The province is providing $500,000 to help BC abattoirs deal with waste animal tissue following slaughter. “This is great news,” says Nova Woodbury, executive director of the BC Association of Abattoirs, one of a number of industry representatives who advised the province on the funding. “Animal hide prices are low, options for waste disposal are …
NEWS
SAWP leeway sought
With applications now being accepted for seasonal workers arriving in 2021, farm leaders are stepping up efforts to negotiate entry restrictions on returning workers. Many nursery operations requiring workers in the opening days of January but the requirement for foreign arrivals in Canada to self-isolate for 14 days could delay when they start work. To …
Wine institute renames
When public health restrictions to fight COVID-19 came into effect earlier this year, wine production was named an essential service alongside other agricultural enterprises. Now, the province’s wineries are emphasizing their connection with primary production through a new name for their trade organization, Wine Growers BC. The name change was endorsed at the annual general …
Under one roof
VICTORIA – The BC Ministry of Agriculture is taking over meat inspection in the province on December 1, consolidating oversight of the sector. “Effective December 1, 2020, all slaughter activity licensed under the Meat Inspection Regulation for class A, B, D, and E meat slaughter licenses will now be regulated under the Ministry of Agriculture,” …
Field days feeling the pinch of social distancing rules
DELTA – Many farmers block off their calendars for the field days that give them a chance to share information, learn and socialize. This year will be different, however, as ongoing restrictions designed to curb COVID-19 has changed the format of most field days. Alexis Arthur, owner of Pacific Forage Bag Supply Ltd. in Delta, …
Changes to land commission kick in this fall
BURNABY – Changes to how the Agricultural Land Commission does business at the end of this month are raising questions about what the future holds. This summer has seen at least two municipalities move forward with exclusion applications in advance of new rules that take effect September 30. In the six weeks ended August 19, …