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OCTOBER 2026
Vol. 112 Issue 10

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4 days ago

There was a lot of reminiscing and appreciation of how far BC's turkey industry has come at a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the BC Turkey Association and the 60th anniversary of the BC Turkey Marketing Board yesterday in Abbotsford. With a slideshow of events and people over the years, guests laughed and had a lot to be thankful for. "It's an opportunity to celebrate the industry at a time of year that's known for turkey. It's a culmination of all the year's work," says Natalie Veles, executive director with BC Turkey Marketing Board.

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There was a lot of reminiscing and appreciation of how far BCs turkey industry has come at a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the BC Turkey Association and the 60th anniversary of the BC Turkey Marketing Board yesterday in Abbotsford. With a slideshow of events and people over the years, guests laughed and had a lot to be thankful for. Its an opportunity to celebrate the industry at a time of year thats known for turkey. Its a culmination of all the years work, says Natalie Veles, executive director with BC Turkey Marketing Board. 

#BCAg
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Love it - Deb Etsell I see you 🤩

5 days ago

BC was the sole province to see farmland values decline in the first half of this year, dropping 1.9% according to a Farm Credit Canada report released Octover 7. This represented an acceleration in value declines from last year, and contributed to a 3.9% decline in the 12 montsh ended June 30. The drop follows on a 1.7% decline last year, which Farm Credit Canada attributed to tougher times in the fruit sector. However, the mid-year report points to a broader slowdown in value growth diven by higher production costs, tighter margins and uncertainty around trade, tariffs and international markets.

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BC was the sole province to see farmland values decline in the first half of this year, dropping 1.9% according to a Farm Credit Canada report released Octover 7. This represented an acceleration in value declines from last year, and contributed to a 3.9% decline in the 12 montsh ended June 30. The drop follows on a 1.7% decline last year, which Farm Credit Canada attributed to tougher times in the fruit sector. However, the mid-year report points to a broader slowdown in value growth diven by higher production costs, tighter margins and uncertainty around trade, tariffs and international markets.

#BCAg
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Ndp

3 weeks ago

Channels of communication remain open between the provincial and federal governments with respect to financial relief for extraordinary costs stemming from this summer's ongoing drought and wildfires, but the BC Cattlemen's Association is urging producers to register for AgriStability to position themselves for any AgriRecovery package. "Hardworking families in the ranching and agriculture sectors, who provide food for the province, need the AgriRecovery program in place as soon as possible," says BC Cattlemen's president Alex Kuchar. But the provincial election creates an unfortunate delay. "It's not fair, in any form of the word, to see all those people who have lost so much in the fires to have to wait in limbo," says BC Cattlemen's general manager Kevin Boon.

Photo | Barb Edmonson / Firefly Ranch, Clinton

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Channels of communication remain open between the provincial and federal governments with respect to financial relief for extraordinary costs stemming from this summers ongoing drought and wildfires, but the BC Cattlemens Association is urging producers to register for AgriStability to position themselves for any AgriRecovery package. Hardworking families in the ranching and agriculture sectors, who provide food for the province, need the AgriRecovery program in place as soon as possible, says BC Cattlemens president Alex Kuchar. But the provincial election creates an unfortunate delay. Its not fair, in any form of the word, to see all those people who have lost so much in the fires to have to wait in limbo, says BC Cattlemens general manager Kevin Boon. 

Photo | Barb Edmonson / Firefly Ranch, Clinton

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3 weeks ago

Feedback on changes to rules governing food processing in the Agricultural Land Reserve has drawn about 250 submissions. But the proposal now hangs in the balance with Premier David Eby's decision to call a snap election, which also delays discussions of assistance for farmers hit hard by this year's wildfires and historic #BCAght.

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Feedback on changes to rules governing food processing in the Agricultural Land Reserve has drawn about 250 submissions. But the proposal now hangs in the balance with Premier David Ebys decision to call a snap election, which also delays discussions of assistance for farmers hit hard by this years wildfires and historic drought.

#BCAg
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What would you expect from the NDP, when they still had a 2 year mandate?

Ridiculous timing. We have people needing answers and have to plan for winter supplies. Fires are long past, months have gone by knowing there was going to be the need for support. Drought was written on the wall even before summer began with no snow pack. This is not new to government and they are calling for another year just as bad for 2027. I throw my hands up and wonder what else needs to be more challenging than what we've experienced over the last 6 years in BC?

250 submissions.... I'm pretty sure there are more than 250 farmers in BC

3 weeks ago

With a provincial election called for October 24, BC agriculture is set to enter a new era. Veteran agriculture minister Lana Popham is not seeking re-election in Saanich South after 17 years as an MLA. BC's longest-serving agriculture minister, she fought for a stronger Agricultural Land Reserve and celebrated the diversity of BC's agriculture sector, but also took flak for shutting down mink farming and not securing more funding for the Agricultural Land Commission. She was also on the front lines of responses to multiple disasters, including the 2021 floods on Sumas Prairie. In a statement announcing her departure from political life, she said, "I look forward to contributing in other ways and ensuring that food security, protection of the Agricultural Land Reserve, and the people who feed us remain in the spotlight for years to come."

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With a provincial election called for October 24, BC agriculture is set to enter a new era. Veteran agriculture minister Lana Popham is not seeking re-election in Saanich South after 17 years as an MLA. BCs longest-serving agriculture minister, she fought for a stronger Agricultural Land Reserve and celebrated the diversity of BCs agriculture sector, but also took flak for shutting down mink farming and not securing more funding for the Agricultural Land Commission. She was also on the front lines of responses to multiple disasters, including the 2021 floods on Sumas Prairie. In a statement announcing her departure from political life, she said, I look forward to contributing in other ways and ensuring that food security, protection of the Agricultural Land Reserve, and the people who feed us remain in the spotlight for years to come.

#BCAg
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Lana is/was an amazing Minister of Ag. I may not support her party but I think the world of her for her knowledge of, and connection to, our industry! Amazing!

You will be missed and congratulations on new horizons!

What a loss it will be not to have you as a hardworking cabinet member! Thank you for your dedication to agriculture!

I remember that day Lana! Wishing you all the best!

I had really hoped to see Lana Popham as our Premiere at some point but I am also happy for her, moving onto her next chapter. 😊

Thank you Lana for all the years of service, I can't even imagine how challenging your work has been.

That is an amazing run, thank you for your service!💐

Lana is an awesome supporter of agriculture in BC, she was amazing to work with as a minister and always there to listen and try to find solutions. 🌽🐓🚜🌾🐮🍎

Thank you, Ms. Popham, for your service. With you in your portfolio many of us felt that we had truly 'responsible government.'

This is great loss to agriculture in BC .No matter your politics you have to appreciate the energy and empathy she brought to the industry.She will be difficult to replace.

You will be missed but wishing you all the best - thank you.

Lana is the Best Minister of Agriculture and we are going to miss her! Hardworking for the people and leads with heart. I wish more politicians were like her. Thank you Minister Popham for your service! 🐝💕

Great picture!

I love this picture of you Lana.

What a super pic! We are going to miss you Lana.

Thank you so much for your public service. Wishing you well in this next phase of your work.

Vote conservative! Save bc!

Too bad Eby ignored her and is pushing for the 95% out of province, and out of country, food processing facilities on the ALR. Probably why she stepped down.

Thank god. Time for new blood that gives a shit and not just show up for photo ops…

End Eby! Save BC!

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New executive director for blueberries

Sudeshna Nambiar joins the BC Blueberry Council as executive director on August 11. Photo | Facebook/Lakeside Produce

August 6, 2025 byPeter Mitham & Ronda Payne

Sudeshna Nambiar is the new executive director of the BC Blueberry Council.

Nambiar officially steps into the role August 11, following two years as chief operating officer at the Coaching Association of Canada.

“As we navigate complex challenges and new opportunities in our sector, Sudeshna’s vision, passion and bold thinking will be instrumental in shaping a stronger future,” the council says in announcing Nambiar’s appointment. “Her approach is rooted in listening, learning, and leading with purpose – values that reflect the very heart of our organization.”

Nambiar has 24 years of experience in executive leadership roles in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors, including five years as chief operating officer at greenhouse vegetable grower Lakeside Produce in Leamington, Ontario, part of the Cervini Group of Companies. Pure Hothouse Foods Inc. acquired Lakeside, adjacent to its home farm, in 2023.

Nambiar also served as general manager with Ontario-based real estate development and investment firm Sunray Group’s hospitality division.

“My approach centres on operational efficiency and fostering health, safety, and financial security for employees and stability, growth, sustainability for organizations,” she says on LinkedIn of her management style.

Originally from India, Nambiar initially studied life sciences at the University of North Bengal before pursuing business studies. She holds an executive MBA from the Questrom School of Business at Boston University.

Nambiar’s appointment follows the departure of former executive director Paul Pryce in April after just a few months in the role. Pryce stepped in after executive director Anju Gill left following eight years in the role.

Abbotsford-based Board Matters Consulting president Rick Nickelchok served as acting executive director prior to Nambiar’s selection and appointment.

 

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