SAANICHTON – The newly formed South Island Farmers Institute offers producers the opportunity to connect and learn from one another, a missing component in the local community over the last few years. “We had about 55 people join us. A lot more people than I had expected, and I was really excited that so many …
BC Milk, Dairy grow closer
Western Canada’s dairy associations continue to grow closer, with this week’s announcement that the BC Milk Marketing Board and BC Dairy Association will move in together next summer. “The two boards are taking steps to function together under a single strategy, and over the next 12 months operations will be coming together to create a new …
New veg commission proposed
A greenhouse vegetable marketing commission is on the table as the BC Greenhouse Growers Association looks to the sector’s future. Right now, the marketing of greenhouse vegetables is regulated through the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission, which also oversees a range of storage crops. “The relationship has been fine, except our two industries are so diverse …
Province’s wildfire prep lacking
The aggressive start to this year’s wildfire season seems to have caught the province unawares, say ranchers in northeastern BC. “Government really needs to step up their game, they need to pay attention,” says Montney rancher and Stoddart Creek Water Services CEO Thomas Stahl. “We had a dry fall last year. It’s not like they …
Fruit specialists take extension in new direction
SUMMERLAND – Tree Fruit and grape growers will benefit from the support of two extension specialists recently hired by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food. “This is a collaborative support position,” explains Lindsay Hainstock, a former BC Tree Fruits Co-op field staff. “It is currently a one-year pilot with the overall objective to increase …
Alberni Valley cut off
A small but aggressive wildfire on Vancouver Island has cut off the Alberni Valley. Reported on June 4, the Cameron Bluffs wildfire now totals 140 hectares (346 acres) and prompted the province to shut down Hwy 4 on June 6. That closure remains in place, with a four-hour detour routing traffic through to Lake Cowichan …