AITC funding in limbo

The province has missed a deadline to fund the BC School Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Program, an initiative of the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation.

AITC had asked the province for a response by May 10 so it could make arrangements with farmers and prepare to roll out the program when a new school year begins this fall.

While the province expanded the agriculture ministry’s budget this year, including funding for local purchasing programs, it has yet to find the $3.5 million in funding AITC requested.

The misstep jeopardizes the future of a program that supplies hundreds of students across BC with local produce.

BC agriculture minister Lana Popham came under fire in the legislature on May 11 for missing the deadline, with Opposition MLAs questioning her priorities.

“Can she please explain why her government is eliminating funding for a program that has provided half a million students with fresh BC fruits, vegetables and milk?” Abbotsford West MLA Mike de Jong asked.

Delta South MLA and agriculture critic Ian Paton noted in a press release that farmers also stand to lose.

“Why would the minister abandon a program that not only supports students, but farmers as well?” he asked. “More than 1,000 BC farmers stand to lose income from growing and providing products for this important initiative. It is a win-win for everyone involved, yet the minister hasn’t been in a hurry to act to save it.”

Popham acknowledged the importance of the program but noted that funding to date has been from the BC Ministry of Health. She indicated that the next round of funding would be through Feed BC.

The mandate letter she received last fall outlined partnerships with the BC Ministry of Education to expand Feed BC to primary and secondary schools.

“We will be working together with the association and the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to look at how a program can continue,” she told the legislature.

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3 hours ago

With a provincial election called for October 24, BC agriculture is set to enter a new era. Veteran agriculture minister Lana Popham is not seeking re-election in Saanich South after 17 years as an MLA. BC's longest-serving agriculture minister, she fought for a stronger Agricultural Land Reserve and celebrated the diversity of BC's agriculture sector, but also took flak for shutting down mink farming and not securing more funding for the Agricultural Land Commission. She was also on the front lines of responses to multiple disasters, including the 2021 floods on Sumas Prairie. In a statement announcing her departure from political life, she said, "I look forward to contributing in other ways and ensuring that food security, protection of the Agricultural Land Reserve, and the people who feed us remain in the spotlight for years to come."

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I had really hoped to see Lana Popham as our Premiere at some point but I am also happy for her, moving onto her next chapter. 😊

That is an amazing run, thank you for your service!💐

1 week ago

With the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain line turbocharging development of the Fraser Hwy corridor and surrounding agricultural lands, the BC NDP today announced it is naming the new line after former Premier Dave Barrett, whose government created the Agricultural Land Reserve to protect farmland. The announcment comes in advance of this Friday’s deadline for submitting feedback on a proposal to open the ALR to processors using as little as 5% local ingredients.

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Thousands of big round bales of hay got shipped, and are getting shipped from the lower mainland to the interior due to dry weather and low water supply up country. Those ranchers are sure glad that we still have a few acres down here that can produce when other parts of the province dry up.

No disrespect meant but perhaps they should have named it the "ALR Line" to help educate those who don't know what the ALR is and what it does and doesn't allow.

The A.L.R is a pain in the A.S.S

I do not agree with this proposed change to the ALR. It is a trojan horse designed to open up the ALR for development. Gary Runka must be turning in his grave. :(

More than two years after the BC Tree Fruits Co-op shut down, a payout of $11.5 million is heading to former members this week. The payout follows a share purchase agreement approved this spring allowing the new privately owned BC Tree Fruits partnership to acquire the co-op’s shares in addition to the assets previously acquired. A further, final payout to growers is expected in December, once other outstanding claims have been resolved.

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2 weeks ago

Canadian Forest Owners and McGill University researchers have launched the first national survey of private forest owners in over 20 years. With some 50% of farmers across Canada owning woodlots, the results of the survey could help shape policy at both the federal and provincial level. According to Woodlots BC, there are 836 woodlot licensees totalling 576,627 hectares in the province, with an estimated economic impact of $113 million. The three-part survey closes September 14. www.forestowners.ca/about/survey/

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A good opportunity.

Kevin Boon is stepping down as general manager of the BC Cattlemen's Association after 17 years to become CEO of the Saskatchewan Cattle Association. Boon has more than 40 years’ experience in the cattle industry, including leadership roles with Alberta Beef Producers and the Canadian Cattle Association. During his tenure with BC Cattlemen’s, Boon has helped the industry navigate wildfire, drought and hay shortages, as well as been a powerful advocate for improved water storage. Known as a bridge-builder, his experience will be greatly missed by the BC farm and ranch sector.

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Thanks for all you have done out here.Good luck in your next chapter.Big boots to fill.

Many thanks to Kevin for being a good friend to the Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia over the years.

Congrats to Kevin. A great advocate for the beef cattle sector. A pleasure to work with. Best wishes in Saskatchewan.

Buddy, you can't leave us! Great job, the BC Cattlemen will miss you..

Sorry to see go Kevin you did amazing work for all the cattleman and Rancher in this Province.good luck in your next chapter

No doubt a great job . Congratulations Kevin . Boy that time went fast eh? Hopefully see you along the trail .

Thankyou Kevin for your many years of work in BC! You will be missed. All the best in Saskatchewan, it's a great place!

Congratulations Kevin, thanks for all your hard work!

Kevin - these will truly be tough boots to fill for the next ---- thank you for all your efforts over the years ....much of of the Interior of BC will we watching for your next great initiative! ( or retirement ~smile) Lee Morris - TNRD Area P

Well Kevin you have set the bar high. You will be missed thank you for your service

Huge boots to fill Kevin is a rare treasure ,good luck on the next stage !

Thank you Kevin for all of the help you provided us through our disasters - best of luck to you in the flatlands!

Good luck on your new adventure. They are super lucky to have you.

Thanks for all you’ve done to advocate for the cattle industry Good luck 😊😊

Get outta town! You are not ready yet … unless you are going senile … Yes … like me Enjoy the thoughts and grand plans of adventures to come. Hugs

Good luck on your next step Keven! I'm sure you will be missed in BC.

Good luck Kevin

Kevin will be missed. Amazing advocate for ranchers and country folk.

Congratulations Kevin!! Thank you for your advocacy over the years!!!

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