VICTORIA – Provincial efforts to promote Indigenous food sovereignty face growing questions over how Indigenous production will fit within existing structures to protect farmland and ensure orderly marketing. In July 2023, the province announced $30 million in funding to enhance Indigenous food sovereignty. The Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty (IFS) Fund has been disbursed through …
NEWS
Southern Interior irrigators shut down
The province says it listened to local growers when it shut down forage irrigation in the Salmon River and Bessette Creek watersheds on September 8, but producers say they were blindsided. “We did not receive any direct communication from [Water, Land and Resource Stewardship] staff that this was about to happen,” says Andrea van Iterson …
ALC rejects Cowichan dike removal
BC’s Agricultural Land Commission has rejected an application by Ducks Unlimited and the Nature Trust of BC to remove 450 metres of diking within the Agricultural Land Reserve to facilitate restoration of the Cowichan Estuary on Vancouver Island. The unanimous decision, dated August 11, was made public August 26. “The Properties, in their current state, …
BCAITC appoints new executive director
Cheryl Johnson is the new executive director of the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC), as Pat Tonn retires from the role after 10 years. “Cheryl’s unique blend of rural heritage, non-profit leadership excellence, and dedication to sustainable agriculture makes her the ideal leader,” says BCAITC president Tony Hollett. “Her track record in scaling …
Council calls for review of farm classification rules
ABBOTSFORD – This fall is likely to bring a push for change to farm classification in BC by members of the agriculture community who want better support for the industry while stopping unwarranted tax breaks. “It needs to be dramatically changed,” says Chris Bodnar, co-owner of Close to Home Organics in Abbotsford and a member …
Province funds avian flu upgrades
Fraser Valley poultry farms will receive up to $30,000 each from the province for barn upgrades that reduce the risk of avian influenza. Announced August 15, the $2.5 million Novel Tools and Technologies Program will fund tools such as air filters and ultraviolet light systems to ensure they’re receiving clean, virus-free air and water. “Despite …