Temporary foreign workers in the agriculture sector are a priority for the second phase of COVID-19 vaccinations, says federal employment minister and Delta MP Carla Qualtrough. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended the move as part of measures to address COVID-19 among vulnerable populations, including those in congregate housing. “NACI has recommended that …
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Solanki heads cranberry commission
The BC Cranberry Marketing Commission has a new chair. Jack Brown has stepped down as chair, handing the reins to Kalpna Solanki, who said she has “big shoes to fill” when her appointment was announced at the commission’s annual general meeting March 3. The change is effective today (March 10). Solanki is CEO of the …
Top marks for food safety
Canada has scored top marks for the quality and safety of its food supply. According to The Economist Intelligence Unit – the same organization responsible for ranking Vancouver among the world’s most livable cities – the country earns top marks for safety net programs ensuring access to food, nutritional standards and protein quality. These are …
Government steps in to help tree fruit industry
The province is stepping in to assist BC’s struggling tree fruit growers. “Our government is committed to the lasting sustainability of the tree fruit industry,” BC agriculture minister Lana Popham told the annual general meeting of the BC Fruit Growers Association, February 25. “That commitment means working with you going forward on a new tree …
Non-BC market vendors approved
BC Association of Farmers Markets members have approved a special resolution to permit food vendors based within Canada but outside BC to sell at farmers markets in the province. The resolution, passed at the association’s annual general meeting March 2, will benefit markets near the Alberta border. Several markets have faced a limited selection of …
Grant funding for nutrient management projects
Shuswap farmers and landowners can improve their nutrient management strategies with funding from the Shuswap Watershed Council. SWC’s Water Quality Grant Program is accepting applications until April 30 for projects focused on the valley bottoms of the Shuswap and Salmon rivers. “One of the SWC’s primary objectives is to protect and maintain the water quality …