BC fruit growers stand to be hit the hardest by the current heat wave, with dozens filing notices of claim regarding crop losses. “BC berry growers and tree fruit growers are experiencing significant losses as a result of the June heat wave,” the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries told Country Life in BC. …
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Xaxli’p target food security
Xaxli’p First Nation is looking to agriculture to increase local food security, create jobs and drive economic development with the help of federal funding. Formerly known as the Fountain Band, Xaxli’p is an Indigenous government of about 250 members located about 15 kilometres from the village of Lillooet. “Being semi-remote and having a large number …
Agassiz land exclusion refused
BC’s Agricultural Land Commission has stood firm against a bid by the District of Kent to exclude four parcels totalling 43 acres for residential development. Often referred to as the Teacup properties, the parcels were designated a residential reserve in Kent’s official community pan in 2001. But in 2005, the ALC told the district “that …
Fruit growers seek workers
The prospect of a record cherry crop has Okanagan growers scrambling for workers as a heat wave accelerates ripening. While arrivals of seasonal foreign workers are above last year, BC Fruit Growers Association president Pinder Dhaliwal expects just half the number of domestic backpackers to arrive. These usually account for 4,000 workers in addition to …
Farmers market returns
The Langley Community Farmers Market started up again on June 16 with a solid turn out, following a one-year hiatus. To breathe new life into its return this year, the weekly market has hired a marketing manager to help generate a buzz in the community. It seems to be paying off. More than 250 people …
BCAC shifts to advocacy
Policy development is in, program delivery is out as the BC Agriculture Council prepares to welcome a new executive director in August. Reg Ens announced June 9 that he would be stepping down as executive director July 31, allowing him to step into the newly created position of general manager of the Western Agriculture Labour …