What happens when students step out of the classroom and into the heart of BC’s agriculture and food systems? Curiosity blooms. Perspectives shift. Career possibilities come to life.

This year, with the support of our national and provincial partners, we are proud to deliver six transformative thinkAG Career Tours, and the five have already taken place, providing immersive experiences that introduced students to the people, places, and possibilities driving our province’s agri-food sector.

From meeting and networking with industry experts to walking the rows of local farms and facilities, students discovered firsthand how agriculture connects to science, sustainability, nutrition, business, and technology, and where their passions might lead them next.

thinkAg Career Tour - Delta: A Day Rooted in Discovery

On January 17, students from Delta Secondary School participated in a dynamic and enriching day filled with learning and exploration.

Tour Locations:

• West Coast Seeds Farm and Warehouse: A behind-the-scenes look at seed production and logistics
• BC Fresh: Discovering local vegetable processing and distribution
• Apiary Visit: A special highlight where students engaged in the vital world of pollinators and beekeeping

Students were also treated to a catered lunch featuring assorted wraps (vegetarian and meat options), fresh vegetables and fruit, desserts, and drinks. A networking session capped the day, giving students a chance to connect directly with industry professionals and ask meaningful career questions.

Networking Sessions Included:

• RBC: Financial careers in agri-business
• BC Greenhouses: Innovations in sustainable crop production
• BC Ministry of Agriculture: Policy and public service in agriculture
• WestGen: Genetics, innovation and maintaining sustainability of Western Canadian dairy and beef producers
• Cropthorne Farm & River and Sea Flowers: Small-scale farming and floriculture
• Dairy Smart Nutrition: Careers in dairy and nutritional sciences

thinkAg Career Tour - Victoria: A Cultivation of Curiosity

On May 1, students from Esquimalt High School and Stelly’s Secondary School in Victoria stepped into a world of possibilities in agriculture and food through tailored presentations and tours.

Tour Locations:

• Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture: Innovative land restoration and farming practices
• Blenkinsop Community Agriculture Centre: Regenerative Farming Techniques
• Dan’s Farm Market: A look at farm-to-market operations
• Saanich Fair Grounds: Community agriculture and events
• Camosun College: Post-secondary pathways in hospitality and culinary arts

A networking session followed, offering students an invaluable opportunity to speak with experts, ask career-related questions, and start imagining their place in BC’s growing agri-food landscape.

Networking Session Included:

• BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA): Professional designations and the science of agrology
• RBC: Financial roles in the agri-food economy
• BC Ministry of Agriculture: Insights into agricultural policy and planning
• Victoria Air Photos and Survey: Careers in land mapping, GIS, and remote sensing
• Camosun College - Hospitality Department: Training for the food service industry

thinkAg Career Tour - Maple Ridge: A Fresh Taste of Local Agriculture

On May 16, 48 students from Maple Ridge Secondary stepped out of the classroom for a hands-on day of discovering the unique connections between local farms, food, and agri-careers.

Tour Locations:

• Sunflower Cafe / Yellowhouse Farm: Students explored how small-scale, sustainable farming and agritourism bring communities closer to their food.
• Hopcott Farms: A behind-the-scenes look at a family-run farm and butcher shop, highlighting sustainable meat production and farm-to-table operations.

Students enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, bringing the day’s learning full circle from farm to fork. After lunch, they connected face-to-face with local experts who shared their career journeys and offered valuable insights into the diverse pathways available in BC’s agri-food sector.

Networking Sessions Included:

• FCC: Financial careers supporting Canadian farmers and agriculture businesses
• Amanda Brittain, Independent Contractor: Careers in eggs and poultry farming
• Saputo: Opportunities in dairy production and sales
• Escrop: Careers related to soil health and beneficial insect management
• Pickmick Farms: Perspectives from a local farmer
• Ronda Payne, Country Life, “Girl with a Pen”: Agri-communications and storytelling in agriculture

thinkAg Career Tour - Kelowna: A Day of Curiosity Taking Roots

On June 10 and 13, students from Glenrosa Middle School took part in an inspiring day of exploration and learning in Kelowna, getting an up-close look at how BC’s agriculture and food systems connect from farm to community.

Tour Locations:

• Paynters Farm Market – Students discovered how local produce is grown, marketed, and sold directly to the community, learning about the business side of farming

• Helen’s Acres Community Farm – A hands-on experience showcasing community farming, food security, and how fresh food supports local food banks

• Calissi Farms – An inside look at sustainable tree fruit production and the importance of innovation in BC’s orchard industry

 Students enjoyed a catered lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients and had time to relax and connect before diving into the next highlight of the day, the Networking Session where professionals from across the sector shared insights about their work, career journeys, and advice for the next generation.

Networking Sessions Included:

• SunRype / Lassonde – Careers in food manufacturing and product innovation
• The Greenery – Greenhouse production and horticulture careers
• Eco Cooks – Culinary opportunities and food waste reduction
• Central Okanagan Food Bank – Community support and food security careers
• Stephen Eng (Guest Speaker) – Insights into building a successful career in the agri-food sector

thinkAg Career Tour - Langley: Exploration of Food and Farming Futures

On June 18, 36 students enjoyed a day rooted in discovery and local food connections! The thinkAG Career Tour in Langley took students beyond the classroom and into the fields, gardens, and dairies that help feed BC communities.

Tour Locations:

• Pinch of Soil Farm: A small-scale sustainable farming in action
• Derek Doubleday Arboretum: An urban forest focusing on environmental stewardship and community green space
• Milner Cheese: A local dairy producer and cheese maker

Students wrapped up the day by connecting face-to-face with industry experts and learning about diverse agriculture and food careers, after enjoying lunch featuring local vegetables, fresh fruits, desserts, and drinks. 

Networking Sessions Included:

• BC Greenhouse: Importance of bugs and bees in greenhouse production
• Amanda Brittain, Independent Contractor: Careers in eggs and poultry farming
• Saputo: Dairy operations and sales
• LEPS: Agricultural policies and food security related careers
• Sources – Food Bank: Climate change and food security
• Escrop: Importance of soil health and beneficial insects

Why thinkAG Matters

These tours are more than just field trips, they are immersive experiences that connect students to agri-career possibilities in food production, science, business, technology, nutrition, and sustainability. From seed to surveyor, greenhouse to government, students saw firsthand the diversity and importance of the roles that sustain BC’s food system. By meeting the people behind the food system and exploring the places where food is grown, processed, and studied, students gained not only knowledge but a deeper appreciation for agriculture and its relevance to their lives and futures.

Know someone who would love to learn more about BC’s agriculture and food education opportunities? Share this story and inspire them to thinkAG, too.

Thanks to the support of partners, BCAITC is proud to make these experiences accessible to schools across the province.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.