Agrivoltaics Canada Events

Jesse Gill is the proprietor of Double Barrel Vineyard and Okanagan Hills Estate Winery in Oliver, British Columbia, since 2008. He draws on a rich professional history, which includes 27 years in the banking and investment sectors, giving him a unique combination of financial acumen and agricultural insight. This blend of experience has informed his pragmatic approach to modern farming challenges. 

In recent years, Gill has focused on building resilience within his vineyards in response to direct threats posed by extreme weather events, such as severe cold snaps and heat domes. His strategy for climate change adaptation involves integrating innovative infrastructure intended to create a more stable microclimate and protect delicate crops. These proactive measures are driven by a focus on enhancing the long-term viability and sustainability of his agricultural operations amidst increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions. 

Mike Carter is the founder of First Green Energy Ltd., a Canadian renewable energy firm specializing in the integration of solar power with agricultural production. With over 25 years of experience in the clean energy sector, Mike has led innovative projects across Ontario and Western Canada focused on agrivoltaics, energy storage, and sustainable land use.

Through partnerships with farmers, Indigenous communities, and industry leaders, First Green Energy is demonstrating how solar infrastructure can support food production, improve farm resilience, and enhance rural economies. 

Mike’s recent work includes collaborative research with Natural Resources Canada on cattle-integrated solar systems and pilot projects exploring crop rotation under elevated single-axis trackers. He brings a practical, farmer-first perspective to the conversation—focused on ensuring that renewable energy becomes a complement, not a competitor, to Ontario’s agricultural sector.