Chilliwack Agricultural Commission


The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission is a subsidiary of the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO). CEPCO is a unique, community-based economic development organization within the City of Chilliwack.

CEPCO's Strategic Plan fully recognizes the significance of agriculture to the economic base of Chilliwack, where agriculture currently represents approximately 30% of Chilliwack's economic activity and agriculture occupies approximately 65% of the land.

In recognition of the significance of agriculture in the Chilliwack economy, CEPCO established the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission with its own Board of Directors, consisting of a large group of stakeholders representing a broad, diverse cross-section of agricultural interests in the community.

Mandate

The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission's mandate is to encourage the establishment of Chilliwack as a center of excellence in agriculture by means of implementing an agricultural strategy that facilitates a diverse and sustainable agricultural sector.

Objectives

The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission's objectives are as follows:

  • to educate and raise awareness as to the importance of agriculture to the community and economy;
  • to work with existing businesses through business retention and expansion programs;
  • to attract agricultural related businesses to the community;
  • to enhance agricultural education opportunities by working with community stakeholders;
  • to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector.  

Committees

  • Public Awareness Committee
  • Education Committee
  • Projects Committee

Chilliwack Agricultural Commission Board of Directors

Walter Dyck, Chair
Sprucewood Farms Ltd.

Sue Attrill
Councillor, City of Chilliwack

Peter Awram
Honeyview Farm Ltd.

Chris Byra
Greenbelt Veterinary Services Ltd.

Tony Degroot
Tonesa Holsteins Ltd.

Reg Ens
BC Agriculture Council

Walter Esau
Royal Lepage Wheeler Cheam Realty

Ken Huttema
Councillor, City of Chilliwack

Tim Loewen
Pine Meadows Tree Farms Ltd.

Stewart McLean
Councillor, City of Chilliwack

Rose Morrison
Member-at-Large

Kelly O'Brien
Rogers Foods Ltd.

Lorne Owen
Community Futures, South Fraser

Steve Saccomano
BMO - Bank of Montreal

Stan Vander Waal
Rainbow Greenhouses

Chris Zabek
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands