About Us
Welcome to the Cross-Commodity Leadership Support Project (CCLSP), where we are dedicated to cooperation and collaboration to build a strong and vibrant agricultural sector. The project is a partnership of five industry associations called the Partners. It was born out of the Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan (TFISP) recommendations and is intended to bolster capacity in leadership and project management across tree fruit and wine grape sectors. In the short-term, the CCLSP provides a pathway for the TFISP to evolve from a government-led process to industry-led. It aims to demonstrate the value and viability of cross-commodity collaboration and determine the best structure for working together.
PROJECT VISION
The Project’s vision is that British Columbia has strong and vibrant tree fruit and wine grape sectors that are world leaders in environmentally sustainable and profitable production, the agricultural lands and the people that grow food are valued by communities, and our agricultural capacity is protected for future generations.
PROJECT MISSION
The Project’s mission is to provide a forum for tree fruit and wine grape industry associations and stakeholders to coordinate and collaborate on cross-commodity issues while also providing capacity to make meaningful progress on these issues.
Meet our team
The CCLSP team is happy to help you in any way we can.
Kellie Garcia
Project Director
Kellie has a unique blend of technical expertise, policy and governance experience, and relationship-building skills gained through a diverse work history, an education in environmental sciences, and a commitment to continual learning.
She is a strategic leader who prides herself in always using an integrated and collaborative approach to solve challenges and deliver outcomes. Kellie has lived in the Okanagan most of her life and strongly appreciates the natural and agricultural landscapes that shape the valley and the food and wine grown here.
Shelby Austen
Admin. & Comms. Manager
Shelby is an Environmental Chemistry graduate from UBC Okanagan whose journey into the world of science led to a vibrant and diverse career path.
Starting in quality control within laboratory settings, she developed a keen eye for precision and detail. Following that, her pivotal role at the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program sparked a passion for agriculture. Over 3.5 years, this experience ignited a newfound commitment to fostering positive change within the local Ag sector.
Today, Shelby takes great pride in being an integral part of a project that champions collaboration across the industry.
Shamore Watson
BCFW Project Lead
Shamore is a dedicated Human Resources professional with a proven track record in effectively coordinating HR operations, fostering employee relations, and facilitating change management. Her expertise lies in developing HR policies, ensuring compliance, and cultivating collaborative cross-functional relationships to drive organizational success. She brings a wealth of experience in managing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and utilizing immigration initiatives to bridge skill gaps within teams.
Having relocated to the Okanagan four years ago to pursue further studies, Shamore was captivated by the region’s inviting climate, beautiful mountains, lakes, and abundant vineyards. Committed to ongoing learning and growth, she looks forward to contributing to BC Fruit Works’s collaborative efforts in supporting the Okanagan’s orchards and vineyards.