BC fruit growers are facing a fourth difficult year. A recent survey by the BC Fruit Growers Association indicates that more than 67% of growers plan to harvest less fruit this year as a result of COVID-19. “We were really surprised by the number,” says BCFGA general manager Glen Lucas. “It really shows the squeeze …
NEWS
Higher rates for air freight
With fewer air travellers, BC fruit heading overseas this summer face reduced cargo capacity and higher freight rates. While carriers such as Air Canada have designated cargo services, many perishable products travel in the holds of regularly scheduled passenger jets. Those flights have been curtailed thanks as borders closed to fight COVID-19. Reduced air capacity …
Top grape grower recognized
Karnail Sidhu, owner of Kalala Organic Estate Winery in West Kelowna, is the recipient of the BC Grapegrowers Association’s inaugural viticulturist of the year award. BCGA president by John Bayley presented the award to Sidhu at a small ceremony at Kalala on June 19. Bayley says the award was established, “to commend those in our …
Woodjam Ranch honoured
The Seelhof family of Woodjam Ranch in Horsefly is the recipient of the 2020 Ranch Sustainability Award from the BC Cattlemen’s Association, presented July 7 via an online ceremony. “Receiving this award means a lot to us,” says Chad Seelhof, noting the importance of the ranching community supporting one another. “It’s nice to know that …
Ranchers troubled by inconsistencies in well licensing
BEAVERDELL – An analysis of nearly 500 groundwater licences the province has issued under the Water Sustainability Act reveals sharp inconsistencies in what’s being required of owners. Sandra Ryan and partner Bill Di Pasquale are small-scale forage producers in Beaverdell. They registered their well and this past March received a conditional groundwater licence for a …
Province expands slaughter licences
PORT ALBERNI – The BC Ministry of Agriculture has announced the opening of three new regions for class D on-farm slaughter licences. Farmers within the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot, as well as electoral area D in Central Kootenay and electoral area H in Fraser-Fort George Regional District, will now be eligible to apply for class …