The Windermere District Farmers’ Institute and Livestock Association (WDFI) have gone through several name changes over the past century, however, their commitment to promoting agriculture and rural life has remained the same. In recognizing their vibrant history, the WDFI has been presented a Century Farm Award at a Centenary Celebration in Windermere today.

The WDFI was incorporated in 1914 under the B.C. Agricultural Association Act as the Windermere Farmers’ Institute - Incorporation #91. The institute’s first membership fees were set at “Fifty Cents”.

In 1964, the WDFI started co-operatively buying fertilizer and feed for its members and three years later they purchased a store in Athalmer and opened the doors of their first Co-op. In 1973, the institute acquired a 20 acre fairground property and moved the Co-op to this new location.

Today, the fairground property, now called Agri Park, is still proudly owned by the WDFI. The institute plans to develop the property for the benefit of agriculture and food security in the local area starting with the construction of an abattoir. The WDFI is looking forward to another 100 years of representing the interests of the agricultural community from Canal Flats to Golden.

Century Farm Awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for a century or longer as well as pioneers whose farms and ranches have been in families for 100 years or more. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in B.C.

Quotes:

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick -

“It is through the hard work of volunteers in organizations such as the Windermere District Farmers’ Institute and Livestock Association that provides British Columbia with our rich agriculture history. I want to congratulate the WDFI on their century of success and for being great ambassadors for the entire Columbia Valley.”

Brian McKersie, president, Windermere District Farmers’ Institute and Livestock Association -

“We are very pleased to be the recipient of the Century Farm Award which demonstrates the long history the WDFI has in working to achieve and maintain a thriving agricultural community in the Columbia Valley.  Since 2010 we have been planning to build a locally operated, provincially inspected abattoir and we are excited to combine our Centennial Celebration with the sod turning for this facility.”

Learn More:

Windermere District Farmers’ Institute and Livestock Association: http://www.wdfi.ca/

For more information about B.C.'s Century Farm Program: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/regional/CenturyFarmAwards/CenturyFarms.htm

Media Contacts:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098
250 889-5945 (cell)

Hedi Trescher
Projects Coordinator
Windermere District Farmers’ Institute and Livestock Association
250 346-3227