About us
IAF
Delivering programs to support a thriving agriculture and food sector in BC.
IAF in a non-profit organization that delivers programs and services to support a thriving agriculture and food sector in British Columbia.
Since 1996, IAF has been a recognized as the leading provider of high-quality and cost-effective program delivery services for the agriculture and food sector in BC. We have committed more than $370 million to industry on behalf of the federal and provincial governments.
Our approach
Our Board
The IAF Board of Directors is a 9-member Board comprised of:
- a maximum of six primary agriculture seats
- a maximum of two value-added food and beverage processing seats
- a minimum of one agriculture related seat (examples include: academic, ag tech, entrepreneurs, or financial institutions)
Strategic Framework
Our Strategic Framework is the foundation for how IAF delivers on its mandate. It outlines the vision, values, and strategic priorities that guide our decisions, helping ensure our investments deliver measurable benefits to British Columbia’s agriculture and food sector while adapting to changing needs and opportunities.
The 2025-2023 Growing Tomorrow Strategic Framework was approved by the Board in June 2024.
Strategic Initiatives
From addressing the future of the agriculture sector in BC, to assisting the sector during the pandemic, our Board responds to issues facing the industry wherever possible.
Our Members
Comprised of industry associations, our members are responsible for IAF’s highest level of operations, including the nomination/election of our board of directors, the appointment of auditors and the approval of IAF members.
The strength of IAF lies in the collective expertise and perspectives of its members. Representing a diverse range of commodities, sectors, and regions across British Columbia, member organizations help ensure IAF remains responsive to industry needs and well-positioned to deliver programs and investments that benefit the province’s agriculture and food sector.
Our Governance
Constitution & Bylaws
IAF and the Board of Directors is governed by a constitution and set of bylaws, last updated at the 2023 Annual General Meeting. The constitution and bylaws outlines the general operational policies of IAF, clarifies director duties and responsibilities, addresses director liability and conflict of interest guidelines, and offers mechanisms for member complaints.
Under its bylaws, the Board’s role is to ensure effective governance by providing strategic direction, developing policy, and hiring and supporting the CEO. Directors are also responsible for envisioning the future of IAF and ensuring that it is progressing towards its goals, while staying within legal limits and using resources efficiently.
In carrying out their responsibilities, directors owe fiduciary duties to IAF, which can be broken down into two categories:
- The duty of loyalty – this duty requires that a director act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of IAF
- The duty of care – this duty requires that a director act with a level of skill and competence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances
Government-funded Programs
IAF is responsible for delivering many government-funded programs; which are guided by the funding parameters and eligibility criteria set by the government funder.
From time-to-time the funder of the program may give instructions to IAF in relation to the delivery and administration of this program. IAF must and will comply with those instructions.
Board-led Initiatives
In situations where there are gaps in funding or issues that cannot be resolved with existing industry resources, IAF may develop specialized programs or initiatives to address specific priorities which fall within our mandate and funding principles, such as the Local Government Partnership Program. Board-led initiatives allow more flexibility in offering funding tailored to current industry needs.