Growing Horticulture and Agriculture between
Holland and Canada

A special event coordinated by the University of the Fraser Valley and the Consulate-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in conjunction with HAS Den Bosch University (Netherlands).

The University of the Fraser Valley and HAS Den Bosch University (Netherlands) will co-sponsor a one-day symposium to encourage partnerships between Holland and Canada, and strengthen the horticulture industry.

Click here to view the symposium video

Click here to view photographs from the symposium

Keynote speakers:

Professor Esther Vennekens, HAS Den Bosch University

Special Guest Speaker: The day will include a special guest presentation by Professor Esther Vennekens from HAS Den Bosch University (Netherlands) on Greenport(s) Holland – a network, representing the Dutch cluster of businesses related to horticulture, including arboriculture and floriculture to promote local and remote food production, innovation, knowledge, research & development, food technology, wholesale, international trade & exports, food logistics and renewable energy supply. Greenport(s) involves close cooperation between industry, knowledge centres and government and forms a vital part of the Dutch economy, representing 40% of total Dutch agricultural value and 90% of world flower bulb trade.

Dave Woodske, Floriculture and Nursery Specialist for the BC Ministry of Agriculture
Greenhouse Innovation Presentation

Dave Woodske has a M.Sc. degree in Horticulture Science from the University of Saskatchewan. He has held a variety of positions with the Ministry of Agriculture during his 17 years of employment. Dave is currently the production specialist responsible for the nursery, floriculture, and greenhouse vegetable sectors in BC and his topic will highlight current innovation in the greenhouse and nursery sector.

Over the years the floriculture and greenhouse vegetable sectors in British Columbia have been challenged by high input costs, a lack of pest control options, the appreciation of the Canadian dollar, and a highly competitive global market. Despite these and other challenges, the sectors have grown by becoming more efficient in production and management. Improvements in production efficiency have been achieved by implementing innovative technology and, new production methods and plant varieties. The presentation will provide an overview of past and future innovation in the production of greenhouse crops, and the critical role played by creative-thinking researchers from public institutions and private businesses.

Christine Koch, CK Consulting
Sustainability in BC Agriculture Presentation

Christine Koch comes from a family of greenhouse floriculture growers. Her parents grew greenhouse-grown cut orchids and roses in Langley. Her sister took over the family farm and specializes in cymbidium orchids. Her two other siblings grow cut roses in California. Christine obtained a Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Economics from UBC and a diploma in Agricultural Management from BCIT. After graduation, Christine worked at United Flower Growers for five years. She worked for 12 years with the BC Ministry of Agriculture, first as the Provincial Floriculture Specialist and later as the Senior Manager, Horticulture Industries. For the past four years, Christine has worked with the provincial farm umbrella organization, the BC Agriculture Council as the Manager, Policy and Member Relations.

Christine will discuss the environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainability and how the three must be in balance to achieve sustainability on the farm. "It's tough being green when you're in the red."

• Brian Minter, UFV Chancellor, International Horticulture Expert