Connecting Adult Learners to Agriculture
Every July, individuals eager to expand their knowledge of agriculture, become the students at BC Agriculture in the Classroom (BCAITC) and UBC Faculty of Education's Summer Institute in Abbotsford, BC.
During the weeklong Summer Institute, we provide participants with professional development tools and resources to help them integrate important concepts related to food, the agriculture industry, and environmental sustainability into their work and learning environments.
Through active participation, chef demos, field trips, guest speakers, and video presentations, participants explore fun, interactive and practical ways over the week to incorporate concepts related to food production, consumption, safety, agricultural stewardship and sustainable food systems into their work setting. The result? Knowledge and learning resources that can be shared with students, colleagues, and communities across the province, all rich in agricultural literacy.
The Summer Institute is open to all adult learners and can be taken as a three-credit UBC course or as a non-credit workshop. Limited spaces are available for both course registrants and workshop participants. Don’t miss out – register today!
Lunch and snacks prepared by our Chef Ambassador are provided each day.
Sign Me Up!
Summer Institute is a week-long three-credit UBC course, or it can be taken as a non-credit workshop.
This hands-on program is held annually in Abbotsford, BC. Abbotsford is home to one of the most productive farming areas in the world and the ideal setting for this experiential agri-learning experience.
The 2026 Summer Institute takes place from July 20 to 24, 2026.
Application deadline is July 9, 2026.
Summer Institute is subject to minimum enrollment.
We recommend that participants do not finalize any travel arrangements as applicable, until notified that their registration is confirmed.
Summer Institute includes refreshments, snacks and lunch each day.
Once your registration is confirmed and you’re ready to plan your visit to Abbotsford, we suggest you visit this community website.
OPTION #1 - Course Registration
Those who choose to take Summer Institute as a three-credit course will need to register through UBC. UBC registrants are required to complete coursework including participation in the group presentation and final project. The reading list for Summer Institute is supplied by UBC (participants download or access articles and multimedia online). Please contact UBC Faculty of Education for a complete course description and how you can prepare. There are several pathways for participation in Summer Institute. Fees depend on your registration type.
OPTION #2 - Workshop Registration
Those who choose to take Summer Institute as a non-credit workshop will need to register through BC Agriculture in the classroom contact tina@aitc.ca or 604-854-6064. The cost is $550+gst and there are no prerequisites. Participants will not be required to complete the optional final project or group presentation project. There will be no marks given. However, a certificate of completion will be provided at the end of the week.
Partners Make It Possible — Thank You!
Thank you to last year’s amazing speakers, chefs, & donors!
Course Instructor
Joe Massie
2025 Speakers
Agricultural Land Commission - Claire Buchanan & Alex Haalboom
BCAITC - Balreet Mandair, Tina Evans, & Simrit Chahal
BC Turkey - Jason Froese & Casey Carswell
Bill Zylmans
Fossen Bar 7 Ranch - Erika & Doug Fossen
Gravis Greenhouses/Calais Farm - Jacob Kerkhoff & Dan
Metro Vancouver - Brent Mansfield
Sardis Secondary - Tania Toth
Westberry Farms - Navtej Bains
Chefs
Chef Trevor Randle & Chef Brent McGimpsey
2025 Sponsors
BC Greenhouse Growers Association
Creekside Hothouse
Join Us!
To find out how you or your business can support this exciting program in 2024, contact BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, or check out our Partnership Opportunities.
OPTION #1 - Course Registration
Registration for the course is through the UBC Faculty of Education’s Vancouver office. Contact them directly for fees and to register:
University of BC Professional Development & Community Engagement
Faculty of Education, Vancouver Campus
2125 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
Tel 604.822.2013 | N.A. toll-free 1.888.492.1122
Email: pdce.educ@ubc.ca
OPTION #2 - Workshop Registration
Registration as a workshop is done directly through BC Agriculture in the Classroom. Contact tina@aitc.ca or 604-854-6064 for more information or to register. Spaces are limited.
Summer Institute is held in Abbotsford, BC, at the Heritage Alliance Church, 3440 Mt. Lehman Road. | Map
Summer Institute runs the third week of July, each year, subject to enrollment.
Summer Institute can be taken as a three-credit UBC course, or it can be taken as a non-credit workshop.
The three-course has four components:
Assignment 1: (10%) Pre-Institute Assignment.
Assignment 2: (20%) Participation.
Assignment 3: (30%) Reading Reflection.
Assignment 4: (40%) Post-Institute Assignment.
If taken as a workshop:
Participants will not be required to complete the optional final project or group presentation project. There will be no marks given. However, a certificate of completion will be provided at the end of the week.
