The 91原创 Farmers Institute is gearing up for events centered around the agricultural community, including a Summer Mingler and an all candidates meeting before the upcoming provincial election.

Institute chair Amanda Smith spoke to 91原创 Township councillors on Monday, July 15 to update them on the work of the organization, which was formed a few years ago, but had a slow start due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the last year, the group has been ramping up its activity.

Smith said the group is primarily focused on collaborating with municipal governments to increae awareness of farming issues, and to support local farmers on issues they face, including local bylaws, getting provincial funding, and advocating on important issues.

Their next event will be held on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at Locality Brewing, at 7111 252 St.

"We are holding a summer mingler to meet more farmers and rural landowners," Smith said. Everyone interested is invited to attend.

Following that, the next big event will be an all-candidates meeting on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at George Preston Recreation Centre in Brookswood, Smith said.

The institute has been talking to local farmers and its members for some time, and a number of issues have come up again and again, she noted.

Among those are water issues, difficulties getting farmland properly categorized by BC Assessment, and stray and loose dogs in rural areas.

On the last point, early next year the institute is hoping to hold an info session about dangerous loose dogs in partnership with the 91原创 Animal Protection Society.