Open to: All BCIA Registrants

Join the Vancouver Branch for an engaging and timely discussion on food systems, sustainability, and agricultural practice in British Columbia. This session explores how a “Right to Food” approach can inform food systems planning and support efforts to reduce food loss at the farm level.

Through a 30-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute Q&A, participants will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities within agricultural food systems in Southwest B.C., grounded in both research and real-world practice.

What You’ll Learn

• An overview of food systems planning as a field of study and practice
• Key drivers and impacts of food loss in agricultural systems, with a B.C. case study
• The “Right to Food” framework and its relevance to governance and policy
• Farmer-identified strategies for reducing food loss on farms
• How research, sustainability, and policy connect to on-the-ground decision-making

Presenter

Tammara Soma, PhD, MCIP, RPP is the Associate Professor, School of Resource and Environmental Management (Planning Program), Simon Fraser University Research Director, Food Systems Lab. Dr. Soma is a leading voice in food systems research and policy. She is Co-Director of the CBC Gem documentary Food is My Teacher and contributed to the UN FAO report Building Resilient Food Systems. She was recently awarded the 2026 Ehor Boyanowski Distinguished Academic of the Year Award (CUFA B.C.) for her community-engaged research.

This event is particularly relevant for those working in:

• Food systems and policy
• Agricultural production and sustainability
• Environmental and resource management
• Land use planning and governance

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how policy frameworks, research, and farmer-led solutions can come together to build more resilient and sustainable food systems in B.C.

ATTENTION articling registrants!! The in-person event will be an excellent opportunity to network and meet with other branch registrants.

Please note that photographs and footage will be taken. These will be used by BCIA for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, newsletters, and on social media. Should you not wish to have your photo taken and used for these purposes, please advise the photographer at the time.