The provincial election means BC farmers will have to wait for their share of $35 million in emergency funding the federal government announced at the end of July. “During the interregnum, it would not be prudent for the Ministry of Agriculture to take on administration commitments that would bind an incoming administration,” a statement from …
covid-19
Turkey sales up
Retail sales of turkeys are up versus a year ago as Thanksgiving approaches, according to the BC Turkey Marketing Board. Nationally, the industry has seen a 10% cut in production this year as the COVID-19 pandemic scaled back foodservice demand. More recently, government warnings regarding the importance of smaller gatherings at Thanksgiving to limit the …
Abattoir association calls for action
The provincial election call last week has increased uncertainties for BC abattoir operators, who have seen demand for local meats surge versus last year as a result of COVID-19. An extension of the feedback window on a rural slaughter modernization intentions paper the province released a week before the election call makes sense to Nova …
Agriculture nabs recovery funding
BC’s agrifood sector was among those singled out as a priority for funds as part of the $1.5 billion stimulus package BC announced September 17 to help businesses recover from COVID-19. While agriculture was designated an essential service during the pandemic, shifts in consumer spending required that businesses adapt rapidly. Added expenses from measures aimed …
SAWP leeway sought
With applications now being accepted for seasonal workers arriving in 2021, farm leaders are stepping up efforts to negotiate entry restrictions on returning workers. Many nursery operations requiring workers in the opening days of January but the requirement for foreign arrivals in Canada to self-isolate for 14 days could delay when they start work. To …
Field days feeling the pinch of social distancing rules
DELTA – Many farmers block off their calendars for the field days that give them a chance to share information, learn and socialize. This year will be different, however, as ongoing restrictions designed to curb COVID-19 has changed the format of most field days. Alexis Arthur, owner of Pacific Forage Bag Supply Ltd. in Delta, …