Ranchers and livestock producers in 52 census subdivisions across BC will be able to take advantage of the federal government’s livestock tax deferral program for 2019. Regions eligible in BC include southern Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and much of the central Interior from the coast to the Alberta border. “[The] provision allows livestock producers in prescribed …
Flood mitigation funding available
The province has handed out $52 million for structural flood mitigation projects over the past two years, and the latest portion was awarded to 18 communities this week. “The intent is to support eligible applicants to prevent, eliminate or reduce hazards through structural flood mitigation projects,” a provincial press release announcing the awards explains. Recipients …
Province pares agriculture budget
Two years of funding increases for the province’s agriculture ministry have come to an end, as the BC NDP introduced a budget this week that proposes tax increases for the rich but plays it safe in terms of program spending. BC finance minister Carole James tabled the budget with a speech that touted the government’s …
BCMMB new entrants shortlist
Despite headlines touting the rise of plant-based diets, an intrepid 77 candidates applied to be new entrants to BC’s dairy industry this winter under the BC Milk Marketing Board’s New Entrant Program. The program provides successful applicants with 15 kgs of Continuous Daily Quota in order to start milk production (enough for about a dozen …
Research association mulls future
The future of the Pacific Field Corn Association will be on the agenda when the organization holds its annual general meeting in Abbotsford on February 21. A discussion paper circulated in advance of the meeting notes the association’s operating environment has changed significantly since the start of industry-led field corn research in partnership with federal …
Apple growers fight low prices
BC tree fruit growers are seeing extremely poor returns on their first pool advance from BC Tree Fruits Cooperative. Payouts as low as nine and 10 cents a pound for Gala apples were reported by top growers for extra fancy pack-outs. These figures are being called the lowest ever in real terms and are well …