2022 May Canada’s Agriculture Hub – An Economic Impact Analysis of Agriculture in Abbotsford

SOLD OUT!  Join us on Wednesday, May 25^th when we will be hosting a panel luncheon to launch the Chamber's report "Canada's Agriculture Hub - An Economic Impact Analysis of Agriculture in Abbotsford".

The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee is pleased to be releasing this report on the economic impact of agri-business and agriculture support services in Abbotsford. The Chamber partnered with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) on this study under academic guidance of Dr. Garry Fehr, Associate Vice President, Research Engagement and Graduate Studies, with review support from the University of British Columbia and Dr. Kelleen Weisman, Academic Director and Manager Land and Food Systems, Master of Food and Resource Economics.

With Guest Speaker:

Honourable Lana Popham
Minister of Agriculture

Lana Popham was elected MLA for Saanich South in 2009, and re-elected in 2013 and 2017. She is the Minister of Agriculture.

Lana served as the Official Opposition spokesperson for agriculture and food, and small business and as the Official Opposition critic for tourism, arts and culture.

Lana was raised on Quadra Island in a do-it-yourself community, where growing food, raising animals and harvesting from the sea was a way of life.

Her interest in urban planning led her to UBC where she graduated with a degree in geography.

In 1996, Lana made her home in Saanich South. She co-founded and operated Barking Dog Vineyard, the first certified organic vineyard on Vancouver Island. She also managed a crew of vineyard workers who took care of many vineyards on the Saanich Peninsula, and has been a strong advocate for food producers in Saanich for many years.

Lana served on Saanich's Planning, Transportation and Economic Development Committee and on the Peninsula Agricultural Commission. She was also president of the Vancouver Island Grape Growers Association, chair of the Certification Committee for the Islands Organic Producers Association, and a member of the Investment Agriculture Board.

After being elected in 2009, Lana served as Opposition critic for agriculture for eight years. She travelled the province extensively, meeting with farmers, agricultural associations and food advocacy groups. She has championed numerous agricultural initiatives, including the Buy BC programme, improvements to the meat regulations and increased institutional procurement of local food.

As the MLA for Saanich South, Lana actively supports her constituents and has organized many community meetings, gatherings, rallies and marches. She has also spearheaded successful initiatives such as safety improvements to the intersection of Pat Bay Highway and Sayward Road.

Lana entered politics to improve the quality of life in Saanich, promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen the provincial response to climate change.