07/30/2026
In the late 1880s, following the passage of the federal Experimental Farm Station Act on May 11th, 1886, then-Prime Minister John A. Macdonald’s government moved to establish five foundation research hubs across the Dominion. This ambitious network was designed to pioneer regional innovation, adapt farming to diverse climates, and secure national prosperity. The five locations chosen for this project were Ottawa, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and, of course, our very own Agassiz.
The government officially launched this British Columbia site in 1888 by acquiring 300 acres of rich, fertile soil, which also incorporated a portion of the original Agassiz Family Estate. With it being the very first experimental farm in the province, the Agassiz station immediately became a crucial epicenter for discovery, and early agronomists faced the task of determining which crops and livestock strains could survive and thrive in our unique coastal climate.
Activity on the grounds truly came alive in 1889 with the arrival of the station’s first superintendent, Thomas Sharpe, who had traveled all the way from Ontario with a team of horses. Under his leadership, workers cleared the land to lay out experimental grain plots alongside massive orchard trials. The scale of these early gardens was breathtaking, and by 1891 the farm boasted 772 different fruit varieties, dozens of nut trees, and a vast plantation of experimental hardwood timber.
This rapid scientific expansion required equally impressive infrastructure, and the property soon featured remarkable architecture, including a heavy timber building complex. Over time, this structure evolved into the cow barn and maternity silos that still stand on the property today. The breakthroughs achieved in these fields yielded practical benefits for local families, and when regional growers struggled with low yields, the station introduced fast-ripening corn varieties and disease-resistant hops. These innovations were so successful that they permanently transformed the local economy, eventually earning Agassiz the title of “Corn Capital of BC”, something we still celebrate today.
Beyond its scientific merits, the farm also blossomed into a vibrant hub for community life and social connection. Local families often gathered on the grounds for educational displays, picnics, and seasonal events. The spirit of adventure also ran high, and daring station scientists frequently organized group hiking expeditions up Mount Cheam, accompanied by local Indigenous guides.
Over the last century, the station continually shifted its focus to mirror evolving agricultural priorities. These changes were reflected in its many name changes, transitioning from the Dominion Experimental Farm, to the Agassiz Research Station, the Pacific Agricultural Research Centre, the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, and finally, its modern title, the Agassiz Research and Development Centre. Today, the facility continues its mission by focusing on contemporary bio-economy research, climate change adaptation, and sustainable agro-ecosystems.
The incredible legacy of this pioneering institution lives on, and its stories are waiting to be rediscovered! You can uncover the journeys of visionary scientists who shaped the Fraser Valley, view authentic century-old tools, and explore rare archival photographs at our museum located on Pioneer Ave. Come take a stroll down memory lane with us, discover the roots of our community, and find out more about how we became the Corn Capital of BC!
