Yet another rate hike from the Bank of Canada this week has added to the pressure on anyone seeking credit, but it’s still not enough to slow demand for land. Canada’s central bank, which sets monetary policy for the country, raised its key policy rate to 5% on July 12, warning that further increases may …
Poultry processing goes mobile
For the last two years, Ben Glassen of Nanaimo’s Glassen Farms has processed his own chickens and turkeys for retail sale as well as undertaken custom slaughter of poultry and game birds for personal consumption by others. But last week, he hit the road and began processing birds at neighbouring farms which he helped to …
Penticton agriculture committee fails
Penticton says it needs nine people to form an agriculture committee, and not enough applicants stepped forward during a brief application window this spring. The lack of candidates made it impossible to constitute a functional committee, says Shane Mills, the city’s senior communications advisor (the exact number of applicants wasn’t immediately available). The idea of …
Ag minister visits Okanagan
Harsh weather drove stern words to BC agriculture minister Pam Alexis as she visited the Okanagan last week to meet with grape growers, orchardists and ranchers. The three sectors have been hit hard in recent months and years by weather-related events. Wine Growers BC is forecasting a 54% decline in grape and wine production this …
ACRD hires agri-food staff
“An exciting and progressive shift in oversight” is coming for agriculture in the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District with the hiring of a dedicated sustainability planner. “Amy Needham will be taking over general administration and management of the ACRD’s agri-food programming,” the regional district announced at the end of June. “This new position will ensure that issues …
Hay! Danger aboard
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 …