The final numbers are in, and they’re worse than forecast. BC’s agriculture sector posted a net loss totalling $263.7 million last year, the biggest ever, trumping last year’s loss of $194 million and the previous record loss of $252 million reported in 2008. While the total loss includes paper losses such as depreciation, even net …
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Chetwynd rancher leaves a lasting legacy in the organic sector
CHETWYND – Mention the name Charlie Lasser within organic farming circles and stories about ingenuity and having a vision for the future will abound. The 92-year-old Chetwynd farmer and rancher passed away on December 9, 2023, but left an indelible mark in his wake on younger farmers and others in the industry. “As a young …
Dairy demand prompts quota increase
ABBOTSFORD – Dairy processing capacity is on the rise in Western Canada, and BC dairy producers have received an extra 3% quota to keep pace with demand. The increase approved February 1 has leveled out quota issuance to each of the four provinces in the Western Milk Pool at approximately 101%. “In previous years, we …
BCFGA holds pre-election rally
Gray skies reflected the mood May 28 but the rain held off as some 250 fruit growers gathered in Osoyoos to express their concerns and appeal for government support. The “I support BC Agriculture” rally, organized by the BC Fruit Growers Association in conjunction with the BC Grapegrowers Association, coincided with a government caucus meeting …
Millions added to Grand Forks flood mitigation
An additional $7.5 million has been put towards flood mitigation projects in Grand Forks, bringing to $39.1 million the total investment in the community since the devastating floods of 2018. The latest round of funding, delivered through the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation stream of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) administered by the Union of …
Cherry growers face smaller crop
Soft fruit growers are facing the prospect of a smaller crop this year following January’s extreme cold event and a spring frost in April. While the cherry sector will see a crop this year – unlike most other stone fruit growers, including peach and apricot producers – yields will be down significantly. “We are expecting …