The innovative Living Labs initiative that cultivated localized on-farm research will wind down if the federal budget tabled November 4 wins approval. “[Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada] will wind down some programs outside its core mandate, such as the Agricultural Climate Solution Living Labs,” the budget document states, noting that the program isn’t aligned with the …
BC Tree Fruits relaunch
This week marks the relaunch of BC Tree Fruits, following the sale of the brand and various assets including the Oliver packing line to Penticton-based Wildstone Construction Group. Operated by Algoma Orchards of Ontario, the facility sold to Wildstone this spring for $22.75 million. It now operates as a private company rather than a co-op, …
National dairy commission raises milk prices
Hallowe’en saw the Canadian Dairy Commission treat milk producers to news of a 2.3% price increase on February 1, 2026. The increase is determined by the National Pricing Formula, which is based half on the variation in the indexed cost of production and half on the consumer price index (CPI). Dairy prices per the CPI …
Province holds off on review of farmers institutes
VICTORIA – The province is holding off on a proposed review of the Farmers and Women’s Institutes Act. A review was announced in the legislature earlier this year in response to long-standing concerns over the Salmon River Farmers Institute (SRFI) near Prince George, which has effectively become a closed, family-run society. “[We] are looking to …
Cowichan title decision creates uncertainty
RICHMOND – A landmark Aboriginal title ruling has some in BC’s agriculture sector worried about the future of farming, ranching and even private property itself. In early August, the BC Supreme Court released its decision in Cowichan Tribes v. Canada after 513 days of trial. Justice Barbara Young found the Cowichan Nation has Aboriginal title …
Plant, animal health lab announced
The province has officially announced plans for a new plant and animal health centre in Abbotsford, but plenty of details have yet to be worked out en route to the $496 million facility opening in 2031. “This is probably the biggest announcement agriculture has made, in my time at least,” BC agriculture minister Lana Popham …