Q: First, can you tell us what your group is about and what you do?
A: The Pender Island Farmers’ Institute has a broad membership of farmers, small growers, local food advocates, and supporters of rural life and the protection of agricultural land.
We are members of District A, a group of Farmers’ Institutes in the Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast regions. Our main activities are the organization and management of the Pender Island Fall Fair and the Pender Island Farmers’ Market. We also support farmers through advocacy and education programs, and encourage young people through activities and bursaries.
Q: When was Pender Island Farmers’ Institute started, and what sparked it?
A: When Albert Menzies became the first president of the new Pender Island Farmers’ Institute in 1899, it was the first island-wide organization on Pender Island.
Q: Do you produce any community events or initiate special projects? If so, what do you typically sponsor or promote?
A: The Pender Island Fall Fair, Pender Island Farmers’ Market, Neptune Navy Grimmer – Ashton Ross-Smith Bursary in a field related to agriculture, Ellen Willingham – Tekla Deverell Bursary in volunteerism (a new bursary), Farm Food Hub (equipment to support farmers to distribute food to the community), as well as workshops and seminars for farmers.
Q: How often do you get together, and typically when? Can new members join anytime?
A: New members can join anytime. We get together a few times a year for business meetings and special meetings, and our annual AGM in March. Membership is only $5.00.
Q: How many volunteers are involved in running it? Are you currently looking for more?
A: We are always looking for volunteers, especially for the Fall Fair. Over 100 volunteers help put the Fall Fair together each year, in many capacities.
Q: What gets your members most excited in your meetings or activities?
A: Food!
Q: Is there a story or anecdote you’d like to share with readers?
A: The Farmers’ Institute provided a letter of support to the Agricultural Land Commission for the Community Hall where it is currently located, as a future site for the Fall Fair and Farmers’ Market. This letter of support was instrumental in the approval of the Community Hall as an allowed land use at its current location by the ALC.
Q: What’s in the future for your organization? Anything exciting in the works, or dreams you would like to fulfill?
A: We would like to review our goals for the next 10 years. One of these goals is to keep working on our Farm Food Hub to connect more local consumers with local food. Would definitely like to see more farmers involved with the Farmers’ Institute to provide their input and pitch in.
Q: How can people get in touch with you?
A: penderislandmarket@gmail.com, penderislandfallfair@gmail.com, http://www.pifi.ca.