The nine-member advisory committee appointed last winter to undertake a province-wide consultation and recommend ways to revitalize the Agricultural Land Commission has completed its work. BC Ministry of Agriculture staff confirmed to Country Life in BC that the committee submitted its final report by the end of December, as scheduled. “Ministry of Agriculture staff are …
NEWS
Cannabis growers see the light
The upcoming Cannatech West conference on January 25 features speakers from across North America who will provide advice and tips on biocontrols, emerging diseases, and nutrient management. They’ll also discuss lighting, a variable that makes cannabis production one of the most energy intensive crops in the country. Studies in Colorado indicate that 1,200 kWh are …
BC Tree Fruits transition continues
BC Tree Fruits Co-op has lost long-time horticulturist Hank Markgraf. The son of orchardists and a graduate of Washington State University, Markgraf joined the co-op in May 1988. A comment wasn’t immediately available regarding the reasons for Markgraf’s departure. However, it comes as the co-op seeks new executives to oversee its operations. It posted an …
Farm assessments decline
The assessed value of farm properties in BC fell 2.6% over the past year, according to the BC Assessment Authority’s summary of the province’s tax roll. BC had a total of 51,000 farm properties worth $1.25 billion on the valuation date of July 1, 2018. Kamloops saw the least decline in values, with the roll …
Popham pursues ambitious agenda as 2019 arrives
VANCOUVER – Becoming agriculture minister was a dream come true, Lana Popham said during her initial interviews as BC’s top farmer. But making her dreams a reality has continued as she’s worked to give attention to underserved farm sectors and advance a mandate designed to Grow, Feed and Buy BC – and, above all, keep …
Wave of retirements sweeps through dairy associations
VANCOUVER – The BC Milk Marketing Board is purchasing a cow for a vulnerable family in Uganda. The BCMMB made the unusual move to recognize Dick Klein Geltink’s years of service to agriculture. The Langley dairy farmer retired as a BCMMB director at the conclusion of the BC Dairy Conference, November 29. BCMMB chair Ben …