The province is asking for input on a new watershed security strategy that “will identify a role for all British Columbians in taking care of our watersheds within a broad provincial framework.” A discussion paper published January 25 makes scant reference to agriculture, but the ramifications for the sector are significant. The proposed strategy would …
LSAF Grants and Scholarships
On-farm projects that provide immediate and direct benefits to individual farms in Langley and the wider agricultural community are the focus of a new series of grants offered through the Langley Sustainable Agricultural Foundation. Research, educational programs and on-farm improvements that support agriculture undertaken by farmers, students and post-secondary institutions are eligible for funding. Grants …
Groundwater deadline firm
VICTORIA – The province is holding fast on a March 1 deadline for existing, non-domestic groundwater users to apply for a licence despite a low response rate. Staff from the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development have been making the rounds of farm meetings since last fall, with the result …
Soaring fertilizer prices add to cost pressures
ENDERBY – Higher costs for fertilizer and other inputs are forcing BC producers to pay closer attention to where they spend their money this year. Statistics Canada’s industrial price index pegs the price of chemical fertilizer at 225.7 in November, up from 97 a year earlier. That’s a 133% increase, with the sharpest rise happening …
Peace producers work to expand meat processing capacity
HUDSON’S HOPE – BC farmers and ranchers continue to grapple with meat processing challenges in the province. Despite government efforts to amend licensing and financial supports, livestock and poultry producers struggle to get their meat products to market. The issue is particularly acute in remote areas of the province. While many can have small-scale plants, …
Farmers step up in emergency operations
ABBOTSFORD – First-generation poultry farmers Krista Harris and Cathy Van-Martin ask fellow egg producers many questions about production and welfare to ensure they have their chickens in a row. They take time to make business decisions with their business partners Barry and Jessica Kragh. But in addition to managing B Jack Farms, an organic free-range …