VICTORIA – A backlash from farmers has stalled a proposal to amend the Capital Regional District (CRD) animal control bylaw to eliminate compensation for livestock killed by unidentified dogs. “I received a lot of feedback from the farm community,” says Mike Hicks, director for the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area who originally proposed the amendment. …
NEWS
Microgreen grower attracts far-flung following
SALMON ARM – A different kind of hydroponic grow-op has set up shop in the Shuswap, looking to meet the demand for leafy greens. Living Leaf Growers started producing microgreens in a corner of Salmon Arm’s Westgate Public Market late last year, planting its first crop in October and harvesting its third in early January. …
It’s show time!
The largest agricultural trade show in BC kicks off in Abbotsford this week for the 21st year. The Pacific Agriculture Show runs at the Tradex in Abbotsford, January 24-26. “The focus this year is on technology,” says show coordinator Jim Shepard, who says there will be close to 300 exhibitors at this year’s show. These …
Piece rates, taxes increase
Just weeks into the new year, BC farmers may be starting to feel the pinch. One thing’s for certain: their pennies won’t. Various government policies designed to part farmers and their money have kicked in, raising the cost of doing business in BC. Piece rates increased on January 1, six months after an increase to …
Lillooet ranch goes green
Spray Creek Ranch of Lillooet has joined a handful of BC producers to receive certification through A Greener World (AGW), a five-year-old certification body based in Terrebonne, Oregon. AGW offers four certifications: Certified Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Grassfed, Certified Non-GMO and Certified Organic. Spray Creek ranchers Tristan and Aubyn Banwell opted for Certified Animal Welfare …
Minister’s advisory committee submits report
The nine-member advisory committee appointed last winter to undertake a province-wide consultation and recommend ways to revitalize the Agricultural Land Commission has completed its work. BC Ministry of Agriculture staff confirmed to Country Life in BC that the committee submitted its final report by the end of December, as scheduled. “Ministry of Agriculture staff are …