IAF is an industry led, not for profit that delivers government funded programs to the agriculture and agri-food sector of British Columbia
Values
Integrity
We are honest, accountable and consistently uphold strong moral and ethical principles.
Transparency
We operate openly and communicate accurate information in a timely manner.
Collaboration
We engage and collaborate with government and industry to broaden opportunities for the sector.
Innovation
We foster a work environment that kindles ideas and promotes teamwork and learning.
IAF Strategic Framework
Board of Directors
Region Lower Mainland
Board Member Since 2020
Region Lower Mainland
Board Member Since 2019
Region Thompson-Nicola-Okanagan
Board Member Since 2017
Region Lower Mainland
Board Member Since 2018
Region Thompson-Nicola-Okanagan
Board Member Since 2019
Region Peace
Board Member Since 2020
Region Lower Mainland
Board Member Since 2019
Region Lower Mainland
Board Member Since 2019
Region Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Board Member Since 2020
Region Lower Mainland
Board Member Since 2020
Represents Agri-Business, Retail & Agri-Tech
Region Lower Mainland
Board Member Since 2020
Region Thompson-Nicola-Okanagan
Board Member Since 2021
Region Thompson-Nicola-Okanagan
Board Member Since 2021
Members
Comprised of nine industry associations, our members are responsible for IAF’s highest level of operations, including the nomination/election of our board of directors, the appointment of auditors and the approval of IAF members.
The ability of IAF to effectively support a thriving BC agriculture and agri-food sector depends on the experience, knowledge and abilities of representatives of Member groups. A diverse group of agriculture and agri-food members increases of IAF’s ability to support agriculture and agri-food throughout BC and deliver a wide range of programs to the sector.
Our Members
Membership Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for IAF Membership, applicants must:
- Be an organization or federation; individuals are not eligible
- Be located in BC
- Have an organizational mandate that aligns with IAF’s mandate
- Be aligned with one of IAF’s nine sector groups
- Have a membership that represents BC agriculture and agri-food (i.e. 50% or more of the organizations members are actual producers or processors)
Applicants will be further evaluated on the following:
- The value the applicant organization brings IAF
- Any issues or concerns regarding conflict between IAF, it’s mandate, ongoing business and the applicant
- Strategic alliance to IAF
Governance
IAF’s Strategic Framework states three goals, one of which is for “IAF to be an enduring resource for the sector”.
Within this goal, the second strategic priority is: “IAF must have a Board and Membership that reflects the agriculture and food sector of BC” where agriculture and food are defined as the “production, processing and marketing of all farm, food and agri-based products.” The IAF Board and staff are working to execute a tactical and operational plan that addresses this strategic priority.
To date IAF has stood up a new Governance and Nomination Committee is working and consulting with IAF members to determine how this priority should be realized within the lifespan of the Strategic Framework.
In 2018, IAF’s membership ratified a series of changes to IAF’s Constitution and Bylaws, in keeping with the new BC Societies Act, which requires all societies to amend their constitutions and bylaws by the end of 2018.
The Board is governed by a constitution and set of bylaws updated during our 2018 Special General Meeting, in keeping with the new BC Societies Act. This document outlines the general operational policies of IAF, clarifies director duties and responsibilities, addresses director liability and conflict of interest guidelines, and offers mechanisms for member complaints.
Under its bylaws, the Board’s role is to ensure effective governance by providing strategic direction, developing policy, and hiring and supporting senior management. Directors are also responsible for envisioning the future of IAF and ensuring that it is progressing towards its goals, while staying within legal limits and using resources efficiently.
In carrying out their responsibilities, directors owe fiduciary duties to IAF, which can be broken down into two categories:
- The duty of loyalty – this duty requires that a director act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of IAF
- The duty of care – this duty requires that a director act with a level of skill and competence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances
IAF is responsible for delivering more than a dozen government funded programs. Our Board of Directors convenes regularly to review applications for project funding, which must be guided by the funding parameters and eligibility criteria specific to the programs entrusted to us by the government funder.
Certain programs address broader issues or strategies and reflect priorities set by government. While it is the Board’s responsibility to deliberate on applications within these guidelines, it also has the latitude to determine merit based on industry priorities.
The Board also adjudicates funding applications through programs that are much narrower in scope and designed to meet highly specific issues or strategies, such as the Livestock Waste Tissue Initiative and the Poultry Biosecurity Program. In these cases, directors must review applications and allocate funding according to clearly (and externally) defined eligibility criteria.
In situations where there are gaps in funding or issues that cannot be resolved with existing industry resources, IAF may develop specialized programs to address specific priorities which fall within our mandate and funding principles, such as the Local Government Partnership Program. Board-led initiatives allow more flexibility in offering funding tailored to current industry needs.
During adjudication meetings, the Board has the authority to:
- Approve all, or parts of, a project
- Reduce or increase the requested funding
- Set conditions for approval
- Defer an application until more information is available
- Decline an application, with reason (reconsiderations are granted to applicants)
Our directors are farmers, food processors and industry professionals from a variety of sectors who bring valuable expertise to the table. Rest assured your application will be reviewed by a knowledgeable panel of industry peers!
