Farmers Institutes are rural organizations that are incorporated and continued under the Farmers and Women's Institutes Act RSBC 1996, Chapter 133. They are cross-commodity in nature, and are concerned with most aspects of the farming industry and society from a community agriculture perspective.

According to the Act, BC Farmers Institutes strive to serve the needs of the local agricultural community. Their boards meet to identify and address issues of interest and concern to local farms, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders. Board members also sit on committees in the wider community, advocating for farmers’ interests at community, municipal, provincial and federal levels. Institutes offer regular workshops, farm tours, professional development opportunities, farmers markets, and social events to benefit farmers, farms, other agricultural stakeholders and the local community.

We are the parent organization for:

• Powell River Farmers' Market
• Seedy Saturday
• Fall Fair

Aims and Objectives

• To improve conditions of rural life, so that settlement may be permanent and prosperous, and to welcome newcomers to the agricultural community.

• To promote the theory and practice of agriculture by lectures, essays, the circulation of information and other educational material, methods, and to stimulate interest by exhibitions, prizes, and other means.

• To arrange on behalf of its members for the purchase, distribution, or sale of commodities, supplies or products, and generally to act on their behalf in all matters incidental to agricultural pursuits.

• To promote & facilitate community involvement in agricultural initiatives and food systems.