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SEPTEMBER 2026
Vol. 112 Issue 9

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22 hours 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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  • Comments: 11

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Great picture!

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!

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

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. 😊

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

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

I love this picture of you Lana.

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.

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1 week ago

With the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain line turbocharging development of the Fraser Hwy corridor and surrounding agricultural lands, the BC NDP today announced it is naming the new line after former Premier Dave Barrett, whose government created the Agricultural Land Reserve to protect farmland. The announcment comes in advance of this Friday’s deadline for submitting feedback on a proposal to open the ALR to processors using as little as 5% local ingredients.

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With the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain line turbocharging development of the Fraser Hwy corridor and surrounding agricultural lands, the BC NDP today announced it is naming the new line after former Premier Dave Barrett, whose government created the Agricultural Land Reserve to protect farmland. The announcment comes in advance of this Friday’s deadline for submitting feedback on a proposal to open the ALR to processors using as little as 5% local ingredients.

#BCAg
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Thousands of big round bales of hay got shipped, and are getting shipped from the lower mainland to the interior due to dry weather and low water supply up country. Those ranchers are sure glad that we still have a few acres down here that can produce when other parts of the province dry up.

No disrespect meant but perhaps they should have named it the "ALR Line" to help educate those who don't know what the ALR is and what it does and doesn't allow.

The A.L.R is a pain in the A.S.S

I do not agree with this proposed change to the ALR. It is a trojan horse designed to open up the ALR for development. Gary Runka must be turning in his grave. :(

1 week ago

More than two years after the BC Tree Fruits Co-op shut down, a payout of $11.5 million is heading to former members this week. The payout follows a share purchase agreement approved this spring allowing the new privately owned BC Tree Fruits partnership to acquire the co-op’s shares in addition to the assets previously acquired. A further, final payout to growers is expected in December, once other outstanding claims have been resolved.

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More than two years after the BC Tree Fruits Co-op shut down, a payout of $11.5 million is heading to former members this week. The payout follows a share purchase agreement approved this spring allowing the new privately owned BC Tree Fruits partnership to acquire the co-op’s shares in addition to the assets previously acquired. A further, final payout to growers is expected in December, once other outstanding claims have been resolved.

#BCAg
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2 weeks ago

Canadian Forest Owners and McGill University researchers have launched the first national survey of private forest owners in over 20 years. With some 50% of farmers across Canada owning woodlots, the results of the survey could help shape policy at both the federal and provincial level. According to Woodlots BC, there are 836 woodlot licensees totalling 576,627 hectares in the province, with an estimated economic impact of $113 million. The three-part survey closes September 14. www.forestowners.ca/about/survey/

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Canadian Forest Owners and McGill University researchers have launched the first national survey of private forest owners in over 20 years. With some 50% of farmers across Canada owning woodlots, the results of the survey could help shape policy at both the federal and provincial level. According to Woodlots BC, there are 836 woodlot licensees totalling 576,627 hectares in the province, with an estimated economic impact of $113 million. The three-part survey closes September 14. www.forestowners.ca/about/survey/

#BCAg
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A good opportunity.

2 weeks ago

Kevin Boon is stepping down as general manager of the BC Cattlemen's Association after 17 years to become CEO of the Saskatchewan Cattle Association. Boon has more than 40 years’ experience in the cattle industry, including leadership roles with Alberta Beef Producers and the Canadian Cattle Association. During his tenure with BC Cattlemen’s, Boon has helped the industry navigate wildfire, drought and hay shortages, as well as been a powerful advocate for improved water storage. Known as a bridge-builder, his experience will be greatly missed by the BC farm and ranch sector.

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Kevin Boon is stepping down as general manager of the BC Cattlemens Association after 17 years to become CEO of the Saskatchewan Cattle Association. Boon has more than 40 years’ experience in the cattle industry, including leadership roles with Alberta Beef Producers and the Canadian Cattle Association. During his tenure with BC Cattlemen’s, Boon has helped the industry navigate wildfire, drought and hay shortages, as well as been a powerful advocate for improved water storage. Known as a bridge-builder, his experience will be greatly missed by the BC farm and ranch sector.

#BCAg
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  • Comments: 19

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Thanks for all you have done out here.Good luck in your next chapter.Big boots to fill.

Many thanks to Kevin for being a good friend to the Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia over the years.

Congrats to Kevin. A great advocate for the beef cattle sector. A pleasure to work with. Best wishes in Saskatchewan.

Buddy, you can't leave us! Great job, the BC Cattlemen will miss you..

Sorry to see go Kevin you did amazing work for all the cattleman and Rancher in this Province.good luck in your next chapter

No doubt a great job . Congratulations Kevin . Boy that time went fast eh? Hopefully see you along the trail .

Thankyou Kevin for your many years of work in BC! You will be missed. All the best in Saskatchewan, it's a great place!

Congratulations Kevin, thanks for all your hard work!

Kevin - these will truly be tough boots to fill for the next ---- thank you for all your efforts over the years ....much of of the Interior of BC will we watching for your next great initiative! ( or retirement ~smile) Lee Morris - TNRD Area P

Well Kevin you have set the bar high. You will be missed thank you for your service

Huge boots to fill Kevin is a rare treasure ,good luck on the next stage !

Thank you Kevin for all of the help you provided us through our disasters - best of luck to you in the flatlands!

Good luck on your new adventure. They are super lucky to have you.

Thanks for all you’ve done to advocate for the cattle industry Good luck 😊😊

Get outta town! You are not ready yet … unless you are going senile … Yes … like me Enjoy the thoughts and grand plans of adventures to come. Hugs

Good luck on your next step Keven! I'm sure you will be missed in BC.

Good luck Kevin

Kevin will be missed. Amazing advocate for ranchers and country folk.

Congratulations Kevin!! Thank you for your advocacy over the years!!!

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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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