The province has asked Ottawa to support an AgriRecovery program for the province’s beef sector, days after representatives of the province’s grape and wine sector asked agriculture minister Pam Alexis for similar support in response to last December’s devastating freeze event that killed a third of their vineyards.
“I have spoken with federal minister [Marie-Claude] Bibeau to ensure she is aware of the gravity of the situation,” Alexis said regarding the circumstances of livestock producers suffering the impacts of drought and fire. “We need the federal government’s support during this challenging time and I am continuing to advocate strongly for the agriculture community. Just as we’ve done with other recent challenges, we will get through this by working together.”
Ministry staff told Country Life in BC that other “farmers and producers who are facing challenges due to the impacts of wildfires and drought” can register as late participants in AgriStability, a business risk management program that addresses extraordinary shortfalls in revenue. The arrangement will see the advance payment rate boosted from 50% to 75%.
Business risk management programs are on the agenda at this week’s annual meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture in Fredericton. In the meantime, the province encourages producers “directly impacted by the current drought” to contact the agriculture ministry.
“We encourage any farmers or ranchers directly impacted by the current drought to contact our AgriService BC line at 1 888 221-7141 with their concerns,” staff said. “From there, ministry staff can help farmers and ranchers access existing programs or put them in touch with a regional agrologist for specialized assistance.”
No mention was made of support for winter-killed vineyards and the impact on the wine industry, which are set to see a $133 million decrease in total revenues this year and the potential loss of 381 jobs, or 20% of sector employment.
Wine Growers BC president and CEO Miles Prodan was not available to comment.
Prodan was attending this week’s annual meeting of Wine Growers Canada in Ontario, where growers recently secured an AgriRecovery program to help them recover from the effects of extreme weather a year ago.
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