The province has released its long-awaited Agriculture Waste Control Regulation, and growers across the province expect it will add to the cost of farming in BC. The new regulation updates the previous rule, which has been in effect since 1992. The requirements will take immediate effect in the Hullcar Valley, and expand across the province …
NEWS
Blueberry growers told to buckle up
Blueberry growers across North America face significant headwinds, according to a key speaker at the Pacific Agriculture Show in Abbotsford on January 26. “I can’t make the numbers work to give you a bright future,” said John Shelford, an observer of industry trends and strategic advisor to Naturipe Farms LLC. The comment reflected number-crunching that …
Strong attendance at Pacific Agriculture Show, CannaTech West
Steady traffic made this year’s Pacific Agriculture Show at Tradex in Abbotsford another success, despite some speakers being unable to attend due to the US government shutdown. Attendance totalled 9,550, said show coordinator Jim Shepard. This was up from last year and near the record-breaking tally of 2016, when approximately 9,800 visitors attended. The number …
Critics urge licence delay
KELOWNA – The deadline for registering wells and obtaining groundwater licences, an initiative aimed at establishing priority for water rights in BC, is fast approaching. But a growing chorus is calling on the province to postpone the deadline yet again due to ongoing issues getting everyone on board, not to mention challenges enforcing a regime …
Staff reorganization targets leaner fruit co-op
KELOWNA – The province’s biggest fruit co-op is facing a dramatic shakeup, as turnover pares both the executive team and key staff In November, BC Tree Fruits Cooperative’s board decided not to renew the management contract of CEO Stan Swales, who stepped into the role in November 2016. CFO Warren Everton also left to work …
Growers pin hopes on Columbia River update
KELOWNA – Negotiations to update the 55-year-old Columbia River Treaty between Canada and the US are ramping up. Ratified in 1964, the treaty’s main purpose was to optimize power generation and flood control for both Canada and the US. Three dams were constructed in Canada: Duncan in 1967, Arrow/Hugh Keenleyside in 1968 and Mica in …