BC Haskap Association

Educating Haskap Growers and Consumers
Promoting the Value of Haskap in British Columbia
Advocating for Health Studies to highlight the benefits of Haskap

Our Mission

Educating, Promoting,and Advocating for human health studies.

Following this direction, we collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture, Haskap Canada, and local BC community organizations to offer educational opportunities for our members; to promote haskap to the public and to advocate for human studies focused on the many health benefits of haskap.

Why Membership?

Membership allows us to grow the Haskap industry in British Columbia and work together on a national level with other provinces represented by Haskap Canada. You will gain access to our members only website resource area. As well you will receive members only information and event invitations by email.  There is also a private BCHA Facebook group where we share ideas and resources and all things haskap.

Learn more about all the membership benefits

Wayne Kuypers

President

Wayne brings many years of business and agricultural experience to the BCHA board. His leadership in our association will help excel Haskap as a nationally endorsed health food. Continuing this work in collaboration with Haskap Canada and Canadian scientists already excited about it’s potential as a superfood.

Sheela Antoniak

Secretary

Sheela Antoniak is the owner and developer of Meadow Creek Haskap – two new orchards located just south of Kamloops B.C. With 2020 set as her first netted production, she is excited to be apart of the promotion of Haskap. Though more comfortable on a mower or in a skid steer, she has now volunteered to be the secretary for the BCHA. With an impressive group of people, Sheela hopes to aid in the further development of the Haskap industry and foster the pride in our members.

Darren Shankel

Vice President

Darren was voted BCHA Vice President in 2018. Serving also as a K-12 Principal in Northern BC. His search for hands on learning opportunities that would allow students to explore curriculum led him to Haskap. Currently, he is enjoying a small backyard orchard, and he has established a research orchard at his school where students get to collaborate with the University of Saskatchewan and learn a skill set unique to students in BC. His passion for Haskap is just beginning.

Sean Denison

Treasurer

Sean owns a commercial Haskap orchard near Enderby with 17,000 plants that focuses on using and building upon natural, regenerative agriculture practices. He graduated with a degree in Physics from Santa Clara University, was a professional basketball player, and has a Permaculture Design Certificate.

He is passionate about Haskap and is excited to help grow the Haskap market in BC, as well as promoting the economic viability of regenerative agriculture in large scale commercial farming.

Carma Clarke

Past President

Carma has been involved with the BC Haskap Association, along with her husband Kevin, since it’s inception and is pleased to see it’s membership growing. Growing haskap at Wolf Springs Farm we are really excited about this highly treasured super berry!

Ryan Kuypers

Director

Ryan is a grower in the Fraser Valley interested in developing a market for Haskap berries. He’s excited about the health and science behind these special berries and wants to see people partake in the many benefits. There’s huge potential for Haskap, from fresh berries to value added products for people to enjoy. As a BCHA board member Ryan wants to see further promotion of Haskap to the public and future growers. Great health starts with the food we consume.

Margarita Valou

Director

Margarita leads a passionate team that’s dedicated to bringing certified organic Haskap products to markets in Canada and abroad. Inspired by the bold colour, taste, and fascinating history of Haskap, Margarita and her team at Echo Haskap are working to establish Haskap as a true Canadian superberry.