WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

The Comox Valley Farmers Institute (CVFI) has been a presence here in the Comox Valley in some shape or form since 1873! The year 2023 is our 150th anniversary!

We are a non-profit organization governed and provincially legislated under The Farmers and Womens Institutes Act. The CVFI is committed to supporting all types of agriculture, farming and farmers in the Comox Valley and we are an active and important contributor and advocate to the continued success of agriculture in the Comox Valley. We want to see our members succeed in the business of farming and agriculture and we want to see agriculture continue to be a valued and important contributor to the social, economic and environmental fabric of the Comox Valley’s long-term prosperity.

The Comox Valley Farmers (CVFI) Institute represents a diverse, local diverse, local group of  producers/farmers, processors as well as farm and agriculture supporters. In more recent years, our membership is representative of 80 to 100 local farms and their families as well as people that work on active and productive farms here in the Comox Valley and people just thinking about or getting into farming and agriculture. Our members represent all types and sizes of farms and farming. Many of our members are actively contributing to the local food system in the Comox Valley, while others are part of the greater provincial and national food systems; all are important!

Click on the button below to see some of these farms, their products and their contact information. If you are a member, get in touch with us to have your information added.

Some of the Benefits of 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 when and where needed;
• We offer members the opportunity to rent assorted CVFI-owned farm equipment from our equipment co-op;
• We 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;
• We offer an annual bursary 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 both a Facebook page and group as well as communicate regularly with members via email updates.