VICTORIA – The government’s Feed BC program is gaining momentum as more food hubs come online and post-secondary partners express interest in offering more local products to students. “We have a dozen food hubs that are underway right now,” says BC Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Lana Popham. “With the increased budget that we …
NEWS
Province announces wildfire recovery funds
With close to 870,000 hectares burned across BC this year to date, the province has announced $20 million in financial assistance for ranchers and farmers hit by drought and wildfire. “This year’s drought and fires have been incredibly difficult for many BC ranchers and farmers,” BC agriculture minister Lana Popham said in a statement announcing …
Beef export markets grow
Many producers are moving cattle to market early this fall, but all signs point to strong demand. The export value of fresh and frozen beef was up 25% in the first seven months of the year, according to Industry Canada trade data, and Canada’s recognition in May by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) …
Homegrown agritech ramps up
The past two weeks have delivered good news to BC agritech startups. The biggest news was the acquisition by Vancouver-based crop data and pest control company SemiosBio Technologies Inc. of AgWorld, an information management firm based in Australia on August 24. “Together, Semios and Agworld will form one of the largest independent ag-tech solutions providers …
Market garden rises from battle of the weeds
CHILLIWACK – Local Harvest Farm and Market is a true family farm where Dan and Helen Oostenbrink have embraced innovative weed control practices to transform 37 acres of former pasture into a thriving market garden supplying local residents, restaurants and wholesalers. Tucked into a prime location just off Hwy 1 at the corner of Lickman …
Mental wellness resources meet a growing need
WILLIAMS LAKE – Growing crops and raising livestock are not only physically demanding, the seemingly endless uncertainties that go along with the work can take a toll on mental health. Between wildfires, drought (or floods), extreme heat, crop and livestock losses, financial concerns, changing regulations, COVID-19 and family expectations, there’s a lot that could keep …