PENDER ISLAND – Katie Selbee and Matthew Vasilev of Twin Island Cider on Pender Island have a business as unique and authentic as the cider they produce, taking apples from century-old orchards on the Gulf Islands and fermenting them traditionally with naturally occurring yeasts in their farm-based cidery. They started just four years ago after …
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Pandemic highlights SAWP improvements
British Columbia’s response to COVID-19 has set an example for other provinces in managing seasonal farm workers this year, but Mexico’s consul-general in Vancouver says an overhaul of the program remains necessary. “British Columbia has done exceptional things,” Berenice Díaz Ceballos told Country Life in BC, singling out the province’s decision to fund housing and …
Cherries face the pits
BC cherry growers face a second straight year of record losses thanks to severe cold in January and a late spring frost. The two cold weather events have resulted in the 2020 harvest on track to be down more than 40% from normal levels. BC’s Production Insurance program has received 296 claims for yield loss out …
Metro Vancouver a food gateway
A report to Metro Vancouver’s regional planning committee on June 12 highlights just how much food moves through the Lower Mainland. Perhaps not surprising, given that Vancouver is a port city, is the dominant position of international food exports – close to 28 million tonnes. Cereal grains and oil seeds dominate the shipments, at nearly …
Mexico sticks with BC
Mexico’s decision to withhold seasonal workers from Canada will have a minimal effect on BC farms, according to both the province and industry. The decision was widely reported on June 15, and affects workers arriving in Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program. Mexico quickly issued a clarification that the measure only affects farms where …
Agriculture first for support
Close to three-quarters of BC residents believe agri-food companies should be first in line for government assistance to help them weather the effects of COVID-19, according to a survey market research firm Research Co. conducted in partnership with Glacier Media. “Across the province, the highest level of support for government assistance is observed for agri-food …