Province files AgriRecovery request

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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2 days ago

A draft update to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle is now open for public comment until June 12. The code, one of 14 animal care codes developed and maintained by the National Farm Animal Care Council, is undergoing a routine 10-year review. "Your feedback will help shape the industry's guide to cattle welfare for the next decade," says Canadian Cattle Association policy manager Jessica Radau, urging producers to weigh in. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/58a3u9fz.

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I sat in the webinar yesterday by the Canadian Cattle Association. My initial concern was that this would be another "play" into the government's hands. It has been worked on by people that are actually in the Beef industry from Cow calf to feedlot. The thrust is an update of the 2013 Code of Practice which was reviewed in 2018. The changes are more a move from "left to the producers discretion" to clearer directions regarding pain management, proper transport of animals which are impaired and keeping cattle in in good condition. Much of what is recommended is what producers who care about animal husbandry already do. The important part is to GIVE THEM FEEDBACK good, bad or otherwise. The document is about 60 pages long, and I ran it through CHAT to see what had been changed. It is important to understand that the PUBLIC is invited to comment on the draft not just producers. Think about it... do you really want the public influencing how you manage your cattle. If you think that this is just one of those things, I have been following Bill 22 in Alberta which will grant the SPCA a proactive roll in entering farms and checking on animals. When I asked CHAT how the new bill relates to the Cattle Code, it came back that the Code although not a regulation will be able to be used as a guide by producers for backup in dealing with the SPCA regarding cattle conditions, sick animal handling etc. Take the time.... Go onto the Canadian Cattle Association website and speak to those parts that you wish to input.

3 days ago

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4 days ago

At her first AGM as executive director of BC Meats, held Saturday in Abbotsford, Jennifer Busmann spoke about her strong ties to agriculture and her optimism for the organization's future. Busmann has cattle of her own and came to the role with existing relationships with members and the board of directors that helped her feel integrated from the start. She stepped into the position in Februa#BCAg#BCAg ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

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Wahoo! Congrats Shannon! I love your produce. Can’t wait for the radishes 🫜

Congratulations!

Well done!! 🩷🩷🩷

1 week ago

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