Provincial property transfer data indicates that sales of BC farm properties fell 11% in the first six months of the versus a year earlier. A total of 632 properties changed hands, with the Peace region being the most active. Northeastern BC saw 116 properties change hands during the first half of the year, or 18% …
Activists in court
Activists charged in last year’s invasion of the Excelsior Hog Farm in Abbotsford have appeared in court. A total of 21 counts were read against four individuals at the provincial courthouse in Abbotsford on September 3 in relation to the incident. Amy Soranno, Jeff Rigear, Roy Sasano and Nicholas Schafer have each been charged with …
Province funds tissue disposal
The province is providing $500,000 to help BC abattoirs deal with waste animal tissue following slaughter. “This is great news,” says Nova Woodbury, executive director of the BC Association of Abattoirs, one of a number of industry representatives who advised the province on the funding. “Animal hide prices are low, options for waste disposal are …
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 …
Wine institute renames
When public health restrictions to fight COVID-19 came into effect earlier this year, wine production was named an essential service alongside other agricultural enterprises. Now, the province’s wineries are emphasizing their connection with primary production through a new name for their trade organization, Wine Growers BC. The name change was endorsed at the annual general …
Under one roof
VICTORIA – The BC Ministry of Agriculture is taking over meat inspection in the province on December 1, consolidating oversight of the sector. “Effective December 1, 2020, all slaughter activity licensed under the Meat Inspection Regulation for class A, B, D, and E meat slaughter licenses will now be regulated under the Ministry of Agriculture,” …