Growers from across BC will gather this week for the Pacific Agriculture Show, the first time the event has been held in-person since before COVID-19. The province’s biggest farm show kicks off at the Tradex in Abbotsford, March 31, and runs through April 2. Originally scheduled for the end of January, the show – as …
Raspberry replant funding boost
The province has committed an additional $300,000 to extend the raspberry replant program for a third year. “The new investment in this program will help more BC growers replant their fields with varieties that will support their businesses,” BC Agriculture Minister Lana Popham says. Originally launched in late 2020, the initiative has received close to …
Co-ops’ importance highlighted
Governance, investment for growth and development, accessing institutional markets, and land management were among the topics covered at the inaugural BC Agriculture and Food Co-op Conference in Kamloops, March 24-25. Hosted by the BC Co-operative Association, the event attracted about 120 growers, processors, retailers, academics, government representatives, policymakers and others came together to raise awareness …
New farm building codes
The new model building codes for farm buildings have finally been released. Technical experts in Ottawa signed off on the updates last summer, which represent the first overhaul of the model code for farm buildings since 1995. The model code sets the baseline for updates to provincial building codes, and recognize the fact that barn …
Broader tolerance for culls
Potatoes will be included in the next phase of a federal review of grading standards for fresh fruits and vegetables, and industry representatives at the Canadian Spud Congress this week think consumers are willing to be a bit more forgiving of imperfections. “There’s a lot more acceptance for whatever the farmer grows when you’re in …
Vet shortage persists
High veterinary school tuition costs and competition for spots pose challenges for students and producers. The situation is so dire that some Prairie producers cannot access vets to regularly check herd health, says WestGen Group CEO Chris Parry, speaking at the organization’s annual general meeting, March 22. The situation is one that’s been ongoing in …