The Cariboo has over 1,400 productive farms, and this agriculture generates an annual revenue of over $100 million. The average farm size is around 300 hectares, and production is primarily cattle, sheep, poultry, forage, cereal and vegetable crops.
The Cariboo Agricultural Research Alliance (CARA) provides a centralized collection of Cariboo-focused research for our local producers.
Our aim is to strengthen the capacity of agricultural operations to manage the complex range of conditions that are projected to occur with climate change. To learn more, see the CARA organizational plans as well as resources we've created.
Our Objectives
- Provide leadership on applied research projects.
- Provide localized extension and technology transfer opportunities.
- Manage, steward and provide access to applied research reports and data.
- Provide Cariboo farmers and ranchers opportunities to grow and sustain their operations.
Our Principles
- Be producer-led and responsive to regional agriculture and food research needs.
- Leverage the efforts of local partner organizations for mutual benefits.
- Build a resilient agricultural system that can adapt to a changing climate.
The Alliance
CARA is an umbrella organization, working with industry associations, local organizations, government agencies, First Nation communities and academic institutions. The Steering Committee includes representation from:
- BC Agriculture & Food Climate Action Initiative
- BC Forage Council
- BC Ministry of Agriculture
- BC Sheep Federation
- Cariboo Cattlemen’s Association
- Cariboo-Central Interior Poultry Producers Association
- Cariboo Regional District
- College of New Caledonia
- District H Farmers’ Institute
- Kersley Farmers’ Institute
- North Cariboo Agricultural Marketing Association (dba FARMED)
- Thompson Rivers University
- University of Northern BC
- Williams Lake First Nation (T’exelcemc)
Contact Us
Contact the CARA Coordinator, Serena Black,
at info@cariboo-agricultural-research.ca or 250-564-4115, local 233.
Regional Newsletter
The BC Ministry of Agriculture provides an email every two weeks of events and information for Cariboo, Chilcotin and Coast producers and food processors. To sign up, please email Katie.Galliazzo@gov.bc.ca or Marisa.Nightingale@gov.bc.ca, with your full name and email address.