Lake Country farmers and agriculture users are being invited to a Farmer’s Breakfast on Friday morning to discuss opportunities to move the industry forward together.
Alan Gatzke, along with Okanagan Rail Trail ambassador Brad Clement, will speak at the breakfast event, with Gatzke hoping others involved in agriculture and farming will join together to discuss common issues and ways to work together moving forward.
“This is the beginning of ‘get to know your neighbour,’ but it also could become more than that,” said Gatzke, who’s Oyama Orchard is also contracted to run Tourism Lake Country.
“I really want to position our agriculture industry to be able to take advantage of what we anticipate will be an increase in tourism with the rail trail.”
Gatzke says he would like area farmers to share success stories, what has not worked for them and what government regulations need to be worked on or changed for the industry to have success.
“We need to collaborate and help each other,” said Gatzke.
The morning event is called Opportunities for Lake Country Agriculture and takes place Friday, Nov. 4, from 8 to 10 a.m.
Gatzke says being a farmer comes with many headaches, including translating government regulations into something understandable for farmers.
“It’s a big learning curve, on both sides. If you feel this pain as well, come to the breakfast,” he said.
“My farm has been a playground for my passion and I know other farmers that feel the same.
“Multi-tasking of crop production, expanding your market, hiring staff and re-designing rack cards inspired this first session.”
Tourism Lake Country hosts the session in the café at Gatzke Orchard at the intersection of Pelmewash Parkway and Irvine Road.
“Hearing from visitors of all stripes at the Oyama visitors center, at the Kangaroo Farm kiosk, and at local community events has revealed the opportunities frequently missed as visitors choose destinations other than Lake Country to spend their time and money,” said Gatzke.
“This brought the Education Series to life, helping stakeholders understand what it takes to have them stop-stay-shop-play in Lake Country.”
To reserve your spot text name and email to 250-868-7646 or just email to alan.gatzke@gmail.com.