Brian Minter: Horticultural Short Course enjoys a long, important run
Credit to Author: Lionel Wild| Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2020 18:00:39 +0000
Locally grown food is becoming more and more important to both our B.C. economy and our environment. So it’s great to see the co-operation between the agricultural and the horticultural industries at the Horticultural Growers’ Short Course taking place Jan. 30 through Feb. 1 at Tradex in Abbotsford. This has become one of the major events for both industries.
Sandy Dunn is executive director of the Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association (LMHIA), which oversees this important show. It was surprising to learn that the Horticultural Short Course has been taking place in various locations in the Abbotsford area for 62 years.
The Pacific Agriculture Show also has a long history at Tradex. Twenty-two years ago, the two shows combined their resources to create one of the finest trade shows and educational events in Canada. With over 300 exhibitors and 94 speakers (both local experts and others from across North America), the short course has become a must-attend event for folks in the horticultural and agricultural industries.
I’m impressed by the extensive array of seminars and the important topics being tackled over the three days. Dunn said credit for the diversity of speakers goes to their current board of directors and particularly to ex-officio directors who include industry leaders, local scientists, staff from the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and educators.
Dunn also said the agricultural and horticultural industries are changing dramatically, as is the environment in which they work. The show is not only about innovative new crops, like cannabis, truffles and hops, but is also about improving production methods and conserving water.
Today, the environment is critically important to everyone, so learning new techniques on how to be more environmentally friendly, how to use resources wisely and how to control pests will all be on the agenda. With new diseases and insects challenging production, scientists will be attending to explain the latest research on dealing effectively with them.
Yes, that’s a Bobcat square dance that you can catch at the Pacific Agriculture Show.
Due to the extensive breeding programs across North America, there is much to learn about the new and improved varieties of vegetables, berries, filbert nuts and so much more. The food production industry is very competitive. Learning to be more efficient in every aspect of the agricultural business will be addressed, along with any new food safety regulations that may be on the horizon. Making growers aware of how to improve their products and how to ensure they conform to new standards is essential in today’s world.
From business management and marketing to the challenges of operating a family business and looking at the future of each industry, the broad scope of the educational component of this show is quite remarkable. It’s great to see both the agricultural and horticultural industries keeping abreast of all the critical issues facing them today and in the future. This fosters great confidence in our local food production.
The short course is, obviously, an agricultural event. However, Dunn assured me it is not exclusively for those in the industry.
“If anyone is thinking about getting into the agricultural or horticultural industry, this is a prime opportunity to get a closer look,” Dunn said. “If your current business supplies or services the agricultural or horticultural industries in any way, it’s also an opportunity to learn more about your clients, whether you’re a banker, a vet, a food processor or even a consumer.
“We also encourage high school students with an interest in agriculture or horticulture to attend. Students from the University of the Fraser Valley, Trinity Western University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University not only attend but, in many cases, also participate.”
Farm animals are part of ‘family day’ at the Pacific Agriculture Show at Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford.
Dunn said Saturday is earmarked as “family day,” when families — particularly farm families — are encouraged to come out. Farm animals will be on display, as will egg production displays, and representatives from Ag in the Classroom and the blueberry and raspberry councils will be on hand to showcase their roles in agriculture and horticulture.
“There will be an enjoyable bobcat square dance performance, sponsored by Westerra Equipment in Abbotsford,” Dunn said. “Tradex does an excellent job with food. So there’s lots to see and do for everyone.”
More than 10,000 people take in the trade show each year, and over 1,000 people attend the different seminars. The Horticultural Growers’ Short Course is jointly produced by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and LMHIA. The Pacific Agriculture Show is a key partner and producer at the trade show.
So whether you’re a novice gardener, an “old hand” wanting to keep up with the latest in agriculture or someone wanting to explore a career in horticulture, this show will answer a lot of questions and give you an opportunity to better understand the breadth and depth of these industries.
For more information or to register for one of the seminars, check out agricultureshow.net.
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