VANCOUVER – A series of unfortunate events has resulted in a slight downturn for the conventional dairy sector. On March 19, the BC Milk Marketing Board implemented a series of incentive days for dairy producers in March, April and May after fluid milk sales at grocery stores increased 40% as consumers rushed to stock up …
Island farmers renew request for local abattoir
PORT ALBERNI – The Alberni Farmers’ Institute is renewing a request to have the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) designated a Class D and E licensing area under BC’s Meat Inspection Regulation. “The regional district first made a formal application to the government back in 2017,” says Lisa Aylard, president of the Alberni Farmers’ Institute. “They …
Chilliwack family cracks open direct sales
CHILLIWACK – A foray into farmgate egg sales using an automated, cashless vending machine is proving advantageous for Brightside Poultry in Chilliwack. Richard and Jacqueline Boer have the first farm in North America to use the egg vending machine, made by Roesler Vending in Germany. Launched last September, the option to buy local, organic free-range …
Distillery shows resilience as it adapts to market
KELOWNA – A retired accountant from Vancouver has given a mature orchard a new lease on life with a vodka that’s finding a niche in local and international markets. Blair Wilson and his wife moved to southeast Kelowna about 10 years ago after several business ventures in Vancouver and a career in federal politics, including …
Victoria food hub gets funding
Relief is on the way for Vancouver Island farmers caught out by the closure of restaurants and other organizations that usually buy their product. A rapid relief fund administered by the Victoria Foundation will help the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CRfair) establish what’s currently known as the South Island FoodHub at 808 …
COVID-19 spread tracked
Broad testing has shown the extent of COVID-19 infections at the various agri-food businesses hit hard by the disease. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced April 28 that testing of workers at United Poultry in Vancouver and Superior Poultry in Coquitlam had yielded a total of 80 cases. The two plants represent a small …