ABBOTSFORD – A sheaf of recommendations for creating a better business environment for BC producers is now in the hands of the province. The final recommendations of the Premier’s Task Force on Agriculture and Food Economy were submitted in late November and published by the province almost immediately on November 24. “They were published on …
Townhall looks to the future of agrivoltaics
OLIVER – Convincing farmers and others of the potential of harvesting solar power alongside agricultural crops was front and centre at an in-person/online learning townhall in Oliver, November 14. A handful of growers, as well as municipal staff and consultants, attended in person to learn how agrivoltaics – solar panels incorporated into agricultural operations – …
Sumas flooding spurs call for action
A series of atmospheric rivers once again led to flooding across Sumas Prairie this past week, renewing questions about flood mitigation measures for the region. A system that moved the region last week saw the Nooksack River overtop its banks on December 10, with the water flowing north into Canada the following day. The flood …
Milk testers remain on strike
One month after voting in favour of strike action, unionized milk testers in BC remain on strike. Testers, employed by Lactanet and represented by the BC General Employees Union (BCGEU), voted 89% in favour of strike action on November 18. A 72-hour strike notice was served on November 21, and testers walked off the job …
CFIA reports low honey adulteration
Honey ranked highly in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s product authenticity testing last year, with limited adulteration reported. CFIA reported an authenticity rate of 88% across 84 honey samples tested, 12% of the more than 700 samples of products that included grated cheese, edible oils, meats, fish and fruit juices. Grated hard cheeses scored the …
Goerzen wins dairy award
Well-known Chilliwack agriculturalist Walter Goerzen is the recipient of the BC Dairy Industry Achievement Award announced at the BC Dairy Industry Conference in Vancouver, November 27. “The successes and achievements of our industry are built on the contributions, and the skill and the dedication of our leaders, and this award is meant to honour those …