The Agri-Culture Enterprise Centre (AEC) was almost as busy as a farmer this season with its various projects, events and initiatives.
AEC representative Rita Giesbrecht recently wrapped up the season with her thoughts and experiences on some of these activities, and other news from the centre.
In some recent good tidings, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) approved a much-appreciated $10,000 grant for AEC (also known as the Ag Centre). She says this money will outfit the newly-occupied offices at The Lodge with furniture and equipment to transform it into a functioning social enterprise centre.
"Now, we are in a position to have a facility that is open for activities."
While the AEC was, sadly, not successful in its bid for a BC Hydro Community Champions $10,000 prize, thanks to Paul Luft and Chris Harris, it was able to create a video for the application process. That video offers a great snapshot of what the Ag Centre is all about, and it can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9oLLW90N8&feature=youtu.be.
Bolstered by the new funding from FCC, Giesbrecht says the AEC board has announced it will now consider adding several paid, part-time positions for staff and an executive director to help current volunteers facilitate the programming.
"We are inviting expressions of interest from our members, and beyond, who have a passion to help this organization grow and work as a team to fulfill our mandate, along with our board of directors.
"For the organization to develop programming and plans that are relevant and sustainable, we need a team of three to four people to handle grant writing and financial co-ordination; program co-ordination and development; administration; and overall management."
About 10 people representing groups attended an open house and info session at the AEC on Oct. 23, as an information gathering for further exploration.
The Beyond the Market event pursued potential for some expanded programs and services in the Cariboo, she notes. This program has been offered to agricultural producers in the Northern Interior so far, and was used as a model for what could be offered to the Cariboo.
"We were pleased that people were interested and participatory in that information gathering. What we have realized is we have already got a lot of the groundwork done and in hand that this project would do, were it to be similarly implemented [here]."
Giesbrecht says strong community input is needed if the project is to move forward.
"The important thing is to have this information be as widely understood by as many people as possible, so that if it proves to be a good opportunity, we have the chance to take it."
More information is available online at www.beyondthemarket.ca.
The delayed AEC annual general meeting for members only is rescheduled for Nov. 20 at the Ag Centre.
She notes a Chris Harris photographic project initiated especially for AEC earlier this spring had him out photographing the various farms, ranches and producers in the area.
This project provides quality imagery at no cost to the AEC, Giesbrecht explains, to be used in its various publications, online and media.
An entertaining draft project unveiling will be held at the AGM.
Other grant applications are now pending thanks to new office volunteer Colleen Robb who is helping to fill a void while Margaret Perry is temporarily away on a contract as a film-industry professional.
Whether in their past, present or future actions, Giesbrecht says both women help give "traction" to the Ag Centre.
"Our other great ally on that front has been Lisa De Paoli at the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre, and her whole staff. They have been a huge help and wonderful mentors in getting us some dollars."
She adds all members of the public are invited to become AEC members, whether they are a farmer or rancher, a gardener, or just like to eat wholesome food and support the local industry.
"Friday mornings we are hosting a public and members drop-in, as sort of a meet-and-greet, for a place to meet your neighbour, for producers to connect with consumers, to find out what's happening at the Ag Centre, and for anything else that might fit within our mandate."
Folks who are planning, or just thinking about holding an agriculture-related event (including food security) could meet up with others to see if sufficient interest exists within the community, Giesbrecht notes.
She encourages those who shopped at the South Cariboo Farmers' Market during the summer to now drop by the Ag Centre for the Friday Coffee Klatch. She notes this also provides a way to hook up with many of the vendors over the winter.
Bruce Madu took up the mantle of the Community Garden this year when it was brought under the Ag Centre umbrella, Giesbrecht explains, with Linda Savjord acting as co-chair. She adds it was once again a wonderfully successful garden season.
Giesbrecht says the Rebel Garden Zone was also a resounding success, and will be continued as a joint project of the South Cariboo Sustainability Committee and the AEC.
Other AEC activities included making an appearance at the South Cariboo Community Fall Fair, the inaugural R&R (Resources and Recreation) Fair, and participating in a fledgling project facilitated by the South Cariboo Food Security Committee.
The food project saw the harvesting of 450 pounds of potatoes, and a good haul of carrots and cabbage, she notes, for use by the Soupe de Tour and the Loaves & Fishes Outreach services.
"The Ag Centre's garden tour in July was fun, it was successful and there are already ideas coming in for next year, so contact us to participate."
Giesbrecht says there is plenty more going on at the AEC, so for more information, contact AEC at 250-395-0781, e-mail agriculture.enterprise.centre@gmail.com or visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/South-Cariboo-Agri-Culture-Enterprise-Centre/603784742983446?ref=hl.