Ottawa has denied millions in funding to the three municipalities hit hardest by the 2021 atmospheric rivers. Abbotsford, Merritt and Princeton received written notice last week that the federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund would not support a host of planned projects due to a lack of information. The application packages each totalled more than …
Sumas class action certified
Sumas Prairie residents affected by the atmospheric rivers that rolled across southern BC in November 2021 will get their day in court. On May 29, BC Supreme Court certified a class action lawsuit against the City of Abbotsford by residents who suffered damage when the floodwaters rose across the Sumas Prairie. “We’re happy with the …
BC farm income plummets
The final numbers are in, and they’re worse than forecast. BC’s agriculture sector posted a net loss totalling $263.7 million last year, the biggest ever, trumping last year’s loss of $194 million and the previous record loss of $252 million reported in 2008. While the total loss includes paper losses such as depreciation, even net …
Chetwynd rancher leaves a lasting legacy in the organic sector
CHETWYND – Mention the name Charlie Lasser within organic farming circles and stories about ingenuity and having a vision for the future will abound. The 92-year-old Chetwynd farmer and rancher passed away on December 9, 2023, but left an indelible mark in his wake on younger farmers and others in the industry. “As a young …
Dairy demand prompts quota increase
ABBOTSFORD – Dairy processing capacity is on the rise in Western Canada, and BC dairy producers have received an extra 3% quota to keep pace with demand. The increase approved February 1 has leveled out quota issuance to each of the four provinces in the Western Milk Pool at approximately 101%. “In previous years, we …
BCFGA holds pre-election rally
Gray skies reflected the mood May 28 but the rain held off as some 250 fruit growers gathered in Osoyoos to express their concerns and appeal for government support. The “I support BC Agriculture” rally, organized by the BC Fruit Growers Association in conjunction with the BC Grapegrowers Association, coincided with a government caucus meeting …