The landscape and nursery sector has a new specialist at the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Metro Vancouver regional agrologist Drew Bondar has taken over the role, formerly held by Karina Sakalauskas, who was appointed specialist for field vegetables and potatoes last fall.
“We are pleased that Drew put his hand up to step into the role,” the BC Landscape and Nursery Association said in its recent newsletter to members.
Bondar has been with the ministry for three years, following a five-year term as executive director with the Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust. A civil engineer by training, Bondar has a close connection to the landscape and nursery sector as his family operates an 80-acre tree farm near Edmonton.
During his tenure as regional agrologist, he worked closely with the greenhouse and nursery sector on water issues and development cost charges (DCCs).
The sector recently claimed a victory on the latter, as Metro Vancouver staff requested changes to reduce agricultural water DCCs by 98%.
But further work remains to be done to clarify eligibility requirements for the reductions, and the sector looks forward to Bondar providing ongoing support in his new role.
BCLNA executive director Correen Rodger Berrisford says water access also remains an important issue. A further priority is updating industry handbooks and other resources to ensure growers have access to the most current information.
Sakalauskas played a valuable role in supporting the industry, and Rodger Berrisford expects Bondar’s personal connection with the sector will see him build on her foundation.
“We really appreciate that enthusiasm and look forward to continue working with him,” she says.
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