BC’s Agricultural Land Commission has rejected an application by Ducks Unlimited and the Nature Trust of BC to remove 450 metres of diking within the Agricultural Land Reserve to facilitate restoration of the Cowichan Estuary on Vancouver Island. The unanimous decision, dated August 11, was made public August 26. “The Properties, in their current state, …
BCAITC appoints new executive director
Cheryl Johnson is the new executive director of the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC), as Pat Tonn retires from the role after 10 years. “Cheryl’s unique blend of rural heritage, non-profit leadership excellence, and dedication to sustainable agriculture makes her the ideal leader,” says BCAITC president Tony Hollett. “Her track record in scaling …
Council calls for review of farm classification rules
ABBOTSFORD – This fall is likely to bring a push for change to farm classification in BC by members of the agriculture community who want better support for the industry while stopping unwarranted tax breaks. “It needs to be dramatically changed,” says Chris Bodnar, co-owner of Close to Home Organics in Abbotsford and a member …
Province funds avian flu upgrades
Fraser Valley poultry farms will receive up to $30,000 each from the province for barn upgrades that reduce the risk of avian influenza. Announced August 15, the $2.5 million Novel Tools and Technologies Program will fund tools such as air filters and ultraviolet light systems to ensure they’re receiving clean, virus-free air and water. “Despite …
Regions selected for livestock tax deferral
Dry conditions in wide swaths of eastern BC means ranchers in the regions can take advantage of the federal livestock tax deferral provision in 2025. The provision is triggered when drought, excess moisture or flooding cause forage shortfalls of 50% or more. On August 18, federal agriculture minister Heath MacDonald announced that the Northern Rockies …
Food costs in Conservative crosshairs
BC food prices rose faster than anywhere else in Canada in the 12 months ended July, according to Statistics Canada data released this week. Supermarket food items cost 3.9% more in the month than a year earlier, versus a national average of 3.4%. Most food items saw price increases greater than the national average, led …