The province is asking North Okanagan producers affected by Western yellowstriped armyworm to help prevent spreading the pest. BC Ministry of Agriculture staff in Kelowna reported that a load of cut hay infested with armyworms was sold and shipped from a farm in the North Okanagan. The ministry did not provide details on where the …
NEWS
Free trade ratification delayed
Summer, and the livin’ is easy – but the new free trade deal awaits the fall. Ratification of the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement that’s set to replace the existing North American Free Trade Agreement now seems set to be delayed till November, following the failure of US lawmakers to advance ratification of the treaty prior to their …
Marketing board names new entrant winners
ABBOTSFORD—The BC Milk Marketing Board has chosen the first three successful applicants in its New Entrant Program. After clearing the waitlist in its previous Graduated Entry Program, the BCMMB introduced the NEP in August 2018. Ninety-five applicants paid the $250 fee to be included in the first draw, held in February 2019. A random draw …
Vineyard damage lowers expectations
Okanagan wineries hope growing conditions this summer will deliver a decent grape crop, despite delayed budbreak in vineyards across the Okanagan that hampered vine development. BC Grapegrowers Association members discussed the problem at a field day in May. “Some vines in some vineyards saw poor bud break this year, with erratic and late development,” says …
Grape growers honoured
The recent annual general meeting of the BC Wine Institute saw veteran Okanagan viticulturists Robert Goltz and Richard Cleave receive the BC Wine Institute Award of Distinction for their service to the industry. Goltz and Cleave are partners in R&R Management Services, which has overseen key vineyards for producers such as Andrew Peller Ltd. On presenting …
Ottawa targets trade issues
The federal government is seeking to reassure producers it’s supporting them in the midst of trade troubles. On July 25, federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced up to $6 million for Canada Pork International under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriMarketing Program “to strengthen, diversify and grow Canada’s pork exports in priority markets around the world.” …