• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Country Life In BC Logo

The agricultural news source in British Columbia since 1915

  • Headlines
  • Calendar
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Archives
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Headlines
  • Calendar
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Archives
  • Contact
  • Search

Primary Sidebar

Current Issue:

MAY 2026
Vol. 112 Issue 5

Subscribe Now!

Follow us on Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

13 hours ago

UBC's Wine Research Centre brought together a dozen graduate students at Tantalus Winery in Kelowna on April 30 to share their latest research on viticulture and winemaking. Topics ranged from heat and drought stress on vines to natural yeast classification and cover crop pairings. The day opened with a vineyard tour highlighting sustainable practices already underway at the wine#BCAg#BCAg ... See MoreSee Less

UBCs Wine Research Centre brought together a dozen graduate students at Tantalus Winery in Kelowna on April 30 to share their latest research on viticulture and winemaking. Topics ranged from heat and drought stress on vines to natural yeast classification and cover crop pairings. The day opened with a vineyard tour highlighting sustainable practices already underway at the winery.

#BCAg
View Comments
  • Likes: 2
  • Shares: 1
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

6 days ago

Saskatchewan's Monette Farms, with nearly $1.1 billion in liabilities, has been granted creditor protection under the CCAA while it restructures. Rapid expansion into produce and cattle dragged earnings well below projections. The farm's BC cattle operation — and a planned West Kelowna winery — hang in the b#BCAge.

#BCAg
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

Monette Farms wins creditor protection

www.countrylifeinbc.com

Monette Farms’ rapidly expanding produce business was a key factor in its decision to seek protection from creditors last week, according to court documents. Saskatchewan-based Monette Farms was…
View Comments
  • Likes: 1
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

1 week ago

A new national beef code of practice is open for public comment until June 12. Developed by NFACC and the Canadian Cattle Association, the draft addresses pain management, weaning, nutrition, lameness and end-of-life care.

#BCAg
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

New beef practices open for comment

www.countrylifeinbc.com

A new national code of practice for beef producers is open for public comment. “The public comment period is an important opportunity for producers across Canada to review the draft code and provide...
View Comments
  • Likes: 1
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

2 weeks ago

The BC Ministry of Health has approved $4.25 million for the BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program, administered by the BC Association of Farmers Markets, for 2026. The funding is even with last year, and follows on $12 million provided in 2022-24. The funding is a cornerstone of BCAFM, providing eligible low-income, pregnant and senior individuals with $27 a week for purchases of locally grown produce at more than 100 participating farmers markets in 92 communities across BC. Funding has increased seven-fold since the program launched in 2012.

#BCAg
... See MoreSee Less

The BC Ministry of Health has approved $4.25 million for the BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program, administered by the BC Association of Farmers Markets, for 2026. The funding is even with last year, and follows on $12 million provided in 2022-24. The funding is a cornerstone of BCAFM, providing eligible low-income, pregnant and senior individuals with $27 a week for purchases of locally grown produce at more than 100 participating farmers markets in 92 communities across BC. Funding has increased seven-fold since the program launched in 2012.

#BCAg
View Comments
  • Likes: 1052
  • Shares: 390
  • Comments: 133

Comment on Facebook

It provides for more than produce. It includes, eggs, meat and honey!

Good program. Additionally, I toured the Kelowna Food bank yesterday. They are serving about 12,000 people a month. Lots are working people.

I have seen people at the Saanichton markets asking if vendors take the coupons and being embarrassed when the vendor says no. Are there signs that are placed on the tables so people know who is part of the program and who is not?

You would have a slim choice of meat if you only get $27.00 .

“While it’s unfortunate that programs like this are necessary, I’m grateful they exist to support families and local farmers.”

Food stamps?

This should be made a little more accessible, especially for seniors

What exactly is this and how does it work? I've never heard of it before. How does this get applied to us who it's intended to help?

Christy Sakai its a week and if you to the markets you can get a small bag of carrots 5bucks, a few potatoes, usually a bag of apples are 5 bucks, and in summer you have fruit choices. Yes doesn't seem like alot but it could be stretched at the markets and remember its a week so really ypu going to use the whole bag of carrots in a week, probably not so you have something for the next week. Heads of lettuce 5 bucks. Every little bit does help when it comes to supporting local farmer and family.

This program has helped me afford local produce, as a senior. I am grateful for the assistance and eat a healthier diet.

I have been a working poor and 🙏👍for recognizing the people who deserve a bit of help as they are doing the best they can 😘👍

This sounds a little more complicated to enroll in than it needs to be. A lot of people probably never heard of it, I only did because I read this post.

It is illegal for me to grow a garden . We can all afford to eat if we can grow.

How does a senior apply?

On my smalltown the food bank puts your name in a lottery for this Seniors included in lottery

Here are the general qualifications: Income Threshold: Generally for lower-income households. Some specific, local programs have identified a threshold of $27,000 or less for a single person or under $50,000 per year for a household. Targeted Groups: Participants must be seniors/elders, pregnant individuals, or families with children under 19. Participant Requirements: In addition to income, participants must: Participate in a food literacy program (e.g., cooking, gardening, or food budgeting). Be able to travel to a participating market to shop for themselves. Allocation: Because demand is high, coupons are often prioritized for new participants each year. Important Information: Coupons are not handed out by the BC Farmers' Markets directly. You must connect with a local community partner (such as a food bank, community centre, or neighbourhood house) to apply.

Glad to see this continue. With the increase in cost of living, this program should be increasing, not staying even with last year. Our local food bank is inundated with need.

It’s a great program. Too bad they won’t extend it to Farmstands as well. Some producers can’t make it to market because of work schedules. And there is more than just vegetables out there.

Where do people apply? Thinking of those I know who need this program.

Have you got an email yet?

I wish a person on disability could get the help too :(

What cities have this

I didn’t know that the program existed

Please if you have these coupons do not be embarrassed to use them they are a good as anyone's money to a grower! I would agree it is a slippery slope to have people pay with government coupons but Remember large scale agriculture is subsidized in this country in way that dwarfs this little program. We are all in a sense are paying with coupons at the big supermarket. As a small scale grower grower I can tell you when you see the higher prices at the farmers market, no one is getting rich off you. That is the true cost of food. Yes that should scare you

Excellent work, BC Ministry of Health! 👍👍👍 An amazing program

View more comments

3 weeks ago

KPU researcher Naomi Robert is partnering with Oregon State University's Dry Farming Collaborative to test drought-resilient growing practices across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Working with three market gardeners, the study found tomatoes and zucchini thrived without irrigation. With droughts intensifying across the Pacific Northwest, dry farming offers BC growers practical tools to adapt to a changing climate. The full story appears in our April edition. tinyurl.com/d2fzs#BCAg#BCAg ... See MoreSee Less

KPU researcher Naomi Robert is partnering with Oregon State Universitys Dry Farming Collaborative to test drought-resilient growing practices across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Working with three market gardeners, the study found tomatoes and zucchini thrived without irrigation. With droughts intensifying across the Pacific Northwest, dry farming offers BC growers practical tools to adapt to a changing climate. The full story appears in our April edition. https://tinyurl.com/d2fzs9x6

#BCAg
View Comments
  • Likes: 22
  • Shares: 5
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Subscribe | Advertise

The agricultural news source in British Columbia since 1915
  • Email
  • Facebook

Foreign land buyers hollow out Dunster

Northern farmland purchases fuel calls for ownership limits

April 29, 2026

DUNSTER – Purchases of swathes of farmland in the Robson Valley by wealthy American businessmen have some in BC demanding restrictions on foreign and corporate ownership of agricultural land. The issue centres on the small, remote community of Dunster, where Fraser River Landholdings Ltd. has purchased approximately 3,850 acres – much of it agricultural land …

FARM NEWS UPDATE April 29, 2026

Monette Farms wins creditor protection

Sun-Rype moves concern growers

Dry start to wildfire season

Sign up for free weekly FARM NEWS UPDATES

Loading form…

Your information will not be
shared or sold ever

BC greenhouse growers join forces

April 15, 2026

BC greenhouse vegetable growers joined forces with their counterparts across Canada last month to form…

Maple Ridge farm fined for raw milk sales

April 15, 2026

Raw milk remains off the table for dairy producers, with the BC Milk Marketing Board…

New beef practices open for comment

April 15, 2026

A new national code of practice for beef producers is open for public comment. “The…

Cannabis tops BC crop cash receipts

April 1, 2026

DELTA – BC’s legal cannabis crop is reaching new highs, ranking as the top cash…

Fertilizer, fuel costs soar amid Iran conflict

April 1, 2026

ENDERBY – War in the Middle East has delivered a generational shock to energy prices,…

KPU study explores dry farming potential

April 1, 2026

COMOX VALLEY – Research on dry farming practices in the Comox Valley is helping an…

Land Commission lays off staff

March 25, 2026

With no budget increase this year, the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) is laying off six…

Vancouver Island attracts small-lot buyers

March 25, 2026

Small-lot growers and hobby farmers helped make Vancouver Island one of the most active farmland…

Bee

Province appoints new apiculturist

March 25, 2026

With beekeepers preparing their colonies for spring, the province has officially announced Abigail Chapman as…

Fertilizer prices on the rise

March 11, 2026

War in the Middle East has delivered a generational shock to energy prices, meaning BC…

New leadership at AgSafe BC

March 11, 2026

Cameron Stockdale is the new executive director of provincial farm safety organization AgSafeBC, succeeding Wendy…

Pacific Time decision creates issues

March 11, 2026

BC’s decision to ditch seasonal time changes will leave much of BC in the dark…

Water woes: groundwater under pressure across BC

March 1, 2026

JAFFRAY – As a young boy growing up in the Kootenay-Boundary region, Randy Reay never…

Board finds overgrazing rules unenforceable, unmeasurable

March 1, 2026

MERRITT – A BC Forest Practices Board investigation has found instances of non-compliance related to…

Restaurant connections fuel farm’s growth

March 1, 2026

LADNER – Growth is on the agenda for Ladner’s Vive le Veg Farm, where owners…

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • …
  • Page 95
  • Next Page »

FARM NEWS UPDATE

April 29, 2026

Monette Farms wins creditor protection

Sun-Rype moves concern growers

Dry start to wildfire season

Sign up for free weekly FARM NEWS UPDATES

Loading form…

Your information will not be
shared or sold ever

All content on this website is copyrighted, and cannot be republished or reproduced without permission.

© 2026 COUNTRY LIFE IN BC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED