Event Panelists

Image	Image	Image	Image
Danielle Synotte BC Agriculture Council	David Mutz Berryhaven Farm Ltd.	Matt Dykshoorn B&L Dairy Farms	Vijay Randhawa Perpetual Vegetable Co.

• Danielle Synotte Bio

  Danielle serves as the Executive Director of the B.C. Agriculture Council (BCAC), the leading provincial organization representing the diverse interests of British Columbia's agricultural community. In this capacity, she leads strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of the province's agriculture sector. 

  Danielle brings a diverse background to her role that includes experience from both the public and private sectors in areas such as economic development, public relations, communications, labour relations, and operations management. 

  Under Danielle's leadership, BCAC has actively engaged with various stakeholders, including government officials and industry leaders, to advocate for policies that support agricultural innovation, best practices in emergency management, environmental stewardship, and economic growth. Her efforts have been instrumental in fostering collaborative relationships between the agriculture industry and policymakers across the country.

  Danielle's commitment to the agricultural community is further demonstrated through her involvement in lobbying activities, where she has represented BCAC in discussions with members of the Legislative Assembly, Members of Parliament, and other key decision-makers. Her work ensures that the voices of farmers and ranchers are heard in the corridors of power, influencing decisions that impact the future of agriculture in British Columbia. 

  With a deep understanding of the priorities and opportunities within the agriculture sector, Danielle continues to drive initiatives that promote a resilient and competitive agricultural landscape in British Columbia.

• David Mutz Bio

  David Mutz is a third-generation berry farmer with his family, at Berryhaven Farm Ltd. Together with his parents, he runs a wholesale fresh market berry operation in Abbotsford BC.

  He is a representative on the Abbotsford Agriculture Enhancement Grants Committee. David is past Chair of the Raspberry Industry Development Council and served in the past with BCAC’s BC Young Farmers. David is a board of director on the BC agriculture council representing Coastal Horticulture and also the new President of WALI and is actively involved on the labour file.  

  David farms with the support of his wife, Kristen, and son and daughter.

• Matt Dykshoorn Bio

  Matt Dykshoorn is a fourth generation Dairy farmer who farms in Sumas Prairie.  He has always had a passion for every aspect of farming, but has developed a particular interest in cow comfort and welfare over the years as his own herd has grown. 

  Matt has been involved with the City of Abbotsford's Ag Advisory Committee for approximately 15 years, gaining a better understanding of both the local and provincial policy side of agriculture.

  After living and working through a couple major flood events in Sumas Prairie in the last few years, Matt has grown into a leadership role in advocating for the flood-affected farmers in Sumas Prairie.  Meeting with local, provincial and federal politicians, and conducting interviews with most major Canadian media outlets has allowed him to share his first hand experiences to help drive change and protect this fertile valley that so many people call home.

• Vijay Randhawa Bio

  Vijay Randhawa is a Business Manager who grew up on a farm and has spent his entire career making agriculture work better for the people who actually grow the food. Currently Business Manager and Executive at Perpetual Vegetable Co., he leads Sales & Marketing, Warehouse, Accounting & Finance, Projects, and Legal for the family-owned greenhouse operation. 

  He also serves as Director and Board Member of OPV Marketing Ltd. and Vancouver Island Farm Products, and previously spent five years on the B.C. Vegetable Marketing Commission, where he questioned the status quo and fought hard for producer rights. Passionate about sharp business strategy, smoother processes, and real positive impact, Vijay heads home to chill with family and friends—or just lie on the couch decompressing. 

  Fun fact: his favourite food is pizza, even though he knows it’s not doing him any favours. Let’s make veggies cheap again.