VANCOUVER – A series of unfortunate events has resulted in a slight downturn for the conventional dairy sector. On March 19, the BC Milk Marketing Board implemented a series of incentive days for dairy producers in March, April and May after fluid milk sales at grocery stores increased 40% as consumers rushed to stock up …
covid-19
Chilliwack family cracks open direct sales
CHILLIWACK – A foray into farmgate egg sales using an automated, cashless vending machine is proving advantageous for Brightside Poultry in Chilliwack. Richard and Jacqueline Boer have the first farm in North America to use the egg vending machine, made by Roesler Vending in Germany. Launched last September, the option to buy local, organic free-range …
Distillery shows resilience as it adapts to market
KELOWNA – A retired accountant from Vancouver has given a mature orchard a new lease on life with a vodka that’s finding a niche in local and international markets. Blair Wilson and his wife moved to southeast Kelowna about 10 years ago after several business ventures in Vancouver and a career in federal politics, including …
COVID-19 spread tracked
Broad testing has shown the extent of COVID-19 infections at the various agri-food businesses hit hard by the disease. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced April 28 that testing of workers at United Poultry in Vancouver and Superior Poultry in Coquitlam had yielded a total of 80 cases. The two plants represent a small …
Plant closures a crisis for cattlemen
Ranchers are asking Ottawa to consider two programs to support the industry following significant reductions in processing capacity this week. “The situation has gone from serious to critical,” says Fawn Jackson, director of government and international relations with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). She says the federal government appears to be looking to the provinces …
Province covers quarantine costs
BC will cover the cost of quarantining seasonal farm workers arriving in BC this spring. “The province will fund hotel and food-service costs during the 14-day self-isolation period,” the province announced in an information bulletin issued April 14. The announcement follows a federal announcement this week that employers in the agrifood sector would receive $1,500 …