BC Tree Fruits Cooperative CEO Warren Sarafinchan took an extended leave of absence, effective August 5, following a battle with COVID-19 and the toll four years of transformation at the co-op has taken. “This decision comes as he focuses on recovering from COVID and takes some much-needed time to rest with his family,” co-op chair …
CROPS
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 …
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 …
Foreign worker consultation planned
BC Agriculture Council and the Western Agriculture Labour Initiative are preparing to survey temporary foreign workers this summer in an effort to understand how employers can improve workers’ experience and reduce complaints. “The goal of the work is to collect anonymous information directly from workers on their experience in BC,” a bulletin circulated to fruit growers this week says. “At …
Short grape crop confirmed
A clearer picture is emerging of the damage to vineyards and wineries and the associated economic cost following the extreme cold weather event that hit the province in December. A new report by Cascadia Partners for Wine Growers BC indicates that 98% of the 38 growers surveyed reported damage to at least 10% of their …
Fruit specialists take extension in new direction
SUMMERLAND – Tree Fruit and grape growers will benefit from the support of two extension specialists recently hired by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food. “This is a collaborative support position,” explains Lindsay Hainstock, a former BC Tree Fruits Co-op field staff. “It is currently a one-year pilot with the overall objective to increase …