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Current Issue:

SEPTEMBER 2026
Vol. 112 Issue 9

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12 hours ago

Feedback on changes to rules governing food processing in the Agricultural Land Reserve has drawn about 250 submissions. But the proposal now hangs in the balance with Premier David Eby's decision to call a snap election, which also delays discussions of assistance for farmers hit hard by this year's wildfires and historic #BCAght.

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Feedback on changes to rules governing food processing in the Agricultural Land Reserve has drawn about 250 submissions. But the proposal now hangs in the balance with Premier David Ebys decision to call a snap election, which also delays discussions of assistance for farmers hit hard by this years wildfires and historic drought.

#BCAg
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  • Likes: 9
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 3

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What would you expect from the NDP, when they still had a 2 year mandate?

Ridiculous timing. We have people needing answers and have to plan for winter supplies. Fires are long past, months have gone by knowing there was going to be the need for support. Drought was written on the wall even before summer began with no snow pack. This is not new to government and they are calling for another year just as bad for 2027. I throw my hands up and wonder what else needs to be more challenging than what we've experienced over the last 6 years in BC?

250 submissions.... I'm pretty sure there are more than 250 farmers in BC

2 days ago

With a provincial election called for October 24, BC agriculture is set to enter a new era. Veteran agriculture minister Lana Popham is not seeking re-election in Saanich South after 17 years as an MLA. BC's longest-serving agriculture minister, she fought for a stronger Agricultural Land Reserve and celebrated the diversity of BC's agriculture sector, but also took flak for shutting down mink farming and not securing more funding for the Agricultural Land Commission. She was also on the front lines of responses to multiple disasters, including the 2021 floods on Sumas Prairie. In a statement announcing her departure from political life, she said, "I look forward to contributing in other ways and ensuring that food security, protection of the Agricultural Land Reserve, and the people who feed us remain in the spotlight for years to come."

#BCAg
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With a provincial election called for October 24, BC agriculture is set to enter a new era. Veteran agriculture minister Lana Popham is not seeking re-election in Saanich South after 17 years as an MLA. BCs longest-serving agriculture minister, she fought for a stronger Agricultural Land Reserve and celebrated the diversity of BCs agriculture sector, but also took flak for shutting down mink farming and not securing more funding for the Agricultural Land Commission. She was also on the front lines of responses to multiple disasters, including the 2021 floods on Sumas Prairie. In a statement announcing her departure from political life, she said, I look forward to contributing in other ways and ensuring that food security, protection of the Agricultural Land Reserve, and the people who feed us remain in the spotlight for years to come.

#BCAg
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  • Likes: 99
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  • Comments: 14

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Lana is/was an amazing Minister of Ag. I may not support her party but I think the world of her for her knowledge of, and connection to, our industry! Amazing!

What a super pic! We are going to miss you Lana.

Lana is an awesome supporter of agriculture in BC, she was amazing to work with as a minister and always there to listen and try to find solutions. 🌽🐓🚜🌾🐮🍎

Thank you so much for your public service. Wishing you well in this next phase of your work.

I had really hoped to see Lana Popham as our Premiere at some point but I am also happy for her, moving onto her next chapter. 😊

I remember that day Lana! Wishing you all the best!

That is an amazing run, thank you for your service!💐

Thank you, Ms. Popham, for your service. With you in your portfolio many of us felt that we had truly 'responsible government.'

Great picture!

I love this picture of you Lana.

Vote conservative! Save bc!

Too bad Eby ignored her and is pushing for the 95% out of province, and out of country, food processing facilities on the ALR. Probably why she stepped down.

End Eby! Save BC!

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1 week ago

With the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain line turbocharging development of the Fraser Hwy corridor and surrounding agricultural lands, the BC NDP today announced it is naming the new line after former Premier Dave Barrett, whose government created the Agricultural Land Reserve to protect farmland. The announcment comes in advance of this Friday’s deadline for submitting feedback on a proposal to open the ALR to processors using as little as 5% local ingredients.

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With the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain line turbocharging development of the Fraser Hwy corridor and surrounding agricultural lands, the BC NDP today announced it is naming the new line after former Premier Dave Barrett, whose government created the Agricultural Land Reserve to protect farmland. The announcment comes in advance of this Friday’s deadline for submitting feedback on a proposal to open the ALR to processors using as little as 5% local ingredients.

#BCAg
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  • Likes: 4
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  • Comments: 5

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Thousands of big round bales of hay got shipped, and are getting shipped from the lower mainland to the interior due to dry weather and low water supply up country. Those ranchers are sure glad that we still have a few acres down here that can produce when other parts of the province dry up.

No disrespect meant but perhaps they should have named it the "ALR Line" to help educate those who don't know what the ALR is and what it does and doesn't allow.

This NDP government has done more to destroy the ALR than any government since the legislation was enacted in 1973. The Skytrain will bring more people. Processing plants that process only 5% of local produce will require more people to work there and housing for them to live in. And the processing plants will take large acreages of farmland to process 95% non-local ingredients that may even compete with local producers.

The A.L.R is a pain in the A.S.S

I do not agree with this proposed change to the ALR. It is a trojan horse designed to open up the ALR for development. Gary Runka must be turning in his grave. :(

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1 week ago

More than two years after the BC Tree Fruits Co-op shut down, a payout of $11.5 million is heading to former members this week. The payout follows a share purchase agreement approved this spring allowing the new privately owned BC Tree Fruits partnership to acquire the co-op’s shares in addition to the assets previously acquired. A further, final payout to growers is expected in December, once other outstanding claims have been resolved.

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More than two years after the BC Tree Fruits Co-op shut down, a payout of $11.5 million is heading to former members this week. The payout follows a share purchase agreement approved this spring allowing the new privately owned BC Tree Fruits partnership to acquire the co-op’s shares in addition to the assets previously acquired. A further, final payout to growers is expected in December, once other outstanding claims have been resolved.

#BCAg
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2 weeks ago

Canadian Forest Owners and McGill University researchers have launched the first national survey of private forest owners in over 20 years. With some 50% of farmers across Canada owning woodlots, the results of the survey could help shape policy at both the federal and provincial level. According to Woodlots BC, there are 836 woodlot licensees totalling 576,627 hectares in the province, with an estimated economic impact of $113 million. The three-part survey closes September 14. www.forestowners.ca/about/survey/

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Canadian Forest Owners and McGill University researchers have launched the first national survey of private forest owners in over 20 years. With some 50% of farmers across Canada owning woodlots, the results of the survey could help shape policy at both the federal and provincial level. According to Woodlots BC, there are 836 woodlot licensees totalling 576,627 hectares in the province, with an estimated economic impact of $113 million. The three-part survey closes September 14. www.forestowners.ca/about/survey/

#BCAg
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  • Comments: 1

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A good opportunity.

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Veles continues with BC Veg

Natalie Veles

April 3, 2024 byPeter Mitham

Natalie Veles has been reappointed as an independent commissioner with the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission.

Veles was one of two independent commissioners appointed in early 2022 following a governance review that aimed for a more accountable and diverse board at the commission. Veles was selected alongside Craig Evans to serve following a competitive application process.

Veles has been reappointed for an additional three-year term, a position she holds alongside that of executive director with the BC Turkey Marketing Board and BC Turkey Growers Association.

Together with these roles and more than three years as program director with the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC, Veles brings a strong background in regulated marketing and organized agriculture at both the provincial and national levels.

Her reappointment comes following the expansion of the commission’s mandate province-wide. It now regulates the commercial production and marketing of 20 storage crops, greenhouse crops and processing crops not only in southern BC but north of the 52rd parallel of latitude.

The commission is also adding vertical farms to its licensees, ensuring the orderly marketing of the produce from these operations, which are seen as critical to food security and economic opportunity in more remote areas of BC.

An update on the commission’s work will be delivered when it meets for its annual general meeting in Tsawwassen on April 17. The meeting will be held both in person and online, with attendance open to all stakeholders. A growers-only townhall session will follow the business meeting.

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