Traditional Territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (Prince George) and across Central and Northern BC, on the territories of many Indigenous Nations in these regions.
Led by the District C Farmers’ Institute, Eaglet Lake Farmers’ Institute, and Local Food PG Society, this initiative worked toward establishing an agricultural land trust in central and northeast BC and established a project manager for relationship building and project management. This trust’s vision is to preserve farmland, support food production for local communities, provide a base for agricultural training, education and research, and provide new farmers with access to land.
Story of Impact
The story below was shared by this initiative as their Most Significant Transformation Story, submitted as part of their final report. It reflects the perspectives and experiences of individuals involved in each initiative.
The project timeline and pace shifted due to the limited availability of volunteer advisory members, all of whom are actively managing their own farms, farm-related enterprises, and land-based initiatives.
As implementation progressed, it became clear that seasonal agricultural demands—such as planting, harvesting, staffing, and weather-related pressures—required significant time and energy from advisory members. Because advisors contribute on a volunteer basis while operating their own farms, full-time management of this initiative was not feasible during peak seasons, resulting in adjusted timelines.
This change underscores the practitioner-led nature of the initiative. While it introduced delays, it ensured that decisions and guidance were informed by real-world farming experience rather than abstract planning. Maintaining advisor well-being and project integrity is being prioritized to support sustainable, high-quality outcomes.
The initiative is adapting to emerging needs and feedback by recalibrating timelines, sequencing activities to align with seasonal availability, and responding directly to feedback regarding advisor capacity. These adjustments are strengthening participation, reducing burnout risk, and improving the project’s long-term feasibility.
Illustrative feedback across Canada and in BC:
“Ontario’s farmland is a finite and non‑renewable resource that we cannot afford to lose. Farmland provides us with food, fuel, fibre, flowers, and more, and every Ontarian relies on it in one way or another.”
— Ontario Farmland Trust on the importance of protecting farmland in Ontario
“Farmland is a finite, non‑renewable resource essential for food production and community well‑being, and protecting it ensures future generations can continue to grow food locally.”
— Adapted from Ontario Farmland Trust messaging
“We’re talking to the people who have put their whole life energy into that land and do not want to see it developed. They have a very strong sense that it’s their legacy to give.”
— Heather Pritchard, Founder, Foodlands Cooperative of British Columbia
Project Poster
All posters are downloadable in print format. Original posters were designed at 3ft by 4ft; as such, we advise you to print at a similar ratio to ensure text and images are as accessible as possible.
Community Farmland Trust Initiative: The project will create an agricultural land trust in central and northeast BC. This trust will preserve…
Interactive Map
Use the interactive map below to see who we funded across the north.
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