The province is asking for feedback on a proposal that would see landowners within the ALR given the right to have a second home if their local government approves. The idea, first announced by BC agriculture minister Lana Popham at the end of November, is fleshed out in an intentions paper released January 27. “Under …
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Farm plans offer new opportunities for ranchers
VERNON – Winter weather chilled the turnout for the annual North Okanagan Livestock Association educational seminar in Vernon on January 15. Just half the 80 people registered made it to the event. “Some of our sponsors were not even able to make it,” says NOLA president Lani French. “The -20 temperatures and the poor road …
New executive director for COABC appointed
VERNON – A new executive director has been found to lead the Certified Organic Associations of BC following the departure of Jen Gamble, who spent nine years at the helm of the organization. Eva-Lena Lang will step into the role on March 1, bringing with her a long association with organic farming and community-oriented agriculture. …
Ag council helps avert seasonal worker delays
ABBOTSFORD – Potential problems bringing in seasonal farm workers have been averted. Western Agricultural Labour Initiative (WALI) program manager Veronica Moreno warned growers at a BC Landscape & Nursery Association meeting in Abbotsford on December 17 that they could face delays receiving Mexican workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) at the beginning of …
Open ears
VICTORIA – The grandfathering period for secondary residences in the Agricultural Land Reserve for immediate family has been extended until the end of the year as the province commences yet another consultation with farmers. The province moved to grandfather secondary homes for family in the ALR last July, recognizing that people had been taken unawares …
Annual gala yields awards
BC’s agriculture sector gathered to grow their knowledge and relationships at the Pacific Agriculture Show in Abbotsford, January 30-February 1, with more than 8,500 people attending. A chance to recognize the accomplishments of the past year and be nourished for the future occurred the night before the event kicked off, however, with the annual gala …