WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

We are a volunteer driven, non-profit organization incorporated under the Farmers & Women’s Institutes Act with a long and rich history of proudly supporting agriculture in the Comox Valley since 1873. We are committed to agriculture, food, farming and farmers here in the Comox Valley.

We represent a diverse group of producers/farmers and their families, processors, people working on local farms, people thinking about or getting into farming as well as other farm and agriculture supporters. It is important to note that our farm membership is by farm and in many cases there are multiple multi-generational families behind one farm membership.

Our members represent all types and sizes of farms and farming with many actively contributing to the local food system in the Comox Valley, while others are part of the greater provincial and national food systems. We strive to be an active advocate for all types of agriculture in the Comox Valley and want to see agriculture grow, be recognized and valued as an important contributor to the social, economic and environmental fabric of the Comox Valley’s long-term prosperity.

The overwhelming majority of our members live in the rural electoral Areas A, B and C of the Comox Valley Regional District, although some members also farm within the boundaries of the Town of Comox and the City of Courtenay. Some members also farm cross-jurisdictionally.

Here in the Comox Valley, we are in a unique and enviable position amongst places to live with many of the amenities that city life has to offer but are also so fortunate to be surrounded by agricultural land, active farming operations and a bounty of local products. Agriculture and farming are both fragile and extremely important and need to be protected and valued.

BENEFITS TO MEMBERSHIP:

• We are a knowledge conduit that offers locally relevant agricultural farm news, information and learning opportunities such as workshops, field days and agricultural education events as well as monthly meetings with a wide variety of guest speakers addressing agriculturally relevant topics;
• We are an active contributor and advocate to the continued success of all types of agriculture in the Comox Valley and act generally on behalf of our members in all matters incidental to agricultural pursuits and rural development;
• We keep abreast of and advocate for agricultural and rural interests with local, regional, provincial and at times federal governments; collectively we sit at many tables and are well connected;
• We can offer farmer backed support, representation and advocacy that can voice the realities of farming and agriculture when and where needed;
• Members have the opportunity to rent assorted CVFI-owned farm equipment from our equipment co-op;
• We often offer bulk buying opportunities for the purchase of some farm inputs such as fertilizer and lime;
• We host several social events and community activities throughout the year such as our Farm Equipment Auction, BBQ’s, Member Harvest Supper and Taste of the Valley etc…;
• We offer an annual bursary ($1000) to students pursuing agricultural post secondary education;
• We provide networking and mentorship opportunities to both new and established farmers alike while offering relevant connections and support;
• We maintain an active social medial presence through a Facebook page as well as communicate regularly with members via regular email updates. We are pleased to advertise and highlight your farm or agricultural business!
• Reduced pricing to Farmer’s Institute Members to put a farm ad in the Comox Valley Grower’s Guide put out by the Comox Valley Record.