BC Agriculture Council’s fourth annual consumer research survey suggests consumers’ perceptions of farmers, the agriculture industry and the province’s food supply chain have strengthened since 2018. A key finding from this year’s survey is that British Columbians continue to have very positive views of BC farmers. The results show that 96% of respondents believe that …
COUNTRY WAYS
Farmers market returns
The Langley Community Farmers Market started up again on June 16 with a solid turn out, following a one-year hiatus. To breathe new life into its return this year, the weekly market has hired a marketing manager to help generate a buzz in the community. It seems to be paying off. More than 250 people …
Sector events start growing
This summer could see a revival of agricultural fairs and trade shows, following last week’s announcement of BC’s reopening plans. BC Fairs members met June 1 to discuss plans and protocols as BC prepares for a full reopening of the province by September. Many fairs that usually happen later in the summer are planning to …
Richmond’s ag community mourns a leader
RICHMOND – Richmond farming advocate Ralph May has died. He was 71. May, a lawyer as well as a prominent cranberry grower, was distinguished by his love of family and commitment to service. “Ralph was always proud of his farming heritage and history in Richmond and felt very strongly about giving back to the community …
College assignment sparks salsa business
KELOWNA – Tyler Chartrand saw a hole in the market he decided to fill. Since 2014, he’s been growing tomatoes and peppers and processing them to make Ogopogo Salsa. The business idea came to him while he was pursuing an accounting degree at Okanagan College. During an entrepreneurship class, students were tasked with creating a …
Foodgrains auction sets record
The annual Make a Difference auction in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank set a new record this year. Strong turnout pushed funds raised to $320,000, surpassing the $300,000 garnered last year for relief efforts among farmers and residents in trouble spots overseas. “Our long-standing auction can’t be stopped by COVID-19,” a teaser for the …