UFV hosts agriculture leaders to strengthen sector partnerships

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) welcomed agriculture leaders, alumni, and sector partners to campus on February 10 to mark Canada’s Agriculture Day and highlight the partnerships that support applied agricultural education.

Approximately 55 representatives from farms, agri-food businesses, and industry organizations gathered for campus tours and discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between UFV and the agriculture sector.

For UFV’s Agriculture program, these relationships are essential to how students learn.

“Experiential learning in agriculture cannot be simulated,” said Chris Bodnar, assistant professor of agriculture technology at UFV. “It requires real farms, real businesses, and real-world challenges. Our partners are not simply supporters of the program: they are co-educators and collaborators who help shape curriculum, mentor students, and ensure our graduates are prepared for meaningful careers in this vital sector.”

Renee Prasad, Department Head and Associate Professor of UFV’s Agriculture Technology program, guides guests through the greenhouses at UFV’s Chilliwack campus.

Agriculture has been part of UFV’s history for more than five decades, reflecting the central role the sector plays in the Fraser Valley’s economy and communities. Partnerships with producers, processors, and industry organizations help ensure students gain hands-on learning experiences that reflect real-world agricultural practices.

The gathering also introduced two new faculty members to the Agriculture program: Dr. Jessica Wang and Dr. Sameeha Jhetam.

Attendees also heard about a review of UFV’s livestock programming, examining how the university can respond to the changing needs of the livestock sector and future student demand. The review is exploring opportunities for new courses and potential credentials that reflect evolving priorities in the industry.

The event provided an opportunity for UFV faculty and leadership to reconnect with long-standing partners and valued UFV alumni while welcoming new organizations interested in collaborating with the program.

UFV Vice-President, Community Engagement, Susan Mide Kiss said partnerships with the agriculture sector play a key role in preparing students for careers in the industry.

“UFV students learn what agriculture truly looks and feels like because our partners open their operations, share their expertise, and invest their time,” Mide Kiss said. “Their leadership helps prepare the next generation of graduates for careers in a sector that is critical to British Columbia and to Canada.”

As UFV looks ahead, agriculture remains a central part of the university’s commitment to supporting Fraser Valley communities through applied learning, research, and strong sector partnerships.