It was American humourist Will Rogers who said "The farmer has to be an optimist, or he wouldn't still be a farmer."

A networking opportunity seeks to share that optimism in bringing Okanagan-Thompson farmers and landholders together.

Young Agrarians Land Linking Workshops will explore potential land matches, land sharing and lease agreements. 

鈥淥ur goal is to connect people with each other and their regional land matcher to receive ongoing support and potentially make a match through the BC Land Matching Program (BCLMP),鈥� said Pascale Schittecatte, Young Agrarians BCLMP manager. 

The program provides land matching and business support services to farmers looking to start or expand their farms and landholders interested in finding someone to farm their land. BCLMP launched in the Okanagan in August 2018 and has seen over 82 matches on more than 4,711 acres in the region. It has made more than 343 matches on over 12,339 acres across the province. 

According to a Young Agrarians news release, the Okanagan has lost 1,285 farms since 2006 (Canadian Census of Agriculture). B.C. lost 4,003 farms and 549,729 hectares of farmland from 2006-2021. 

鈥淭hese numbers highlight an urgent need to increase local food production and support new entrants into agriculture across the Okanagan-Thompson,鈥� the release stated. 鈥淗owever, aspiring farmers face many barriers to getting established, including a lack of access to training options and the high cost of farmland.鈥�

BCLMP success stories include third-generation bee farmers Emily and Shane who operate Wild Antho Honey in Armstrong.

鈥淎ccessing this program has allowed our farm to grow, especially as new farmers,鈥� Emily said. 鈥淔or people trying to get into farming, it gives us a way in this economy to start or grow a farm, without owning land.鈥�

Jack was farming his property in 琉璃神社 with the support of a neighbour and looking to retire. He was matched with Greet, a vegetable grower with a farm stand. 

鈥淚 would have had difficulty finding someone to connect with if it hadn't been for the program,鈥� Jack said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an easy transition and there is help available to put the contract together, and as a bonus, the program is free.鈥�

The workshop is on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Okanagan Mission Community Hall (4409 Lakeshore Road). The event is free, though donations are welcome. 

For more information and to register visit the .