Cherry producers will be able to apply for funds to support orchard renewal beginning July 9. The funding is the third round of funding for the sector under the initial Perennial Crop Renewal Program announced in spring 2022, which was backed by $15 million of provincial monies for tree fruits, berries and hazelnuts. Previous rounds …
NEWS
Veteran orchardist dies
The BC fruit industry lost a fellow grower, a friend and an advocate with the passing of Gerald Geen in Kelowna, on June 7, at the age of 87. Known for his prodigious work ethic, his kind and generous nature, and a keen and inquiring mind, Geen was an example and a champion for growers …
Capital gains changes coming
High summer will bring higher capital gains taxes, following a federal move to raise the inclusion threshold from one-half to two-thirds of capital gains of over $250,000 per year for Canadians while limiting the lifetime capital gains exemption for individuals to $1.25 million. “Most middle class entrepreneurs won’t pay more tax because of these changes,” …
Illegal dumping surges on Fraser Valley farmland
HATZIC – A rocky outcrop on Stave Lake Road east of Mission offers a panoramic view of the Hatzic Valley, the flat land and alluvial soils ideal for blueberries, nurseries, livestock and poultry farms. But in 2021, the valley also began attracting other kinds of operations. Dozens of trucks hauling fill from across the Lower …
Saanichton Farm launches Hall of Fame for Island farmers
SAANICHTON – On April 28, over 250 people attended the Saanichton Farm Hall of Fame hosted by the Rashleigh family to celebrate local farmers and mechanics for their contributions to the farm and broader community. “It was unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it,” says event organizer and Saanichton Farm owner Bryce Rashleigh. “My heart …
Disaster fund denial flabbergasts
Ottawa has denied millions in funding to the three municipalities hit hardest by the 2021 atmospheric rivers. Abbotsford, Merritt and Princeton received written notice last week that the federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund would not support a host of planned projects due to a lack of information. The application packages each totalled more than …