Water management was front and centre at two forums BC Fruit Growers Association hosted for candidates in this month’s civic elections in Vernon and Kelowna.
Sixteen candidates for mayor and city council of Vernon assembled at Lakers Clubhouse to answer questions from both BCFGA and the audience about how they will support agriculture if elected.
“Agriculture is central to this region, and we wanted to have a clear place in the local election discussion,” says BCFGA executive director Adrian Arts. “These forums allowed growers and candidates an opportunity to discuss what it takes to keep farmers operating and producing food.”
Three agriculture-related questions were also sent to more than 370 candidates across the Central Kootenay, Okanagan-Similkameen, Central Okanagan and North Okanagan regional districts. BCFGA will publish the responses on its website after October 2.
“This is non-partisan: growers can assess the answers themselves. It also establishes a public record so we can follow up with those elected and ask what progress they have made. Accountability should not, and will not, end on election day,” says Arts.
Candidates were generally pleased with the organization and direction of the forum.
“I’m so glad the BCFGA hosted it,” says Vernon city council candidate Dawn Tucker. “Agriculture is too often missing from election conversations, even though it shapes our economy, our water, our land and our food security … I hope it becomes a part of every local election.”
“I found … [the] meeting productive and a stark reminder of the unprecedented pressures our growers are facing,” adds Kelly Fehr, a sitting councillor running for re-election. “The discussions reinforced my position that supporting North Okanagan’s agricultural backbone requires practical, cross-jurisdictional execution.”
However, Rachel Enns, who is seeking to represent Area C as a director on the Regional District of North Okanagan board, was disappointed that regional district candidates were not invited to the forum, “considering we represent rural areas where many farms and agricultural producers live and work.”
Arts says BCFGA wants to see local governments working with farmers and coordinating with neighbouring municipalities to bring regional concerns to the province.
“Bylaw consistency is one place to start … particularly for farmers operating across municipal boundaries,” he explains.
He also believes local governments can also advocate collectively for agricultural infrastructure.
“I believe strongly in collaboration and building relationships early,” Arts says. “We will not agree on everything, and there will be difficult conversations. Having a relationship established before those conversations happen gives us a better chance of working through them and finding solutions together.”
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