VERNON – Kaitlyne Peden wants to make a difference in how people perceive their food. In her first full year operating Sweetpea Farms, the 25-year-old is raising chickens, turkeys and hogs on 15 acres of her parents’ 50-acre property on Westside Road outside Vernon. “I started out because I wanted better quality meat for our family,” …
Apple marketing commission rejected
BC apple growers have voted against establishing an apple marketing commission. Close to 60% of growers who cast ballots did not support the establishment of a commission to regulate and market BC apples. The referendum closed July 21, with 129 of 377 eligible growers participating. The low participation rate of just 34% surprised Lake Country …
New executive director for blueberries
Sudeshna Nambiar is the new executive director of the BC Blueberry Council. Nambiar officially steps into the role August 11, following two years as chief operating officer at the Coaching Association of Canada. “As we navigate complex challenges and new opportunities in our sector, Sudeshna’s vision, passion and bold thinking will be instrumental in shaping …
BC Milk chooses new entrants
The new dairy year will see BC’s dairy sector welcome five new producers. Results of this year’s new entrant selection process were announced July 24 by the BC Milk Marketing Board, which extended congratulations to conventional candidates Frederick Fooks, Amy Gibbs, Dwayne (Marc) & Kari Goossen and Joshua Telford, as well as organic candidate Ian …
On the rebound
KELOWNA – Fruit growers in the Okanagan have suffered at the hands of Mother Nature over the past four years, but she just might be smiling on them this season. “This is very good weather that is conducive to growing good quality fruit,” says Sam DiMaria of Bella Rosa Orchards in Kelowna. “From my perspective …
Regulatory hurdles threaten farm income solutions
POWELL RIVER – Two decades of farming on the Sunshine Coast could be nearing their end for a Powell River couple following the Agricultural Land Commission’s rejection of proposals aimed at diversifying their operation. “It’s not easy. With the cost of everything going up, most farmers are starting to go, ‘hey, we’ve got to diversify,’” …