A new public engagement process hopes to identify jobs too dangerous for young workers. “Stakeholders and the public can review and comment on a proposed framework that outlines the types of jobs that could be defined as hazardous and unsuitable for young workers,” the BC Ministry of Labour says in a statement announcing the survey, …
Fruit tree protocols reviewed
While many orchardists in BC find it tough to source clean plant material to renew and expand their orchards, nurseries in Canada export a significant number of fruit and nut trees to orchardists in the US. To ensure stock remains clean, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has spent the past few weeks soliciting feedback regarding …
There is a future for BC’s apple industry
NARAMATA — The new president of the BC Fruit Growers Association is a life-long farmer who believes he can influence a change in the province’s tree fruit industry. “I’ve been involved in farming all my life,” says Peter Simonsen, an organic grower who was elected to head the 133-year-old association at its annual convention at …
Bird flu hits Enderby farm
A broiler farm in the North Okanagan has been depopulated following the positive identification of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza on April 13. Preliminary tests at a lab in Burnaby returned positive results, and samples were sent to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency lab in Winnipeg for confirmation. (BC’s own Animal Health …
Vertical farms face regulation
The rise of vertical farms has attracted the notice of the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission. Also known as contained growing systems, vertical farms have become a popular way to produce leafy greens on small lots and marginal land. But leafy greens – specifically, greenhouse-grown lettuces – are regulated by BC Veg as part of its …
Whistleblowers at FIRB, ALC protected
A phased expansion of the province’s whistle-blower legislation means that staff who call out bad behaviour at two high-profile farm organizations will now enjoy protection. Staff at the BC Farm Industry Review Board as well as the Agricultural Land Commission now enjoy whistleblower protections under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, which allows employees of public-sector …