Water infrastructure for agriculture is the final tranche of the $200 million funding package announced March 7 to support food security in BC. “Access to water is crucial for food production and ensuring we have sustainable, resilient local food systems,” said BC agriculture minister Pam Alexis in a statement announcing the funding June 27. “The …
TerraLink celebrates 50 years
A homegrown success celebrated its 50th anniversary in Abbotsford on June 27. A community barbecue attended by 300 staff, growers, partners and dignitaries celebrated the origins and evolution of TerraLink Horticulture Ltd., which has evolved from a local supplier to a regional powerhouse serving growers across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. To mark its …
Beetle regulations expand
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has expanded the regulated area for Japanese beetle to include most of Vancouver with additional areas in Burnaby, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam also subject to movement restrictions. The regulations mean that plants with soil attached cannot be moved outside the regulated areas without a CFIA movement certificate. The expanded areas …
FV flood protection funded
Fraser Valley farmers are eligible for $5 million in funding under a flood mitigation program announced by the province in March as part of a $200 million food security package. “Individual farms will become more resilient through projects that improve feed and fuel storage, increase erosion control, develop natural buffers and, very importantly, raise farm …
Foreign worker consultation planned
BC Agriculture Council and the Western Agriculture Labour Initiative are preparing to survey temporary foreign workers this summer in an effort to understand how employers can improve workers’ experience and reduce complaints. “The goal of the work is to collect anonymous information directly from workers on their experience in BC,” a bulletin circulated to fruit growers this week says. “At …
Short grape crop confirmed
A clearer picture is emerging of the damage to vineyards and wineries and the associated economic cost following the extreme cold weather event that hit the province in December. A new report by Cascadia Partners for Wine Growers BC indicates that 98% of the 38 growers surveyed reported damage to at least 10% of their …