An industry survey by the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association has identified access to slaughter as the number one challenge producers across the province face. SSMPA wrapped up a province-wide sector survey earlier this year and presented the findings to approximately 72 viewers in a March 15 webinar. The survey aimed to ensure that challenges to …
NEWS
Tractor training highlights safety
Two years of public health protocols have emphasized our obligations not only to ourselves but to our communities. This year’s promotion of farm safety during Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (March 13-19) has a similar emphasis. Spearheaded by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, the 2022 campaign focuses not just on practical safety advice and awareness, but …
Wage rates increase
With inflation at its highest rate since the 1980s, a higher cost of living is also inflating the notion of a so-called living wage. Once pegged at $15 an hour, it’s now $16.75 in the agricultural heartland of the Fraser Valley and $18.49 in the Okanagan. BC made good on the recommendation of the Fair …
CAI disbanded by province
Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC will deliver programs formerly administered by the Climate & Agriculture Initiative of BC, which is winding up its operations after 14 years of service to BC’s farm sector. Created by the BC Agriculture Council in 2008, CAI has delivered adaptation projects funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership on behalf of …
Japanese beetle spreads
The consortium fighting Japanese beetle in BC found fewer of the emerald-coloured pest last year, but detections occurred at more sites than in the past. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 79 individuals were caught in a total of 2,790 traps as part of survey efforts in 2021. This was down from 214 captures …
Ukraine adds to producer pressures
The trade fallout from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine threatens to add to the pressures producers face in what was already shaping up to be an expensive growing season. Responding to international sanctions, Russia has urged its producers to halt exports of fertilizer, which was already in short supply in Europe due to production disruptions. …