A new global trade environment erupted last week after weeks of threats, but BC agriculture sector continues to look for solutions despite the real risk of a significant financial hit. Volatile financial markets have raised the spectre of higher borrowing costs, reinforcing a sense of caution that has slowed property investment. Despite an optimistic report …
BCAC holds AGM
The annual general meeting of the BC Agriculture Council this week hailed a “transformative year” that saw BCAC’s recent focus on advocacy bear fruit on several fronts. “Our investment into working proactively on policy development has resulted in the federal and provincial governments increasingly relying upon BCAC for consultation and input,” BCAC executive director Danielle …
Potato acreage declines in 2025
BC potato seeding is down this spring as producers pare acreage. The BC Vegetable Marketing Commission is reporting “a small shift out of potatoes” this spring of approximately 2%. BC growers seeded 5,900 acres last spring and harvested 5,700 acres. This spring, just under 5,800 acres will be seeded. “There has been a decrease in …
Comox Valley sweeps farmers market awards
COURTENAY – Community engagement and involvement are hallmarks of the Comox Valley Farmers Market, its vendors and partners, garnering them the lion’s share of awards at the BC Association of Farmers Markets annual awards ceremony on March 4. The market and its vendors were nominated in seven of the 10 award categories and took home …
BC delegation urges review of foreign ownership
SURREY – Always hotly debated in agricultural circles, the issue of foreign ownership of Canadian farmland was on the agenda at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s annual general meeting in Ottawa, February 25-26. A resolution brought forward by the BC Agriculture Council delegation, including four members of BC Young Farmers, called on the CFA to …
Okanagan drives increase in land values
KELOWNA – BC farmland values rose 11% last year, firmly reversing the decline posted in 2023. The gains were driven in large part by the Okanagan, according to Farm Credit Canada’s annual survey of farmland values. Prices there soared nearly 25% to an average of $40,500 an acre, with sales tracked by FCC maxing out …