An audit of protocols at BC Ferries means hay haulers must now label their loads as dangerous goods. The audit by Transport Canada found that BC Ferries staff were not rigorously enforcing protocols regarding dangerous goods, including hay. BC Ferries staff would often give farmers with a couple of bales on board a pass when …
Kamloops decommissions farm irrigation
KAMLOOPS – A recent city decision to decommission a local irrigation system has some local farmers feeling like they’ve been hung out to dry. About 40 users of the Noble Creek Irrigation System left a public information meeting June 19 with more questions than answers after coming to learn more about Kamloops’ decision at an …
Seed producer takes a page from the craft beer movement
VICTORIA – The Oregon state legislature gave first reading in April to a bill that would severely restrict canola farms in the Willamette Valley Protection District in an attempt to guard the area’s specialty seed producers. Currently at the public hearing stage, seed companies support the move. The valley is ideal for producing high yields …
Water infrastructure, food security
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 …