Video footage that triggered an investigation of Cedar Valley Farms in Abbotsford two weeks ago has been released. Toronto-based activist group Animal Justice Canada posted the footage with a call for greater regulation of livestock operations, including the installation of surveillance cameras on farms. It notes that organic farms are no better than conventional systems …
NEWS
Mink farmers challenge ban
Canada’s mink farmers plan to challenge BC’s bid to shut down the sector. An announcement November 5 outlined a three-step process under an order issued by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry that begins with a ban on mink breeding effective immediately, followed by a ban on live mink on farms by April 2023 and …
Promotions help secure markets
The return of in-person meetings for many producer groups is also bringing a fresh emphasis on the future. This was particularly true for members of Mainland Milk Producers, who gathered for their fall meeting in Abbotsford, November 9, and listened to several presentations about the importance of securing markets as consumer behaviour continues to evolve …
Quick action on allegations
BC’s dairy industry took quick and decisive action last week against Cedar Valley Farms, an organic dairy in Abbotsford, following allegations of animal abuse. BC Milk Marketing Board circulated a note to industry on October 27 saying that it had suspended the farm’s licence following the receipt of information from the BC SPCA “regarding violations …
Langley logs Asian hornet
Canadian Food Inspection Agency staff made an unexpected discovery October 22 while performing a routine monthly check of a trap set to monitor for Japanese beetle in south Langley. The decaying body of an Asian giant hornet lay within, the first confirmed report of one of the insects this year in Canada. Since no hornets …
Grading standards shorten cucumbers
Consultations opened October 29 on new federal grade standards that could shorten the length of some Canada No. 1 cucumbers. While individually packaged long seedless cucumbers will still need to be a minimum of 11 inches to qualify as Canada No. 1, those sold by the dozen can max out a half inch shorter than …