Speakers
Nerissa Abbott
Title of presentation:
Poison Hemlock: Best Practices for Taking on a Toxic Invasive Plant
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Nerissa bio:
Nerissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Sciences from Thompson Rivers University and has worked in the field of invasive species management for the past five years. She is currently the Field Program Manager for the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society based in Nelson.
Nyree Marsh
Title of presentation:
“Growing Toward the Future: Land Access Support for New Farmers & Non-Family Farm Transition”
Presentation synopsis:
Join Nyree Marsh for a presentation focused on Young Agrarians programs, designed to support new and young farmers, as well as farmers considering farm transition who would like to connect with the next generation of farmers. Nyree will explore key initiatives such as the B.C. Land Matching Program, which connects farmers seeking land with available farmland; the Business Mentorship Network, which pairs start-up farmers with experienced farmers; the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program, which connects aspiring farmers with our network of exceptional host farm mentors for a full immersion, paid apprenticeship; and the BC Transition Toolkit for Non-Family Farm Transfer, which is a resource kit for anyone curious about – or neck-deep in – alternative ways to transition land and farms from one generation to the next. This session is ideal for anyone exploring starting or advancing a farm business, and aims to equip participants with valuable resources and strategies to access land.
Nyree’s Bio:
Nyree is a hands-on business owner with over 20 years of experience in farming. Nyree’s great joy and interest is in feeding people, she has worked extensively in providing food to her community through subsistence and commercial farming, working as a sous chef in restaurants, and as an artisanal gelato maker in Nelson. She has deep roots in the local farming community, working as a certified organic farmer and as a volunteer with Kootenay Organic Growers Society and board member of the Central Kootenay Food Policy Council; she is a familiar face at many farm networking events. Nyree loves applying her skills and knowledge to support farmers and landholders as the Columbia Basin Land Matcher.
Rachael Roussin
Title of presentation:
Agricultural Programs and Funding for Farms
Presentation synopsis:
Farm Advisor, Rachael Roussin, will discuss programs and services available to farmers including the Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors and the Environmental Farm Plan. Rachael is an Environmental Farm Plan Advisor and will highlight the funding available to farms through the Beneficial Management Practices Program.
Rachael’s Bio:
Rachael has been a farm advisor since 2017 and is passionate about connecting farmers to agricultural resources to help their businesses thrive. In her role as a farm advisor, Rachael visits farms, facilitates on-farm events and collaborates with agricultural researchers and organizations to build agricultural support services in the Kooteany region. Rachael is a professional agrologist, Environmental Farm Plan Advisor, and trained in riparian and biodiversity plans. With a Masters’ Degree in Land and Water Systems from UBC, she specializes in soil health, watershed management, and climate change impacts to agriculture.
Rachel Backer
Title of presentation:
TBD
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Rachael’s Bio:
Rachel Backer has a background in agronomy, plant science, and business development. During her career she developed research on biochar application to Quebec soils and biocontrol development for cannabis fungal pathogens. She has worked with a variety of cropping systems including tree fruits, vineyards, field crops, and cannabis. She previously worked in business development at Mitacs to support academic-industry collaborative research projects across sectors with a focus on agriculture. She joined BCCAI in 2024 motivated by the potential to bring together academics, companies, farmers, and community members to solve real challenges in agriculture. Since joining BCCAI, Rachel has enjoyed traveling across BC and learning about the diverse agriculture and agri-food systems and meeting the people working across the sector. Rachel is an Articling Agrologist registered with BC Institute of Agrologist. She holds a Bachelor of Biochemistry from Bishop’s University in addition to a PhD in Plant Science from McGill University.
Carson Li
Title of presentation:
TBD
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Carson’s Bio:
Carson Li has a background in agroecology and soil science. During his career he developed research focused on monitoring and quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from different agricultural production systems in BC. He joined BCCAI in 2023 motivated by the potential to work on a wide range of projects and learn about new technologies and innovations that are in the nexus of energy, food, and environment. Situated in British Columbia with the most diverse agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada, Carson hopes to engage and exchange ideas with industry and academic partners from all sectors. Carson is a Professional Agrologist registered with BC Institute of Agrologist. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at SFU in addition to a Master of Science in Soil Sciences at UBC.
Caitlin Bates
Title of presentation:
Recruiting Foreign Agricultural Workers
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Caitlin’s Bio:
Caitlin completed the Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law at Queens University and became a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant in November 2023.
She has a background in Advertising, Communications and Marketing as well as several years experience in Tourism Management which gives her excellent communication skills and a unique understanding of the challenges that many resort towns face with housing, recruitment and staff retention. She has a passion for her community and has sat on various boards and been involved in community projects over the past several years.
Having immigrated from Australia in 2012, she has learned experience in the obstacles and pressures faced by many clients. Caitlin’s background in management, client relations and communications make her an asset to the team and her interpersonal skills allow her to connect with her clients and gain a deep understanding of their needs and situations.
Caitlin lives in the small, beautiful mountain town of Fernie, BC, and will be servicing the Kootenay region for Perez McKenzie Immigration. She has helped clients in the family class, express entry, provincial nomination programs and with work permit applications.
Jenny Perez
Title of presentation:
Recruiting Foreign Agricultural Workers
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Jenny’s Bio:
Jenny is a first-generation Canadian Citizen, who moved to Canada from Peru in 2002. As such, she has first-hand experience in the challenges of moving to a new country and starting from scratch.
For almost 15 years, Jenny has assisted thousands of applicants with their immigration applications and has helped change the lives of hundreds of families all over the world by making their Canadian dream come true.
As the Founder and Director of Perez McKenzie Immigration, Jenny strives for excellence in every endeavour she undertakes.
She is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and for young people’s mental health and development. Check out unpluggedcanada.com, a movement Jenny has founded to support thoughtful parenting choices around introducing their children to smartphones and online spaces
Damon Chouinard
Title of presentation:
Grow & Connect Community Project
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Damon’s Bio:
Damon Chouinard has spent his career navigating the complex and ever-evolving landscape of regional food systems. As Executive Director of the Central Kootenay Food Policy Council, he brings people together to find practical solutions for strengthening local food networks.
With a background in small-scale agriculture and over a decade of experience working on food security and access at the community level, he bridges grassroots knowledge with a regional perspective. His work spans everything from farming and food policy to the nuts and bolts of distribution, logistics, and collaboration. Whether he’s organizing food summits, leading council meetings, or developing regional initiatives, Damon is always looking for ways to build resilience in the local food economy. He thrives in the collaborative space where ideas turn into action, balancing vision with the day-to-day work of making it happen.
Outside of work, you’ll find Damon spending time with his family, mountain biking, skiing, or tinkering with whatever odd project has captured his curiosity.
Dr. Hao Xu
Title of presentation:
Selecting apple rootstocks to improve fruit production and enhance crop resilience against temperature extremes.
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Hao’s Bio:
Dr. Hao Xu studied plant adaptation to drought in Gurbantunggut Desert at Chinese Academy of Sciences during 2002-2008, and water transport in mycorrhizal roots of woody perennials at University of Alberta during 2010-2016. In 2017, she became a research scientist in tree fruit physiology at Summerland Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. She studies how fruit trees respond to abiotic stresses and horticultural mitigations. Currently, her team is investigating the use of innovative rootstocks, canopy management and plant growth regulators to regulate fruit set and crop load, improve fruit production, and enhance tree resilience against temperature extremes and water stresses in apple and sweet cherry.
Daniel Van Beek
Title of presentation:
Utilizing Drip and Sprinklers for Irrigation and Cooling
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Daniel’s Bio:
With over 12 years at Southern Irrigation, Daniel Van Beek brings extensive expertise in irrigation, pumps, and water treatment. Currently serving as an Outside Sales Specialist for the past two years-following six years in sales-he is dedicated to providing tailored solutions for clients.
Based in Calgary, Daniel covers the Kootenay region, frequently visiting both new and existing clients to support their irrigation and water management needs. Known in the office as “the drip guy,” his deep knowledge and hands-on approach make him a trusted resource in the industry.
Whether you need irrigation design, pump systems, or water treatment solutions, Daniel is ready to help. Reach out to connect!
Dr. John Church
Title of presentation:
Managing Heat Stress in Cattle
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
John’s Bio:
Dr. John Church is a Professor in Natural Resource Science at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia as well as TRU’s Research Chair in Cattle Industry Sustainability. Dr. Church earned his PhD in Agriculture from the University of Alberta, studying the effects of production practices on the behavior and management of cattle, elk and bison on farms. Dr. Church now leads a multidisciplinary research team at TRU dedicated to the exploration and invention of innovative practices and technologies leading to the sustainability and enhancement of the cattle industry, rangelands, meat production and related products. The focus of Dr. Church’s research program is on new opportunities for producers in the areas of value-added and branded beef production, which includes human and environmental health. In addition, his research program is now using drones for remote sensing integrated with virtual fencing collars for Precision Ranching, with a goal towards improved management of both the animals and the land base they depend on.
Ken Nickel, P.Ag.
Title of presentation:
Emergency Preparedness for Farms
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Ken’s Bio:
Ken had a 28-year BC Public Service career with the BC Ministry of Agriculture. During that time, he was actively involved in the provincial responses to 6 major emergency events affecting agriculture, often as the Executive Director responsible for coordinating the Ministry’s engagement.
Since then, Ken worked for 3 years as an Agriculture Manager for the Bank of Montreal in the Lower Mainland. In recent years, he has led a variety of projects for the BC Agriculture Council in support of agriculture in BC.
Ken is currently the contractor providing oversight to the BCAC-led “BC Agriculture Sector Coordinated Emergency Response Structure Project”.
Harwinder Sandhu
Title of presentation:
TBD
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Harwinder’s Bio:
Harwinder Sandhu is serving her second term as MLA for Vernon-Lumby (formerly Vernon-Monashee). She was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture in November 2024.
Prior to being elected, Harwinder was a registered nurse at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, she also worked as a patient care coordinator and community nurse. She served this sector for more than 20 years.
Harwinder is a community advocate, and a longtime Vernon resident. Born to a farm family, and having lived in rural communities like Mackenzie and Terrace across B.C., she understands the needs, challenges and potential of smaller communities.
She has overcome many hardships, faced barriers and difficulties, but continues to work hard to advocate for her community, her three children and all British Columbians.
Reg Steward
Title of presentation:
Emergency Preparedness for Farms
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Reg’s Bio:
Reg is a highly respected B.C. Provincial Ranching Consultant and Ranching Specialist with over two decades of experience in agricultural health and safety. Since 2001, he has worked with AgSafeBC (formerly FARSHA), providing oversight, guidance, and innovative solutions to improve safety culture in the ranching and farming sectors across British Columbia. As Superintendent of Field Operations, he has led a team of consultants while directly engaging with ranchers and farmers in various regions, including Thompson Nicola Okanagan, Cariboo, Chilcotin, and Peace River.
Before his agricultural career, Reg served with distinction in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) from 1977 to 1995, earning multiple honors, including the Canadian Medal of Bravery, the RCMP Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery, and the Governor General of Canada Award for Meritorious and Courageous Conduct.
Reg has also played a critical role in Emergency Operations during BC’s wildfires and floods, serving as an Agricultural Liaison in multiple regional and provincial emergency responses. His contributions to emergency management and agriculture have been widely recognized, including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award, induction into the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame (2023), and the BC Champion of Agriculture Award (2025).
A lifelong advocate for BC’s ranching and agricultural communities, Reg continues to work at the intersection of safety, emergency management, and industry leadership, making a lasting impact on the sector.
Michael Hoher
Title of presentation:
Adapting to US – Canada Tariffs and Trade Dynamics: Building Resilience in a Changing Market
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Michael’s Bio:
Michael Hoher is an experienced export advisor and business growth specialist who has assisted more than 250 companies throughout the Columbia Basin and Boundary regions since 2017. Through his role in the Export Navigator program, jointly funded by the B.C. and Canadian governments, he helps businesses develop and execute successful provincial, national and international market strategies, and in recent days, with particular eye on navigating global trade dynamics and tariff implications. His work with regional businesses spans strategic planning, market expansion, and export readiness development across key sectors including agri-food, manufacturing, technology, professional services, and value-added
natural resources.
After establishing himself in Nelson, BC in 2006, Michael demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen by founding, scaling, and successfully selling an industrial equipment import-export
business. He has also contributed significantly to rural economic development through various management and contract roles with the Columbia Basin Trust, consistently helping small and
medium-sized enterprises maximize their growth potential.
Before relocating to British Columbia, Michael built an extensive international career in business development, working across Europe, the Middle East, and North America with prestigious multinational corporations including Magna International, Dun & Bradstreet, and Sheraton Hotels.
A strategic thinker with a global mindset, Michael excels at identifying untapped opportunities in national and international markets while helping businesses navigate transformational change.
He holds an International Master of Business Administration from Temple University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management from Washington State University.
Paul Van Westendorp
Title of presentation:
Crop Pollination & the Threat of Pesticide Exposure”
Presentation synopsis:
TBD
Paul’s Bio:
Paul Van Westendorp was first introduced to bees and beekeeping when he was in Grade 3. The teacher took his class to a local beekeeper. When the hives were opened, he was dumbstruck by the sight, the smell and sound of thousands of bees who were at peace and ignoring the kids completely. The experience on this hot summer afternoon has stayed with him forever. Paul’s ongoing fascination with bees and their critical role in the environment led to agricultural studies at UBC with employment as summer student with the BC Ministry of Agriculture in the 1970s. After his UBC studies, Paul was involved in apiculture research at the Agriculture Canada research station at Beaverlodge Alberta for several years. In the mid-1980s, Paul moved from the expanse, huge honey yields and cold winters of the Peace to tropical Uganda to manage a multi-year apiculture development project. Upon returning to Canada, Paul was appointed Provincial Apiarist of Alberta in 1987. When the equivalent position became available in BC in 1989, he returned to BC and became its Provincial Apiculturist.
While honeybees have always been the prime focus of BC’ Apiculture Program, issues related to other pollinators including bumble bees, orchard bees and leafcutter bees have also been part of the portfolio. Familiarity with stinging insects and their behavior made it obvious for the Northern Giant Hornet file to be assigned to the Apiculture Program. For details about BC’s Apiculture Program extension and educational services, visit www.gov.bc.ca/apiculture and www.gov.bc.ca/foodforbees.