of the meat rendering plant in
Armstrong, BC. McLeod's By-Products was officially shut down but partially open
for rendering oil, picking up animal waste and taking it to another plant.
The company had to pay a penalty of $46,000 after pleading guilty to a
pollution-related charge stemming from its operation near Armstrong BC.
West Coast Reduction has now taken over from McLeod By-Products for disposal.
23. Letters were sent to various log companies from around the province and to
government ministries re: log debris burning and smoke from traditional log debris
burning in the fall.
24. In 2003, the CRTC considered abolishing pay phones in rural areas.
BCFWN sent letters of opposition to the CRTC, the Tatlayoko Think Tank (TTT) and
the Pay Telephone Service Bulletin Board on its website, the Caribou Regional District
and the Mayor of 100 Mile House.
25. BCFWN sent letters to Beaumont Estate Winery in support of their fight with the
Farm Practices Board and BC Government in regards to the use of bird cannon.
26. In future, we will be working with 4H and Ag in the Classroom in the
AgAware program.
27. We distribute information at fairs and conventions.
28. Media exposure through farm journals, newspapers and press releases.
Several members were on CBC Radio noon show for a time
reporting on "life on the farm".
We never had consistent support from government services to be viable.
We are a volunteer organization interested in the well being of humanity and
doing our best to promote agriculture awareness, good health, farm safety measures
and education. We encourage people to become members and add their voice to ours.
If members have suggestions to
enhance our organization, we would be pleased to hear from them.
BCFWN is planning a seminar for October 2004 in Kelowna BC.
Ideas and support are always welcome.
Winery tours, museum tour and other events are planned as well
as various speakers, from motivational to farm secession planning.
The venue provides a great opportunity for networking.
Be sensible. Be vocal. Be visible.
"If you think you are too small to make an impact, try sleeping with a mosquito."