British Columbia Certified Seed Potato Growers Association
About The Organization
The British Columbia Certified Seed Potato Growers Association (BCCSPGA) represents certified seed potato growers located in growing regions of BC including Pemberton and the Lower Fraser Valley. Our mandate is to educate growers, industry and consumers of potatoes (commercial and seed) on issues related to maintaining the health and integrity of the seed potato industry in BC. BCCSPGA participates in value chain initiatives to raise awareness of the value of BC certified seed potatoes for the health of the sector and British Columbians.
They provide liaison with regulators and inspectors of certified seed potatoes at both the federal and regional levels in order to facilitate adaptation and growth of the seed potato sector to emerging issues affecting certification. The reach of the organization is international, national and regional. The BC Certified Seed Potato Growers is run by a board of directors and member representatives of the seed potato growing regions of British Columbia. The board also includes an executive consisting of a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Board of Directors
William Ronayne, President
William Ronayne is a 4th generation farmer and is part owner of Ryan Creek Farm , located in the Pemberton Valley. Alongside his Mother and Brother in Law he operates the family farm that was established 1906. Ryan Creek Farm currently grows seven varieties of elite seed potatoes and raises grass & grain fed black angus cross cattle. William is interested in preserving the history of farming while also learning new technologies moving into the future.
John Beks, Vice President
John Beks is the owner and operator of Shaw Creek Farms, situated in the beautiful Pemberton Valley. Family owned and operated for 50 years, the Beks have produced seed potatoes for 3 generations. Shaw Creek Farms specializes in growing Elite seed potatoes along with carrots and grass fed beef.
Nikki Gilmore, Secretary / Treasurer
Nikki Gilmore is the Treasurer and a Director for Gilmore Bros. Farm Ltd., located in the Pemberton Valley. The family farm was established in 1956 originally as a dairy farm, but later transitioned to a potato, hay and grain farm. Until a few years ago, they also raised cattle for beef. Nikki is also married to Chad Gilmore, currently serving as a Director.
Chad Gilmore, Director – Pemberton Valley
Chad Gilmore is a 3rd generation farmer born and raised in the Pemberton Valley. Chad’s grandfather moved to Pemberton in 1956 at the age of 50, with his mostly adult family, including Chad’s father Doug who was only 10 at the time. Chad and his father operate Gilmore Bros. Farm together and farm seed potatoes, hay and grain. Chad is married to Nikki Gilmore (Secretary/Treasurer) and has 3 sons, one of which works on the farm full time, one who attends University in Nova Scotia and returns to work on the farm in the summer and the third who is attending highschool in Pemberton.
ANNA HELMER, DIRECTOR, PEMBERTON VALLEY
Fill In
DEREK MITCHELL, DIRECTOR, FRASER VALLEY
Jack Zellweger, Director – Fraser Valley
Zellweger Farms on Westham Island has been in the family for three generations. The island is connected to the rest of Ladner, BC by a single-lane, swing bridge that opens and closes multiple times per day to let boats pass up and down the Fraser River.
Jack’s farm produces seed potatoes and silage corn, with some peas, beans, hay, barley and oats on the side. Zellweger Farms is also home to a herd of beef cattle.
BC Certified Seed Potato Growers Association:
c/o 7725 Guthrie Road Pemberton, BC V0N 2L2
Email: bcseedpotatogrowers@gmail.com
Funding support provided, in part, by the BC Government’s Buy Local Program; delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC with funding from the BC Ministry of Agriculture.
The BC Ministry of Agriculture is committed to working with industry partners. Opinions expressed in this document are those of BCCSPGA and not necessarily those of the BC Ministry of Agriculture or the Investment Agriculture Foundation.