On July 9, the BC Grain Producers Association welcomed members, industry partners, researchers, and government representatives to Cecil Lake Hall for the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Field Tour. The event brought together grain producers from across the Peace Region for a day of learning, discussion, networking, and firsthand looks at research taking place in British Columbia.
The day began with a welcome from BCGPA Director Malcolm Odermatt before attendees heard presentations from various industry leaders. Gurcharn Brar of the University of Alberta shared updates on wheat breeding and genetics research for the Peace Region, while the Honourable Lana Popham, BC Minister of Agriculture and Food, provided a provincial update and answered questions from attendees. Additional presentations were delivered by Ellen Pruden of Cereals Canada, Kelly Green of the Canadian Canola Growers Association, Bruce Burrows of Grain Growers of Canada, Kristian Toivonen of KMSC Law on surface rights and landowner considerations, and Hannah Willms representing the BC Agriculture Council.
Members also participated in the Association’s Annual General Meeting, where they reviewed the past year, discussed Association business, received financial and organizational updates, and elected directors to help guide the organization into the coming year.
Following lunch and networking, attendees boarded the bus for an afternoon of field tours featuring sites from the Peace Region Living Lab and River Crest Farms. These tours highlighted ongoing research and practical farming innovations, giving members the opportunity to see local projects in the field and engage directly with researchers and producers.
The BC Grain Producers Association extends its thanks to all of our speakers, volunteers, board members, and attendees for contributing to another successful AGM.
We look forward to building on the conversations and ideas shared throughout the day as we continue working together to strengthen British Columbia’s grain industry. Thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you again next year.
Field Tour Stop 3
Bruce Burrows: Grain Growers of Canada Presentation
Gurcharn Brar: Wheat Breeding Genetics, University of Alberta
Kelly Green: Canadian Canola Growers Association
AGM Registration Table
Ellen Pruden: Cereals Canada
The Honorable Lana Popham with the BCGPA Directors
