Regenerative Agriculture Extension Services

(2023)

Upland was contracted by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food to complete a scan of Regenerative Agriculture extension services. Regenerative agriculture is a holistic, circular approach to farming that strives to improve the health of agroecosystems and the natural ecosystems that support them. The project had the following three objectives:

1. To understand the various regenerative agriculture extension resources available to B.C. producers.

1. To identify the gaps, challenges and opportunities for regenerative agricultural extension resources in B.C.

1. To provide recommendations for improving regenerative agriculture extension resources for B.C. producers.

To help achieve the project objectives, a jurisdictional scan and interviews with stakeholders were conducted. The jurisdictional scan revealed over 40 resources, within three categories:

• Knowledge development: on-farm and off-farm research;

• Knowledge transfer: delivery of in-person events, online resources, and other materials; and

• Risk assessments: technical assistance provided by consultants on regenerative agriculture topics.

Based on the project findings, six key recommendations are presented for improving extension resources, programs, and services available to BC producers related to regenerative agriculture. A key connecting theme amongst the recommendations is coordination and collaboration.

The report is published on the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food website.