Reg Ens

Reg Ens is the Executive Director of the BC Agriculture Council (BCAC)and BC Agricultural Research and Development Corporation (ARDCorp) ARDCorp. BCAC is the only provincial general farm organization in BC. Reg is responsible for implementing the strategic plan developed by the organization’s Board of Directors. Prior to joining BCAC/ARDCorp, Reg worked as an agricultural business consultant with a track record of assisting business owners maximize profitability. Reg has worked with farmers and ranchers throughout BC for more than 20 years, helping them evaluate their financial performance, examine new business opportunities, construct long term strategic plans and develop family-business transition plans. In addition to his business skills, Reg has an undergraduate degree in crop pest management and practical, hands-on production experience in crop production and animal husbandry in the dairy and various horticultural sectors. Reg and his family operated a small scale, sustainable cut flower farm for several years. Serviced-focused General Manager dedicated to delivering positive customer experiences to promote loyalty and repeat business. Orchestrates optimal resource utilization to handle expected operational needs. Sales leader with sound judgment, good planning abilities and interpersonal communication strengths. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.

• Chief Operating Officer, BC ARDCorp, 04/01/09, Current, Deliver farm focused programs funded through the Growing Forward 1 & 2 Canada-BC Agreements - Environmental Farm Planning (EFP), On Farm Food Safety (FSS & OFFS), Traceability (ETP & TAP), Climate Adaptation, Animal Care., Lead pilot project with BC cattle and sheep sectors to mitigate losses due to wild predators., Selected to provide project management services to the Poultry Risk Management Initiative.
• Management Consultant, Meyers Norris Penny, 2004, 2005, Lead team conducting willingness-to-pay study for a bio enriched beef project., Completed a survey of participants in a “new entrant” program for one of the regulated marketing boards., Prepared implementation strategy for the launch of a revised BC branding initiative., Prepared crisis management protocol for nursery owners to follow during a P. ramorum outbreak., Conducted feasibility study and developed a business plan for a small scale abattoir., Analyzed individual farm operations (dairy, poultry, nut, fruit, nursery), examining the financial health, long term sustainability. Provided ideas on improving performance., Developed tactical plan to facilitate expansion of an on-farm retailing venture., Facilitate development of a number of comprehensive succession/transition plans for farm families, Completed a number of Farm Business Assessment engagements for local farmers with funding under APF., Speaker at Pacific Agricultural Show educational sessions.
• Farm Management Consultant, Homestead Appraisal and Business Consulting, 2000, 2004, Developed and delivered training seminar on advanced practical understanding of commercial financing for horticultural industry association., Developing chapter on corporate financial management in a new training manual for the horticultural industry., Conducted real estate appraisals of rural residential and commercial agricultural properties in the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver Regional Districts., Assisted farm owners develop strategic tactics to maximize the sale value of farm operation with direct retail sales., Participated in establishing farm management advisory boards for progressive farm operations., Assisted in completing a review of the Canadian greenhouse vegetable industry in the North American context., Taught course on business planning for agricultural entrepreneurs.
• Sessional Instructor, University of the Fraser Valley, 2001, 2009, Taught Business Enterprise course to second year students. Students were required to develop and present a business plan for an agri-business venture.
• Regional Manager, CIBC Agricultural Division, 1989, 2000, Lead CIBC’s marketing activities in the BC agriculture sector., Responsible for developing line staff’s knowledge and understanding of production practices in all agricultural commodities throughout BC., Assisted in evaluating and managing the risk of individual agricultural accounts (environmental and business)., Completed reviews and outlooks for various commodity segments to assist in developing lending guidelines, assessing market opportunities and managing risk., Developed cash flow models for major commodity groups.

Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.)