Thanksgiving is often a time for families and friends to gather, and this week federal agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay took the opportunity to visit BC for the first time since being reappointed to the portfolio in July’s cabinet shuffle. “It was a relational visit,” said Danielle Synotte, executive director with the BC Agriculture Council, which …
NEWS
BC pumpkins weigh in
From the Kootenays to the Fraser Valley and as far away as California, BC pumpkins have impressed crowds with their colour and size. At Top Crop Garden Farm and Pet in Cranbrook, 2,300 people turned out on a rainy September 30 to see who grew this year’s largest pumpkin. “People came out in droves, rain …
Communication critical to solve water issues
WESTWOLD — The Salmon River watershed is a complex ecosystem. A variety of water use interests, long-term environmental impacts and minimal mitigation efforts make the river problematic. A key issue is the river’s importance as a salmon-bearing stream, which makes it especially vulnerable to regulations designed to protect aquatic life. But the watershed is also …
Okanagan egg producers chosen
Residents of BC’s Okanagan Valley will soon have two new commercial egg producers shipping to grocers, with the BC Egg Marketing Board’s recent selection of Chris Grohmueller of Armstrong and Sajid Hameed of Salmon Arm as new entrants. “Both Sajid and Chris are already well known in their communities for the quality of eggs they …
BC farmland values flat
BC land values held the course in the first half of 2023, according to Farm Credit Canada, in an October 4 report on farm land values. The mid-year update indicated a cautious approach to land purchases and spending generally, which FCC chief economist JP Gervais credit with slower demand and, in turn, appreciation. “With higher …
Foreign worker compliance up
National farm groups have welcomed the results of an Employment and Skills Development Canada report indicating a 94% compliance rate with employment regulations and standards by employers participating in the Temporary Foreign Worker program (TFWP). “We are proud of our members’ track record with the TFWP compliance,” says Ryan Koeslag, executive vice-president with Mushrooms Canada, …