The province plans is preparing to explore options for accommodating value-added activities within the Agricultural Land Reserve. “We’ll be working on a workplan around the economic diversification policy options which include the agritourism, processing and on-farm food and beverage services,” Anna North, an assistant director, policy, with the BC Ministry of Agriculture, told the Certified …
Meat inspection budget tightens
Abattoir operators have been put on notice that regular shifts for provincial meat inspectors must not exceed seven hours a day unless authorized by the province. “I am asking that all slaughter establishment operators adhere strictly to the scheduled inspection services, which do not exceed seven hours per day,” Gavin Last, executive director of the …
Cherry growers discuss trade
Trade and research were the topics at the annual meeting of the BC Cherry Association in Kelowna on March 3. The industry has grown substantially in the last 15 years, thanks to the opening of export markets. China, Japan and California are now major buyers of BC cherries. “But we need to continue to diversify …
Auction raises relief funds
The annual Make a Difference Sale takes place at the Abbotsford Stockyards this week to raise funds for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. While cattle are at the heart of the auction, other lots include livestock feed and accessories, tools, gift baskets and other items. This year’s auction takes place March 12, beginning at 10 am. …
Most farmers support Daylight Savings Time
DELTA—Spring ahead? Fall back? Or just skip the whole thing? According to a provincial survey of public opinion, nearly 92% of farmers favour a proposal to put the province on Daylight Savings Time year-round. That’s slightly less than the provincial average, which saw more than 93% of the 223,273 respondents speak out in favour of …
Going solo
ABBOTSFORD – The province has stepped in to backstop farmers facing hard times thanks to a growing number of weather-related and market challenges. During comments at the BC Agriculture Council’s annual gala in Abbotsford on January 29, BC agriculture minister Lana Popham announced changes to the province’s AgriStability program that she said would make $9 …