Water and Agriculture: Exploring The Future of the Okanagan Valley

The brush strokes on almost any BC wine label portray a thriving oasis of life and opportunity in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, but how long can this image continue?

The Okanagan Valley makes up a quarter of BC's agricultural economy and is a growing destination for tourists and residents alike. As the region struggles to meet its water needs, it faces numerous challenges. Summer droughts worsen as upland water retention falls victim to clear cuts, mountain pine beetle and earlier snow melts. Meanwhile, vital groundwater aquifers are tapped with virtually no regulation.

We can shorten our showers and let the grass turn gold, but the elephant in the room remains; with farming accounting for more than half of the region's freshwater consumption, how will the Okanagan's agriculture industry evolve to ensure its continued role as a major BC food producer?

Join Waterlution in Kelowna for the 2011 workshop, Water and Agriculture: Exploring the Future of the Okanagan Valley. With speakers, farm visits, and discussion groups, the workshop will examine the scope of pressures facing the Okanagan Watershed. More importantly, participants will explore solutions from both supply and demand perspectives, encouraging a holistic approach to a complex and ongoing challenge.

Please note: to be eligible for participation, you must fall within our "young leader" demographic of 18-35 years old.