The province is stepping in to assist BC’s struggling tree fruit growers. “Our government is committed to the lasting sustainability of the tree fruit industry,” BC agriculture minister Lana Popham told the annual general meeting of the BC Fruit Growers Association, February 25. “That commitment means working with you going forward on a new tree …
Non-BC market vendors approved
BC Association of Farmers Markets members have approved a special resolution to permit food vendors based within Canada but outside BC to sell at farmers markets in the province. The resolution, passed at the association’s annual general meeting March 2, will benefit markets near the Alberta border. Several markets have faced a limited selection of …
Grant funding for nutrient management projects
Shuswap farmers and landowners can improve their nutrient management strategies with funding from the Shuswap Watershed Council. SWC’s Water Quality Grant Program is accepting applications until April 30 for projects focused on the valley bottoms of the Shuswap and Salmon rivers. “One of the SWC’s primary objectives is to protect and maintain the water quality …
SlaughterRight training launched by ag ministry
VICTORIA – SlaughterRight is the province’s new, mandatory training program for on-farm meat plants following consolidation of meat inspection within the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. The agriculture ministry took over inspection of D and E class facilities December 1. Regional health authorities previously oversaw training and inspection. “[The ministry] is now implementing …
Cherry growers continue to focus on export markets
KELOWNA – Export markets for BC cherries remain a priority for the BC Cherry Association, which held its annual general meeting February 18-19 via videoconference. During the two morning sessions, association president Sukhpaul Bal highlighted the trade mission to India early last year which helped drive a 1,200% increase in the value of BC cherry …
Ranchers plead with province to address elk issue
KAMLOOPS – Ranchers are asking the province to tighten management of elk populations as the ungulates become an increasing nuisance to agriculture. “We believe that elk populations are growing in certain regions,” says Elaine Stovin, assistant general manager with the BC Cattlemen’s Association. Vanderhoof rancher and wildlife biologist Olin Albertson with the Nechako Regional Cattlemen’s …