BC beekeepers could be facing a new threat with the positive identification of a hornet native to Asia in Vancouver. A female black-tailed hornet (Vespa ducalis) was caught in Vancouver on May 10. Researchers at UBC and Japan’s Hokkaido University Museum and Ibaraki University confirmed its identity this week. Wasps are known to devastate colonies, …
NEWS
What’s a ‘Product of Canada’?
Should foods made with 15% imported ingredients qualify as products of Canada? The Canadian Food Inspection Agency launched a consultation this week to find out. Right now, only products made with 98% domestic ingredients can qualify for the “Product of Canada” designation. All other products must bear the qualifier, “Made in Canada from domestic and …
Hog farm won’t face charges
ABBOTSFORD – BC SPCA is declining to press charges against an Abbotsford hog farm targeted by animal rights activists. Representatives of the association, which is responsible under the province’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to investigate complaints and enforce laws related to animal welfare, visited the farm in early May and found no grounds …
Johnston’s Packers targeted by activists
CHILLIWACK – Bonnie Windsor is assistant plant manager at Johnston’s Packers Ltd., the largest provincially inspected slaughterhouse in BC. The business has been processing hogs in Chilliwack since 1937, making it one of the province’s oldest plants, too. Windsor is bright, articulate, hardworking and has a raucous sense of humour. She could be working in …
Ranchers set to meet
Ottawa announced this week that it had secured expanded market access to Japan for Canadian beef. The deal opens Japan to exports of cuts from animals older than 30 months, and could be worth more than $40 million. Canada currently ships $215 million worth of beef to Japan each year. But little of that meat …
Drought risk deepens
A dry spring after two years of record wildfire seasons has producers on edge as summer approaches. Wildfires are already starting to erupt in the central and southern Interior, and this week Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee declared a drought emergency in half the state. The declaration reflects water supply levels at 75% of average …