BCIA is excited to announce the appointment of Andrea Gunner, PAg as our new Deputy Registrar: Practice

As the Deputy Registrar: Practice, Andrea will work closely with the CEO/Registrar and our dedicated staff to advance BCIA’s strategic direction particularly as it relates to the intersection between regulation and practice area recommendations.

 She will provide leadership across BCIA’s 12 practice areas and ensure these initiatives align with our core regulatory functions: registration, professional development, and investigations.

 As BCIA continues its journey as a modern regulatory body, there will be significant growth and evolution within the next 1-5 years. The role will provide advisory services, professional practice expertise, and insights to facilitate this growth.

 A Distinguished Career in Agrology

Andrea brings a unique blend of expertise as an agricultural economist, organic farmer, and horticultural specialist. With extensive experience in farm business management at both primary and value-added processing levels, she has successfully supported farm and food processing clients, producer co-operatives, farmers markets, First Nations, industry associations, and various government bodies. Her diverse background spans sectors such as ginseng, landscape nurseries, nutraceuticals, and organic grain cleaning and processing.

 A registered P.Ag since 1990 and a second-generation member of BCIA, Andrea has dedicated many years to volunteer service within our organization. She currently serves as Chair of FarmFolk CityFolk, BC’s longest-running food systems advocacy organization, and has led numerous initiatives that bridge the gap between agricultural producers and consumers to foster sustainable, economically viable food systems.

 On the Farm and Beyond

Alongside her husband, Andrea operates a certified organic, pastured poultry farm in the North Okanagan. Their small-acreage operation, which raises roasting chickens and turkeys, emphasizes soil building through intensive rotational grazing on glacial till. The farm not only mentors satellite farms but also directly supplies over 500 households in the Thompson Okanagan.

 Outside of her agricultural pursuits, Andrea is an avid river paddler and enjoys competitive rallying on forest service roads throughout the BC Interior.

 Words from Our Leaders

Jennifer Lawrence, CEO/Registrar, shares, “I am thrilled to have someone of Andrea’s experience, knowledge, and expertise join our team. Her strong collaboration, communication, and project planning skills will be a tremendous asset as we implement our strategic direction as a modern regulator.”

 Andrea herself adds, “I am excited to take this next step in my journey as a professional agrologist and contribute in this new capacity at BCIA. I look forward to connecting with registrants from every practice area and our external partners as we continue to build on BCIA’s regulatory journey.”

 Join us in welcoming Andrea Gunner as she embarks on this important role with BCIA.