Food forum will explore local food systems, safety

Summerhill to host UBCO-led biodiversity roundtable

Will we be growing oranges one day in the Okanagan?

Find out Dec. 3 at the all-day Okanagan Research Forum at Summerhill Pyramid Winery.

The forum forewarns everything that grows in the Okanagan will be impacted by climate change, population growth, consumption, production and changes in land use.

What does this mean for the Okanagan’s biggest cash crops like apples, peaches, cherries and wine grapes?

And what does it mean for new cash crops like legal marijuana?

The forum is hosted by UBC Okanagan’s Institute for Biodiversity, Presilience and Ecosystem Services and the Institute for Community Engaged Research.

Presenters come from local organizations, including Central Okanagan Food Policy Council, the Certified Organic Association, City of Kelowna, B.C. Wildlife Federation, Westbank First Nation, Institute for Sustainable Food Systems and En’owkin Centre.

Four panels will also discuss agricultural land use, policy, production and consumption.

The registration fee of $15 for students and $30 for others covers breakfast from 8 to 8:45 a.m., all the sessions, lunch and a wine and cheese reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

OKResearchForum.GeoLive.ca has links to register.