100 MILE HOUSE – At 8 pm, Robin Hunt and her husband of almost two years, Johan Bos, are finishing washing and prepping their produce for the next day’s 20-minute drive to the South Cariboo farmers’ market in 100 Mile House. It’s hard work, but both say it’s satisfying to do a job that helps …
NEWS
Armyworm posing little risk this season
PORT ALBERNI – Researchers continue to look for answers to last year’s unusual armyworm outbreak on Vancouver Island and in the Fraser Valley while affected farmers remain vigilant against the pest. Seemingly out of nowhere, the very hungry caterpillars started chowing down on forage crops across southwestern BC last summer. In its moth form, true …
Wildlife federation’s audit request full of holes
BC auditor general Carol Bellringer has plenty on her plate. The current work plan for her office includes reports on the BC Utilities Commission, the management of the province’s capital assets and health promotion in schools. Her office is planning audits of drinking water, end-of-life care and the BC Liquor Distribution Branch. She also receives …
Gulf Islands farmers want rules respected
PENDER ISLAND – Bylaws passed by local government shouldn’t pre-empt decisions by the Agricultural Land Commission, the commission’s chair and CEO told a recent meeting of the Islands Trust council. While it may seem to be stating what’s clearly written in section 46 of the Agricultural Land Commission Act, the question is at the heart …
Hazelnut growers get replant funding
CHILLIWACK – After several years of lobbying, the BC hazelnut industry finally has a replant program. In mid-July, BC Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham announced $300,000 in funding over three years for a new BC Hazelnut Replant Program (HRP). The long-established industry was decimated by eastern filbert blight (EFB) in the past decade, leading most …
Forage action plan nears completion
SMITHERS – The province is developing a forage action plan for private land, BC Cattlemen’s Association members heard at their annual general meeting in Smithers in June. “Our goal is to increase and improve the quality and quantity of forage on private land,” BC Ministry of Agriculture livestock specialist Geneve Jasper told ranchers. Seven regional …