This informational forum will showcase opportunities and best practices for women farmers in all areas of the agriculture industry.

Strengthening Ties is the theme for the Women in Agriculture conference coming to Penticton on Saturday November 8, 2008. Hosted by Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen, this conference is a one day event that invites delegates from the Okanagan and across Western Canada. This event is also being held in conjunction with the BC Fruit Growers Horticultural Forum.

Once thought of as a traditionally male dominated industry, there is increasing involvement of women in all fields of agriculture. The B.C. interior has long been known for the participation of women in agriculture.

The goal of the conference is to celebrate the contributions that women make to agriculture. Presentations and workshops will address issues relevant to women working in the industry and positively promote agriculture as a career and lifestyle choice to all women. There will be many opportunities to network with women in various fields of this industry.

“This event will appeal to all women farmers, farm producers, those operating a business directly related to or supporting agriculture, or anyone interested and considering a career in agriculture” says Alexis Welsh, event organizer at Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen.

There will also be keynote speakers, including Professor David Hughes, Imperial College in London;

Val Roddick, Delta South MLA and B.C.’s Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Planning; and Gwendolyn Simpson, an award-winning grower and agricultural entrepreneur from Alberta.

There is an outstanding line-up of speakers and a variety of workshops where participants will learn about marketing agricultural products and product success stories, agri-tourism trends and opportunities, food security and mechanical best practices, the family farm, and tax tips, all geared towards improving the day-to-day management of their farms.

B.C. has more women involved in agriculture (36 per cent) compared to the national average of 28 per cent. (from the 2006 Agriculture census)

Thanks to the financial support of the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C., Community Futures, and the Western Diversification Fund, and various sponsors, the cost to attend the conference is only $75.

The conference will be held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. For a full conference program outline, registration package, or information on trade show booths or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.cfokanagan.com or call Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen at 250-493-2566 or toll-free at 1-877-493-5566.