Hi, I'm Dag

I am not a politician, and have no ambitions in that direction.  I have no interest in “lobbying” to be elected as Trustee, but if any of the skills and perspectives I have can be of use, I’m committed to serve our community to help create positive change.

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I’ve been happily married for 28 years to my lovely wife, Elina. I have two adult children,
and a seven year old grandson. On our almost 14 acre property here on South Pender —Long Story Farm— we have two old retired horses (both in their 30s) living out their old age in peace and quiet, an adorable rescue puppy, and a sweet old cat. And of course, we have a large home garden where we use organic and regenerative practices (not certified).

My parents are Norwegian and immigrated to Canada in 1956 and I was born in Nelson in 1957.
When I was 7 years old my family moved back to Norway. I completed my schooling, including studying agronomy there. I returned to BC in my 20s. 

I have a dry sense of Norwegian humor, and people don’t always know when I’m joking or serious. (Feel free to just ask).

I retired in April 2022 and have had a 30+ year long career in the organic industry.  Most recently (last 18 years) I was the Organic Program Manager for Nature’s Path Foods, North America’s first and largest certified organic breakfast and snack food manufacturer, with manufacturing plants in Canada and the US and markets in over 50 countries worldwide.  I was responsible for the organic integrity of the company supply-chain and developing strong organic farming networks in North America and elsewhere.  Representing Nature’s Path, I was the President of the Canada Organic Trade Association for 10 years and was a director on several other not for profit boards.  I also have been an active participant and voting member for 15 years, for the Canadian General Standards Board Organic Standards Review Committee who updates the rigorous standards for organic practices in Canada. 

Farming or processing organic is voluntary in Canada, but if you make an organic claim, it is mandatory to follow the standards.  It’s a very strict practice, but it is not mandated on anyone, but if you want to make an organic claim, you then must follow the rules.  Organic was started to show that alternative ways of practicing agriculture is possible and that using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers is not the only way to grow food.  I point this out to show I value putting solutions into action rather than mandating that everyone has to do things a certain way (carrot versus stick approach)

I have participated in numerous committees and working groups meeting and negotiating with the Canadian Government to support organic trade and organic farmers. I consider myself lucky to have been part of taking a food and agriculture movement from its humble beginnings to success where now organic is recognized and chosen by two-thirds of Canadians on a weekly basis for its strong contribution to environmental and personal health.

I have training and experience working with conflict resolution, consensus, and Roberts Rules of Order, and have worked extensively with contentious issues and challenging topics with a wide variety of stakeholders with diverse interests.

I was the Chair of the Trincomali Improvement District Trustees from 2017 to 2020 working to conserve, protect and deliver potable water for the Trincomali residents.

 

Authorized by Dag Falck