BC Farm Writers' Association

April 2025 Newsletter

A stock photo representing the massive number of attendees we are aiming to attract to the 2027 CFWF conference hosted by BCFWA. LOL! Photo by Product School on Unsplash.

We need YOU! (Pretty please?!)

Depending on how you look at it, we’ve got an amazing opportunity or a somewhat daunting challenge ahead.

In late September or early October 2027, BCFWA is scheduled to host the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation (CFWF) annual conference. You might remember that we last hosted back in 2019 in New Westminster; this time we’re in the earliest planning stages to host on southern Vancouver Island. Our challenge is one of time: your BCFWA board is just seven members, all of whom volunteer with the BCFWA alongside busy professional and personal lives. If we’re going to be able to pull off a conference in two years, we need some help! Many hands really do make light work. If you’d be willing to pitch in, even a little, we’re hoping to break the planning into very manageable pieces. Will you join us? It’s a super way to get connected and a ton of fun too. Some of our most valued friendships were formed in working together on previous conferences.

On May 8th at 5:00 PM PST, we’re going to host an online social hour and CFWF conference brainstorming session. Grab your coffee (or glass of wine – we won’t judge!) and join the conversation. We’d love to make some new connections, hear what’s happening in your corner of the farm writing community, and lay out some initial CFWF conference thoughts.  

Please reach out to Madeleine at mbaerg@seedworldgroup.com if you’d like more info about the conference planning committee and/or to join us for the Zoom social. 

Your BC Farm Writers' Association Board,


Amanda (Chair), Vanessa, Ronda, Myrna, Tars, Julia and Madeleine

Our Very First Member Poll!

We’re curious to know what kind of regional events you’d be interested in attending. Please click on the button below to hop on over to our very first Survey Monkey poll where you can share your thoughts. (And if you’re as curious as we are to learn the results of this survey, you’ll be pleased to know they will be printed in the next newsletter along with a new poll.)

Meet Your 2025 Board

BCFWA’s board members boast a wide range of experience in the agriculture communication sector. Throughout the year, we will be getting to know our 2025 board, one director at a time, by asking each of them to answer the same five questions.

2025 BCFWA Vice President Vanessa Farnsworth

Freelance agriculture writer and owner of Perennial Communications.

How long have you been involved in agriculture writing/communicating?

As a journalism student, I interned at a Guelph-based farm publication produced by and for Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers in 1992 and have been writing articles in the ag space ever since.

What is your favourite agriculture sector to cover?

Before I became a writer, I worked in the horticulture sector and my primary interest continues to involve horticulture, field crops, and related subjects like soil science, propagation and technologies that assist growers.

What do you see as the most pressing issue in BC agriculture today?

Uncertainty. It seems to be coming at the industry from all sides these days. Tariff threats, climate change, extreme weather events, financial crises, mental and physical burn out, you name it.

What is the biggest benefit you get from being involved with BCFWA?

Connecting with other ag writers.

If you could change one thing about BCFWA, what would it be?

Greater participation from members would be lovely, especially with the 2027 CFWF conference on the horizon. Is there something we can do (or do better) to get more members more engaged in planning, executing, and/or attending events? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a line at bcfarmwriters@gmail.com.

Learn more about Vanessa on the Perennial Communications website

2025 CFWF Conference & AGM Update

The 2025 CFWF Conference will be held September 18-20 at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg. Registration opens in May, with early bird pricing likely ending July 31. “Learning from the Past and Growing for the Future,” will be showcased with a Thursday reception, Friday agriculture bus tours, and Saturday professional development that culminates in the national awards banquet. BCFWA expects to offer a bursary to one member to help with costs, with details to be announced closer to the conference. Last year’s bursary was $750.

To ensure as much participation as possible, the CFWF AGM will be held online, likely during the last two weeks of May. The current president is stepping away so the role will be open to any CFWF member in good standing, which includes any BCFWA member. Myrna Stark Leader is the current BC CFWF representative and a past CFWF President. She tells us that holding executive positions on regional and national boards was a great learning opportunity and also looked great on a resume.

IFAJ World Congress Update

The 2025 IFAJ World Congress will take place in Kenya from October 14–18, with multiple tour options based on proximity to Nairobi. Registration is expected to open soon, and early indications that fees will be approximately €700 (excluding accommodations). Hotel options range from €50 to €140 per night.



Because of the travel distance from Canada, CFWF will offer two $2,500 bursaries, sponsored by Bayer and CFWF, to help members attend. Applications should open in April, with selections by May. Applicants must demonstrate how they will share what they learn and acknowledge sponsors. This will be the first time the IFAJ Congress is held in Kenya.

CFWF Wants to Hear From You

Check your email for the CFWF Strategic Planning Communications Committee's survey on the digital communication tools preferred by members or click on the button below. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and the results will help in the creation of a CFWF Communications Plan.

Alltech IFAJ Young Leaders Program

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Alltech IFAJ Young Leaders Program, which helps shape future leaders in agricultural journalism. Submissions are open to qualified applicants under age 35 and are due by June 8th.

David Schmidt Legacy Fund Open For Donations

We've noticed that the David Schmidt Legacy Fund is difficult to find using the search feature on the Vancouver Foundation's website. For those keen to contribute to the endowment we've provided a button below to give you easy access. A charitable receipt will be issued.

Please consider joining one of our committees!