Commercial poultry flocks across the province will be in lockdown for another month to protect them against the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza. The province’s deputy chief veterinarian, Dr. Robert Cooper, extended the province-wide order requiring that commercial poultry producers keep their flocks indoors through June 13. Originally issued April 15, the order …
Plan drafted for BX Ranchlands
The Regional District of North Okanagan has unveiled a five-year development plan for the BX Ranchlands that prioritizes small-scale agriculture, community education and environmental sustainability. “To me it is an opportunity for local producers to participate in innovative farming education within the Interior of BC, as well as an opportunity for young farmers who often …
Japanese beetle fight expands
The fight against Japanese beetle in BC has expanded. A federal order has expanded the areas regulated to limit the spread of Japanese beetle, which was discovered in new areas of the Lower Mainland last year. The regulated area in Vancouver now extends west to Bleinheim Street and south to 49th Avenue. This responds to …
Apiarists fear heavy winter losses
BURNABY – Beekeepers across Canada were in for a shock when they opened their hives this spring to check on colony health. The Canadian Honey Council (CHC) confirms severe losses from Alberta to Quebec. “Nationally, it seems to be very high. We may come close to 40%,” says CHC executive director Rod Scarlett. “But on …
Province backs off compensation
The province is backtracking on its pledge to support mink farmers, whose operations are being shut down as part of the province’s fight against COVID-19 and following lobbying by anti-fur activists. The province has long said the nine operations affected will receive no compensation for business losses associated with the closure of their operations. However, …
Government funding under discussion
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be the focal point of the next agricultural policy framework when the five-year Canadian Agricultural Partnership ends in 2023. Provincial and territorial ministers met with their federal counterpart Marie-Claude Bibeau this week to check in prior to the annual in-person conference scheduled for Saskatoon in July. Bibeau told Country Life …