Kevin Klippenstein from the Organic Farming Institute of British Columbia

Kevin Klippenstein is an organic farmer. He’s also Chair of The Organic Farming Institute of British Columbia (OFIBC). Armed with a solid understanding of organic farming and an unwavering commitment to education, Kevin and The OFIBC are creating pathways for a new generation of organic farmers. Kevin generously agreed to share his insights with us.

Q: Can you tell us briefly how you came to be involved in organic farming and why it’s important to you?

A: I came from the food and beverage industry – managing restaurants and bars. When I met my wife she was already farming organically on her parent’s farm. It was around that time I started gaining a deeper appreciation of where our food comes from. We wanted to share that with everyone, hence the reason our farm, Klipper’s Organics, sells at farmers markets.

We’re now trying to take this one step further by teaching people how to farm organically.

Q: The Organic Farming Institute of British Columbia (OFIBC) has strong roots in the Similkameen Valley. How did the lower Similkameen Valley evolve to become one of the country’s most important organic regions?

A: There are two main reasons for this phenomenon. First, the region’ climate is conducive to farming and organic practices. Second, there exists a core group of committed producers who, over the years, have persisted and developed effective organic management systems. Their hard work has made it easier for their neighbors to follow suit.

We’re also fortunate that the Sterile Insect Release (SIR) program has been successful in this area. The success of the program means that we don’t have to spray for pests such as the codling moth.

Lastly, the Similkameen is a windy valley. This helps to keep pest numbers down and diseases minimal.

Q: The courses offered at the OFIBC have been put together by experienced organic farmers. How important is the experiential component in delivering robust organic training courses and materials?

A: It is very important. We want to give people the very best information possible and we actually know it works. Nothing beats experience. Also, while most farmers locally are knowledgeable… the responsibility to teach also creates a learning experience for the local farmer… making them even sharper so they can assist their students… plus draw from practical local knowledge.

Q: The OFIBC delivers its training in a range of formats (video, online, workshops, field-trips, etc.) How important is it to cater to different learning styles?

A: We have varied the material and delivery mechanisms to keep the material fresh, varied, and stimulating. This way, no matter what a person’s preferred learning style is we can meet their needs, so it is very important to us.

Q: The Organic Farming Institute of British Columbia works closely with a number of local academic institutions. How important are these relationships in delivering upon the Institute’s objectives?

A: We are attempting to build academic partnerships to help broaden our reach, especially when our offerings are complimentary to those of our partner’s. We are also working toward accreditation for OFIBC’s offerings to help meet some of our student’s academic needs.

Q: What are some of the most common mistakes made by new organic farmers?

A: New organic farmers tend to make the same mistakes any new farmer does. Most mistakes come down to not having the full picture or plan. Insufficient planning, failure to appreciate or understand market opportunities, and a lack of customer understanding are all challenges facing new farmers.

Q: Are there many young farmers coming through the OFIBC’s courses? Why do you think this is?

A: Yes, we have an apprenticeship program on our farm where we take 5 – 10 students every year. They in turn take OFIBC’s courses as well as many others who want to get into farming.

I really see the agriculture sector growing strongly. There are larger numbers of people wanting to know where their food comes from and this is translating into an increased desire for young people to get back into farming.

Q: What are the most significant challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for The OFIBC? How closely do these mirror the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s broader organic sector?

A: The most significant challenges and opportunities that lie ahead are growing the organization beyond 3 or 4 courses while keeping a focus on quality educational experience.

Financial challenges in the cost of creating more courses…for more students…that will satisfy the educational demand and the more healthy holistic approach to farming…

In some ways the people involved with the OFIBC are farmers of a different sort. They are trying to grow an organization that is clean, healthy, helpful, efficient, and can fulfil our social and environmental responsibilities…while assisting our community.

As for Canada’s broader organic sector that is a difficult question. I really don’t want to speculate too far down the road, but the obvious challenge to all farming is the price of agricultural land. The costs are quite prohibitive. This is making it difficult for young farmers to step up to the plate and buy existing farms from those who would like to retire.

In addition, North America’s cheap food policy makes it challenging for Canadian producers to charge a fair price for their product. One could also mention that most organic food in North America is bought through the large chains, which is the least likely mechanism to return a reasonable profit to the grower.

I can also mention the lack of an organic seed supply, especially as seed houses are amalgamated under larger and larger corporations.

Lastly, and I can’t avoid saying it – genetically modified organism (GMO) contamination. Organic standards prohibit the use of GMOs. Unfortunately, time has shown that contamination is almost unavoidable.

Q: What advice would you give to any farmer considering making the transition to organic farming methodologies?

A: I would recommend that they work with a farmer who has been farming organically for a while and is involved. Also, take some online courses such as what the OFIBC is offering.

Organic Guide wishes to thank Kevin Klippenstein for generously sharing his time and insights. To find out more about Kevin and the educational initiatives available, please visit The Organic Farming Institute of British Columbia.