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MAY 2025
Vol. 111 Issue 4

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2 weeks ago

From orchard manager to government specialist and now executive director of the BC Fruit Growers Association, Adrian Arts brings a rare blend of hands-on farming experience and organizational leadership to an industry poised for renewal. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for BC fruit growers, with Arts expressing enthusiasm about continuing the momentum built by his predecessor and working alongside a board that signals a generational shift in agricultural advocacy.

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Arts leads BCFGA forward

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A combination of organizational management and practical farming experience has primed the new executive director of the BC Fruit Growers Association to lead the industry forward.
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3 weeks ago

A public consultation is now underway on the powers and duties of the BC Milk Marketing Board. Key issues for dairy producers include transportation costs, rules governing shipments and limitations on supporting processing initiatives. Stakeholders have until May 31 to comment.

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Milk board undertakes review

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A public consultation on the powers and duties of the BC Milk Marketing Board is underway as part of a triennial review required by the British Columbia Milk Marketing Board Regulation.
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3 weeks ago

BC wool shipments drop sharply in 2023, according to StatsCan data released in mid-April. Local producers shipped just 5,200kg at 37¢/kg, down from 18,600kg at $1.08/kg in 2022. While many farmers now use wool on-farm or dispose of it due to low market value, innovative producers like Emily McIvor point to untapped opportunities. Read more in our Farm News Update from Country Life in BC.

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BC wool value, volume drop

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BC sheep producers shipped less wool for less in 2023, reversing strong growth a year earlier. BC producers shipped 5,200 kilograms of raw wool in 2023, according to Statistics Canada data released on...
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3 weeks ago

Eric Feehely and Miho Shinbo are growing 30+ crops on 2.5 acres in Vernon. Writer Myrna Stark Leader takes a look at how Silverstar Veggies is balancing CSA programs, farmers markets and restaurant sales while planning smart expansions in challenging economic times in Market farm works smarter, not harder.

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Market farm works smarter, not harder

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VERNON – Silverstar Veggies, a five-year-old mixed vegetable and herb farm in Vernon, thrives on passion and innovative ideas. A former watersport and adventure sport instructor…
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1 month ago

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Farm accelerator program renewed

Projects supported by the pilot program included greenhouses for increasing vegetable production in northern BC, including at Farmer Cam’s Foods in the Skeena Valley and Old Ochiltree Ranch in 150 Mile House. File photo.

November 1, 2023 byPeter Mitham

The province is relaunching a farm support program piloted two years ago, rebranding it with the assistance of federal funding.

The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program is receiving $600,000 under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support business planning and equipment purchases for farms that have not reported income in the past five years.

The first phase will receive applications for planning; the second will see funding disbursed to applicants that wish to move forward and implement their plans.

“By providing this support, farmers can map out their future and then purchase what they need to succeed as a business, while also strengthening the economy and food supply in their communities,” provincial agriculture minister Pam Alexis said in announcing the funding.

The province is receiving applications for the first phase of the program until November 30, or until funds are fully allocated. A breakdown of funding for the two phases was not included with the announcement.

The original Small Farm Business Acceleration Pilot Program, the first announcement for farmers after the NDP was elected in 2020, supported 64 farmers. It made $800,000 available for business coaching and equipment purchases as part of the province’s COVID-19 response and recovery initiative.

Projects supported by the pilot program included greenhouses for increasing vegetable production in northern BC, including at Farmer Cam’s Foods in the Skeena Valley and Old Ochiltree Ranch in 150 Mile House.

The program supported a total of 53 horticultural operations across the province, and 11 livestock operations.

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