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MAY 2026
Vol. 112 Issue 5

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6 hours ago

UBC's Wine Research Centre brought together a dozen graduate students at Tantalus Winery in Kelowna on April 30 to share their latest research on viticulture and winemaking. Topics ranged from heat and drought stress on vines to natural yeast classification and cover crop pairings. The day opened with a vineyard tour highlighting sustainable practices already underway at the wine#BCAg#BCAg ... See MoreSee Less

UBCs Wine Research Centre brought together a dozen graduate students at Tantalus Winery in Kelowna on April 30 to share their latest research on viticulture and winemaking. Topics ranged from heat and drought stress on vines to natural yeast classification and cover crop pairings. The day opened with a vineyard tour highlighting sustainable practices already underway at the winery.

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5 days ago

Saskatchewan's Monette Farms, with nearly $1.1 billion in liabilities, has been granted creditor protection under the CCAA while it restructures. Rapid expansion into produce and cattle dragged earnings well below projections. The farm's BC cattle operation — and a planned West Kelowna winery — hang in the b#BCAge.

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Monette Farms wins creditor protection

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Monette Farms’ rapidly expanding produce business was a key factor in its decision to seek protection from creditors last week, according to court documents. Saskatchewan-based Monette Farms was…
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1 week ago

A new national beef code of practice is open for public comment until June 12. Developed by NFACC and the Canadian Cattle Association, the draft addresses pain management, weaning, nutrition, lameness and end-of-life care.

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New beef practices open for comment

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A new national code of practice for beef producers is open for public comment. “The public comment period is an important opportunity for producers across Canada to review the draft code and provide...
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2 weeks ago

The BC Ministry of Health has approved $4.25 million for the BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program, administered by the BC Association of Farmers Markets, for 2026. The funding is even with last year, and follows on $12 million provided in 2022-24. The funding is a cornerstone of BCAFM, providing eligible low-income, pregnant and senior individuals with $27 a week for purchases of locally grown produce at more than 100 participating farmers markets in 92 communities across BC. Funding has increased seven-fold since the program launched in 2012.

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The BC Ministry of Health has approved $4.25 million for the BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program, administered by the BC Association of Farmers Markets, for 2026. The funding is even with last year, and follows on $12 million provided in 2022-24. The funding is a cornerstone of BCAFM, providing eligible low-income, pregnant and senior individuals with $27 a week for purchases of locally grown produce at more than 100 participating farmers markets in 92 communities across BC. Funding has increased seven-fold since the program launched in 2012.

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It provides for more than produce. It includes, eggs, meat and honey!

Good program. Additionally, I toured the Kelowna Food bank yesterday. They are serving about 12,000 people a month. Lots are working people.

I have seen people at the Saanichton markets asking if vendors take the coupons and being embarrassed when the vendor says no. Are there signs that are placed on the tables so people know who is part of the program and who is not?

You would have a slim choice of meat if you only get $27.00 .

“While it’s unfortunate that programs like this are necessary, I’m grateful they exist to support families and local farmers.”

Food stamps?

This should be made a little more accessible, especially for seniors

What exactly is this and how does it work? I've never heard of it before. How does this get applied to us who it's intended to help?

Christy Sakai its a week and if you to the markets you can get a small bag of carrots 5bucks, a few potatoes, usually a bag of apples are 5 bucks, and in summer you have fruit choices. Yes doesn't seem like alot but it could be stretched at the markets and remember its a week so really ypu going to use the whole bag of carrots in a week, probably not so you have something for the next week. Heads of lettuce 5 bucks. Every little bit does help when it comes to supporting local farmer and family.

This program has helped me afford local produce, as a senior. I am grateful for the assistance and eat a healthier diet.

I have been a working poor and 🙏👍for recognizing the people who deserve a bit of help as they are doing the best they can 😘👍

This sounds a little more complicated to enroll in than it needs to be. A lot of people probably never heard of it, I only did because I read this post.

It is illegal for me to grow a garden . We can all afford to eat if we can grow.

How does a senior apply?

On my smalltown the food bank puts your name in a lottery for this Seniors included in lottery

Here are the general qualifications: Income Threshold: Generally for lower-income households. Some specific, local programs have identified a threshold of $27,000 or less for a single person or under $50,000 per year for a household. Targeted Groups: Participants must be seniors/elders, pregnant individuals, or families with children under 19. Participant Requirements: In addition to income, participants must: Participate in a food literacy program (e.g., cooking, gardening, or food budgeting). Be able to travel to a participating market to shop for themselves. Allocation: Because demand is high, coupons are often prioritized for new participants each year. Important Information: Coupons are not handed out by the BC Farmers' Markets directly. You must connect with a local community partner (such as a food bank, community centre, or neighbourhood house) to apply.

Glad to see this continue. With the increase in cost of living, this program should be increasing, not staying even with last year. Our local food bank is inundated with need.

It’s a great program. Too bad they won’t extend it to Farmstands as well. Some producers can’t make it to market because of work schedules. And there is more than just vegetables out there.

Where do people apply? Thinking of those I know who need this program.

Have you got an email yet?

I wish a person on disability could get the help too :(

What cities have this

I didn’t know that the program existed

Please if you have these coupons do not be embarrassed to use them they are a good as anyone's money to a grower! I would agree it is a slippery slope to have people pay with government coupons but Remember large scale agriculture is subsidized in this country in way that dwarfs this little program. We are all in a sense are paying with coupons at the big supermarket. As a small scale grower grower I can tell you when you see the higher prices at the farmers market, no one is getting rich off you. That is the true cost of food. Yes that should scare you

Excellent work, BC Ministry of Health! 👍👍👍 An amazing program

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2 weeks ago

KPU researcher Naomi Robert is partnering with Oregon State University's Dry Farming Collaborative to test drought-resilient growing practices across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Working with three market gardeners, the study found tomatoes and zucchini thrived without irrigation. With droughts intensifying across the Pacific Northwest, dry farming offers BC growers practical tools to adapt to a changing climate. The full story appears in our April edition. tinyurl.com/d2fzs#BCAg#BCAg ... See MoreSee Less

KPU researcher Naomi Robert is partnering with Oregon State Universitys Dry Farming Collaborative to test drought-resilient growing practices across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Working with three market gardeners, the study found tomatoes and zucchini thrived without irrigation. With droughts intensifying across the Pacific Northwest, dry farming offers BC growers practical tools to adapt to a changing climate. The full story appears in our April edition. https://tinyurl.com/d2fzs9x6

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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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