U-picks that saw record traffic last year as homebound families headed to berry fields for one of the few socially acceptable – and socially distanced – activities during the pandemic saw a more regular flow of visitors this year. “Last year, overall, it was busier during the weekdays. People were working from home and there …
NEWS
Farmers say new policy statement devalues ag
PENDER ISLAND – Agriculture in the Gulf Islands will no longer be recognized as a traditional or valuable activity if Islands Trust approves a new policy statement, set for first reading in July. The proposal is informed by input from the local community and more than 20 First Nations who have treaty and territorial rights …
Water licensing process needs streamlining
KAMLOOPS – With a shocking lack of licences issued five years into BC’s groundwater licensing regime, the BC Cattlemen’s Association has sent the province a six-point action plan to forestall disaster next year. The province says it’s not going to be giving non-domestic groundwater users any more time to apply for a groundwater licence and …
Farmers struggle to get insurance coverage Insurance
SALMON ARM – A hard market cycle for the insurance industry is making it harder for some farmers to get insurance coverage. It took four months for Mara dairy farmers Quentin and Daniela Bruns to secure insurance for their 180-acre certified organic operation with about 65 cows. Their struggle to find an insurance company willing …
BCAC shifts to advocacy
ABBOTSFORD – One of the biggest organizational shifts in BC agriculture since the 1990s will see the BC Agriculture Council focus on being an advocate for industry and exit the business of program delivery. “BCAC’s core role is that of an advocacy organization,” says Reg Ens, who will be stepping down as executive director of …
Heatwave stresses livestock
BC became the hottest place in Canada ever on Sunday, and again Monday and Tuesday as temperatures in the Fraser Canyon and elsewhere kept breaking records. Lytton soared to an all-time high for Canada of 49.5° Celsius. New records were also set in the eastern Fraser Valley as temperatures hit 42.9° C in Abbotsford on …