VICTORIA – Bees may be the new pocket pet for urban residents, quipped a speaker at the BC Honey Producers Association annual meeting and education day in Victoria on October 26, but government support is stronger than ever for the tiny but mighty insect. BCHPA membership now stands at more than 750, boosting association revenues …
Farm market banks on relationship-building
LADNER – In Delta’s recent civic election, newcomer Alicia Guichon won her council seat by a landslide. In second place for votes was veteran Lois Jackson, who ran for council after 19 years as mayor. Jackson trailed Alicia by over 1,000 votes. Guichon was unique among council candidates, and not just because at 30 years …
Drought results in record low water flows
VANDERHOOF – Producers in the Northwest and Central Interior of BC hope snowfall this winter will help recharge local aquifers. While most regions are recovering from the extremely dry conditions of early October, the improvement comes after surface water dropped to some of the lowest levels in living memory. “Stream levels were at near-historic lows,” …
Tour builds trust between foodies, farmers
GRINDROD – A farm tour aimed at food influencers did more than open eyes, it changed minds. A group including chefs, food bloggers, nutritionists and dietitians toured three North Okanagan farms October 23 with agriculture industry representatives for a behind-the-scenes look at the farms. The tour was a chance to taste local products and ask …
ALC crippled while province mulls revitalization
DELTA – Victoria has left the Agricultural Land Commission short of commissioners needed to assess applications while it awaits a report on how to revitalize the province’s protected farmland. Provincial legislation requires the ALC to have at least “at least 13 individuals … knowledgeable in matters relating to agriculture, land use planning, local government or …
Vole control in blueberries
LANGLEY – Vole, mouse, shrew or mole: researcher Sofi Hindmarch wants to help blueberry growers better understand the rodents in their fields to help them reduce the volume and cost of rodenticides and improve the health of their plants. A project co-ordinator with the Fraser Valley Conservancy, Hindmarch’s work with barn owls and other raptors …