The Agriculture Critic

Who's your farmer?

2012-02-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

Who's your farmer?

Join Heather Stretch, Robin Tunnicliffe, Rachel Fisher, Lana Popham, and Mary Alice Johnson for an evening discussion on local organic farming and learn more about the growers in your neighbourhood.

Tuesday, February 28
7:00pm
Cadboro Bay Books
3840 Cadboro Bay Road
Victoria, BC

MARY ALICE JOHNSON has been farming at ALM Farm in Sooke for 23 years and is one of the owners of Full Circle Seeds. She is also a co-founder of the Moss Street Market. Mary Alice teaches workshops and courses at Camosun College and trains farmers through the SOIL apprenticeship program at her farm. She has been very active with the Sooke regional food group Food CHI and has worked in Asia with sustainable agriculture. http://www.almfarms.org/
http://www.mossstreetmarket.com/

LANA POPHAM is an MLA for Saanich South. She is part of the New Democratic official opposition and is the opposition critic for Agriculture and Lands. Lana is an outspoken critic of the province’s current support for farming and an advocate for local and sustainable agriculture. Before entering politics, Lana worked as a farmer for many years. She helped establish and run the first certified organic vineyard on Vancouver Island, Barking Dog Vineyard.
http://www.saanichsouth.blogspot.com/

RACHEL FISHER, HEATHER STRETCH, and ROBIN TUNNICLIFFE are the authors of "All The Dirt: Reflections on Organic Farming". They have co-owned Saanich Organics, a farmer-run local food distributor, since 2002. Passionate about the importance of good farming, this community of farmers strives to create a viable alternative to industrial agriculture. Their farms support biodiversity and practise soil conservation, humane living conditions for farm animals, and high labour standards. http://www.saanichorganics.com/
http://touchwoodeditions.com/book_details.php?isbn_upc=9781927129128

Drop by for an evening packed with great stories and conversation.
Everyone welcome. Free admission.

For more information, contact Cadboro Bay Books at 250-477-1421
or TouchWood Editions at info@touchwoodeditions.com.

Question Period, 21 Feb 2012

2012-02-21T14:50:00.004-08:00

Today in the Legislature I asked two questions. There is an obligation on the government to provide answers to the people of BC during Question Period. Instead, there was just evasion and posturing from the Premier. Question 1 is about the forests and question 2 is about agriculture.

NDP Agriculture Critic Lana Popham Visits Qualicum Beach

2012-02-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks Skye Donald for the thoughtful review of my talk last week! I appreciate your insights.

I really enjoyed meeting so many farmers and local-food activists. Qualicum has great energy and it was a privelege to spend the day there.

Sky has an excellent blog, the Arrowsmith Star ...check it out!

Lana.

Food Security Keeps on Growing!

2012-02-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

It was a great treat for me to join my colleague, MLA John Horgan, and other friends at the Sooke Region Food Chi's AGM on January 30, 2012. This group is doing great work!

The indomitable Mary Alice Johnson,
Board Member, Sooke Region Food Chi AGM

It was wonderful to see a room full of people actively working towards a strong local food system - farmers, gardeners and consumers alike!

Among the tasty potluck dishes, the exciting year in review and the ambitious planning for another successful year it is hard to pick a favourite part of the evening.

Having said that, I want to publicly congratulate the T'Sou-ke Nation - represented by their Chief Gordon Planes - on their announcement last night.

With a contribution from the provincial government, the T'Sou-ke Nation is moving forward with an ambitious agricultural green-house project. The plan is to cover several acres in green houses that would be heated and cooled with renewable energy! More details are here.

The evening renewed my optimism that food security can be improved on Vancouver Island.

My heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved!

Lana

PS. You can find out more about the Sooke Region Chi Food Society by clicking here.

November 29 - Making Food Matter! An Important Event for South Island Foodies

2011-11-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

Making Food Matter! : Taking the Next Bite

A Local Food Gala @ the Atrium

1321 Blanshard Street

On Tuesday November 29^th from 7pm to 9pm the Vancouver Island Community Research Alliance (VICRA) will showcase the findings of the Vancouver Island Local Food Project Report entitled:

“Strategies for Increasing Food Security on Vancouver Island”

Two years of research and collaboration has resulted in a plan for action focused on four themes: Climate Change, Indigenous Food Systems, Urban Agriculture and Institutional Food Purchasing. The project included all 5 Vancouver Island campuses, 20 researchers, 58 students, 18 food and community groups.

This event is also a fundraiser for the Lifecycles Project Society, a local non-profit society that works to cultivate awareness and initiate action through innovative projects around food, health and urban sustainability.

The evening will be hosted by Carolyn Herriot, a broadcaster, organic gardener and the bestselling author of The Zero Mile Diet: A Year-Round Guide to Growing Organic Food.

Keynote Speaker is Corky Evans, a former municipal councillor, MLA and Minister of Agriculture, who has dedicated large parts of his life to trying to make farming pay, both in the public sphere as public policy, and, as a farmer himself.

Short presentations by our Guest Speakers include:

Linda Geggie (VICRA LFP Coordinator) Highlights of VICRA LFP findings

Peter Keller (Dean of Social Science UVIC) The power of collaborative research

Ken Babich (Director of Purchasing Services UVic) The power of institutional food purchasing

Come for a great evening of inspiration, tasting, sharing, and early holiday shopping!

Sign the Local Food Pledge and commit to the local food movement
Hear how Vancouver Island institutions can dramatically reshape the food chain
Watch star chef Cosmo Meens prepare apples from the simple to the sublime
Bid at the silent auction (including an original painting of three butternut squash by local artist Phyllis Serota)
Buy at the kitchen shop, Cook Culture – percentage of the evening’s sales will go to Lifecycles
Taste a stellar line-up of the world’s finest artisan fair trade chocolate bars with chocolate guru, David Mincey
Check out displays of local collaborations and groups making a real difference to food security
A great networking & learning opportunity

The use of the stunning Atrium Building is by generous donation of the Jawl Foundation

Admission by Donation ($20. suggested) / Cash Bar & Local Food Tastings

Please RSVP (to anticipate numbers): email ocbrreg@uvic.ca or phone 250-744-9304

See the Local Food Project report at: http://mapping.uvic.ca/vicra/local_food

For more information contact:

Penny Murray email ocbrreg@uvic.ca Cell 250-744-9304

After a year of waiting....

2011-11-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

After a year of waiting for the Minister of Agriculture to release a report written by the Chair of the Agricultural Land Commission, we finally got to see the ALC Review.

The review was released coincident with an introduction of legislation to make amendments to the Agricultural Land Commission Act. This legislation, Bill 19 - 2011 Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act had its second reading yesterday.

I was grateful to have the opportunity to rise in the Legislative Assembly to speak to this Bill - I pointed out the positive, yet small, steps that it represents. I also pointed out some truly glaring challenges - the Government side of the house sure didn't like it.

Watch for yourself.

As always, you can read the Hansard for all debate, questions and statements that are on the record. The record of my comments on Bill 19 - 2011 can be found at this link.

Agriculture deserves more support

2011-10-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

My BC agricultural tour with Opposition Leader Adrian Dix continues. See the CTV news coverage by following the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoMc2vwohLI

Also, the Comox Valley Record released the following article.

http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/news/132751468.html

If there is a transportation or food supply crisis - One day of food on Vancouver Island is NOT food security.

Lana

To the BC Liberals: Release the ALR report & Protect ALR land now!

2011-10-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in the BC Legislature, I asked a key question to the Minister of Agriculture....

L. Popham: Yesterday I raised the issue about the Agricultural Land Commission report that the minister has had on his desk for almost a year. This week I stood on a farm that has had over 10,000 loads of construction fill dumped on it. This farm is now unfarmable. While the Minister of Agriculture spends his time shuffling his papers on his desk, farm after farm in British Columbia is being covered in construction fill.

Will the minister commit today to putting a hold on fill dumping in the agricultural land reserve until the ALC report has been released and a provincial fill dumping strategy is in place?

L. Popham: I can tell you it's very disappointing for me to watch the Minister of Agriculture joke his way through question period. I am the critic for Agriculture, and I take this issue very seriously.
This minister has kept the ALC report hidden for almost a year. We know — we both know, Mr. Speaker — that the ALC is underfunded. We know that. The enforcement agency is doing the best it can, but it doesn't have the money to do the job. We know that. The public would know that if he released the report. From what I have heard from stakeholders, I estimate that over the years this report has been hidden, as many as one million dump truck loads of fill have been deposited on to British Columbia farms.
This minister needs to get to work. While he's sitting on his hands, farmlands are turning into wastelands. Will the minister commit today to a moratorium on fill dumping on ALR land until that report is released and a provincial fill dumping strategy is in place?

Question Period - October 19 & 20, 2011

2011-10-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Agricultural Community,

Today, during Question Period, I put two (2) questions to the Minister of Agriculture.

Below, I have posted the text of each question. You can go to the Hansard website to view a video clip, if you wish to witness the full exchange, recorded by Hansard Services.

1. L. Popham: Yesterday I raised the issue about the Agricultural Land Commission report that the minister has had on his desk for almost a year. This week I stood on a farm that has had over 10,000 loads of construction fill dumped on it. This farm is now unfarmable. While the Minister of Agriculture spends his time shuffling his papers on his desk, farm after farm in British Columbia is being covered in construction fill. Will the minister commit today to putting a hold on fill dumping in the agricultural land reserve until the ALC report has been released and a provincial fill dumping strategy is in place?

2. L. Popham: I can tell you it's very disappointing for me to watch the Minister of Agriculture joke his way through question period. I am the critic for Agriculture, and I take this issue very seriously. This minister has kept the ALC report hidden for almost a year. We know — we both know, Mr. Speaker — that the ALC is underfunded. We know that. The enforcement agency is doing the best it can, but it doesn't have the money to do the job. We know that. The public would know that if he released the report. From what I have heard from stakeholders, I estimate that over the years this report has been hidden, as many as one million dump truck loads of fill have been deposited on to British Columbia farms. This minister needs to get to work. While he's sitting on his hands, farmlands are turning into wastelands. Will the minister commit today to a moratorium on fill dumping on ALR land until that report is released and a provincial fill dumping strategy is in place?

Critic makes case for farm support

2011-10-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star
Published: October 16, 2011 1:00 AM

Agriculture was vital to the early development of the Okanagan, but some politicians believe bureaucracy is placing the industry’s future at risk.

Lana Popham, the NDP’s agriculture critic, says farmers are struggling largely because Liberal government policies have made it difficult to operate.

“There are lots of promises of supporting agriculture but there was no mention of it in the throne speech or the jobs plan,” said the Saanich MLA during a stop in Vernon Wednesday.

“Agriculture has been cut as far as the ministry goes. We’re at a critical stage and it can’t be cut more.”
Popham says programs for farmers are not a case of taxpayers subsidizing private business and points out that farmers are tied to their property because of the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve.

“They don’t want handouts. They want policies that support the industry,” she said.
“We’re the least supportive of any province in Canada in terms of agriculture.”

The NDP is pushing for the government to reinstate the Buy B.C. program which urges the public to buy food items grown or processed in B.C.

“That was really helpful and people have been calling for it to come back since it was cut in 2001,” said Popham.

Popham also wants regulations that prevent farm-gate meat processing sales to be eased. “There is less meat being produced because of Liberal policy,” she said.

The NDP also wants government agencies, such as school boards and health authorities, to buy B.C. food items and launch direct support programs for farmers.

“There are market opportunities and incredible land to cultivate,” said Adrian Dix, NDP leader.
Dix says the other issue the government must address is the high cost of land which prevents young people from entering the sector.

“We don’t want the ALR to be a museum,” he said. “We want active farmers, young farmers. There’s a generational issue in farming.”

Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, insists the Liberal government considers agriculture important economically and socially.

“Last month, the rural members of the caucus met with the agriculture minister four or five times on issues. The tree fruit industry is a big issue,” he said.

Foster says it is time for the NDP to be constructive and reduce the rhetoric.

“It’s easy to be in opposition. What kind of agricultural plan have they come up with except to criticize?” he said.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/vernonmorningstar/community/131928553.html

BC Farmers take another slap in the face

2011-10-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

Once again the BC Liberals are demonstrating their disregard of BC agriculture.

Just look at the facts. In the last two years, three different Ministers have been shuffled in and out of the portfolio and the budget gets cut every year. There have been five Auditor General recommendations with “no action taken”. And the icing on the cake: the throne speech this week did not even mention agriculture once!

With more than 20,000 farms and over 1100 food processing businesses, the agriculture and agrifood sector provides direct employment for over 54,000 people and generates over $2.3 billion in farm cash receipts.

Agriculture contributes greatly to the provincial economy and provides solid local jobs, yet it was completely passed over in the throne speech. And just a day after the throne speech, the Auditor General issued a follow-up report that shows the Liberals have failed to make any progress addressing significant problems with the Agricultural Land Commission.

The reason why progress has stalled on addressing issues with the Agricultural Land Commission is because the government has been keeping a solutions-based report from their Agricultural Land Commissioner under wraps for more than a year. The public has a right to see the document but the Liberals have refused to release it and dismissed my FOI request for the document earlier this year.

The provincial cattle herd continues to shrink, apple growers are struggling because they get just pennies a pound for their product, young farmers can’t afford access to land even as older farmers retire, many processing facilities have disappeared, and the Liberals made a mess of meat regulations. This government has had a decade to work with farmers to strengthen our agriculture industry and has failed in every way possible.

All too often B.C. families go to the grocery store and see nothing but apples from Washington and beef from Alberta, when we produce a fantastic product right here in our province. Yet, instead of working with farmers to highlight their products and help get them on grocery store shelves, the Liberals cancelled the all-inclusive Buy B.C. program, made life harder for B.C. farmers, and took choices away from B.C. families.

Agriculture is an important contributor to the B.C. economy, yet we see the Liberals cutting extension services and successful marketing initiatives like Buy B.C. which helped create jobs, and made it easier for B.C. families to purchase healthy local food. Unfortunately, the Liberals seem more interested in hiding their failures from the public than in taking real action to develop this industry.

New Democrat leader Adrian Dix and I have been traveling the province, talking to farmers about how we can work together to strengthen agriculture through initiatives like sourcing local food for our public institutions. We will continue to listen to farmers and push for investments in this green, sustainable industry.

I will continue to call on the government to work with the agriculture industry to market local food and create more opportunities for B.C. food to supply the B.C. market. And I won't rest until the BC government takes on its responsibility to strengthen agriculture and improve food security.

Lana Popham

Public Input ends Sept 30 - National Food Strategy

2011-08-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Federal Agriculture Department is setting the direction for the next Federal/Provincial/Territorial agricultural policy framework.

If you are interested in having your voice heard, please participate in this web-based discussion by following these links.

For an overview of the 3 phases of this policy development:

http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1298580210587&lang=eng

Discussion Document: Charting the Way Forward to 2020

http://www4.agr.gc.ca/resources/prod/doc/doc/pdf/gf2_disc_paper_en.pdf

On-line Feedback Form - until September 30, 2011

http://agr.sondages-surveys.ca/surveys/AAFC/consultation/?l=en

Thanks all.

Lana

One Month Left to Comment

2011-06-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

Many of you will have already seen this as it has been bouncing around the agriculture online community; but better safe than sorry, I say.

The Ministry of Agriculture is developing a draft Minister’s bylaw standard for residential uses in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). It is intended to provide criteria to local governments across the Province as they develop their own bylaws.

The link below will take you to a Discussion Paper containing the bylaw standard for residential uses in the ALR, proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture. The associated survey asks questions specific to the Discussion Paper.

The comment period on the Discussion Paper closes at midnight, Pacific Time, July 14, 2011.

I strongly encourage Saanich residents to review the paper and tell the Government what you think of their proposed bylaw standard.

Link to online survey:

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/sf/residential_uses_in_ALR_consultation/index.htm.

BC government delays report while agricultural commission suffers: NDP critic

2011-06-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

By Andrew MacLeod June 2, 2011 11:20 am

The New Democratic Party's agriculture critic Lana Popham is questioning the government's delay releasing a report on the needs of the Agricultural Land Commission, an agency she says lacks the budget to do its job properly.

Agriculture Minister Don McRae says the "pretty comprehensive" report has been on his desk since he became minister and he hopes it can get cabinet approval and be released soon.

"I think it lays out exactly what they need to function," said Popham. "Right now they don't have enough money to fulfill their mandate and their mandate was to protect agricultural land and promote agriculture. It's at a point where they have no budget to do any of those things. It's a skeleton commission."

ALC Chair Richard Bullock submitted the report to the government last fall, but it just keeps getting shuffled around on the minister's desk, she said.

Meanwhile, farm land in the province is threatened by things like the dumping of fill from construction sites, she said. There are rules against it, but the ALC lacks the staff to enforce them, she said. "They can't keep on top of it, there's no budget and they're doing the best they can."

Burying farmland in fill can be lucrative, she said, citing the example of a Saanich farm that recently took 10,000 truck loads of fill at $70 each from the Uptown mall project. "It begins to be more profitable," she said. "It destroys the farmland."

McRae said he's trying to get the report in front of cabinet and hopes it can be released within the next two weeks.

"It's something that's really important to me, obviously," he said. "We want to make sure we go down a path that's going to be acceptable to government, and I think it's one of those areas we don't want to make any mistakes on."

Premier Christy Clark made McRae the minister on March 11. "It was there when I got to the ministry, so it's definitely been there for awhile," said McRae.

"Sometimes the wheels of government don't move as fast as we all would like, but at the same time the last thing I want to do is bring out something premature and find it's not going to meet the needs of farmers and British Columbians," he said.

Popham has made a request under freedom of information legislation for the report and other communications between the ALC and the ministry. "It would have been much easier if he would have released it months ago and we could have talked about what were the needs before we're going into another farming season," she said.

She's 'ticked' the agricultural sector doesn't have a stronger champion at the cabinet table, she said.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here

http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/BC-Politics/2011/06/02/ReportDelays/

Growers abandoned?

2011-05-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Don Plant, The Daily Courier, 2011-05-17
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories_local.php?id=357431

The B.C. government has turned its back on Okanagan fruit growers and failed to provide British Columbians with enough domestic food, the province‘s agriculture critic said in Kelowna.

Lana Popham said the government is focusing too much on selling B.C. food to other countries and doing too little to stimulate local markets. In the Okanagan, fruit growers are suffering while four million British Columbians rely increasingly on imported food, she said.

"We‘ve abandoned agriculture in B.C.," Popham said Monday. "We have the lowest support for agriculture of any province in Canada. The government doesn‘t think it‘s a priority. They believe agriculture here is a cost and not an investment."
Popham joined Adrian Dix on his first swing through the Valley since he won his party‘s leadership last month. Dix repeated the agriculture policies he touted during his campaign to replace outgoing Carole James - provide grants to fruit growers, feed B.C. fruit to hospital patients and revive the Buy BC marketing program.

"There‘s so much at stake. This is a critical issue for the economy of this region and we can‘t afford any more delay," he said. "I‘m challenging the government to act right now."

The cost of growing apples last year outstripped what growers earned - an average of 22 cents a pound compared to 14.5 cents a pound. After three years of poor returns, hundreds of growers are in debt. Banks are forcing some to sell their properties and many can‘t afford to buy what they need to harvest a crop this season.

Their representatives with the B.C. Fruit Growers Association have asked the government for $7.5 million worth of grants to cover equipment, supplies and credit to grow a crop this year. Agriculture Minister Don McRae has yet to give an answer.
"Growers need assistance in purchasing inputs," said BCFGA President Joe Sardinha. "It‘s critical growers have the ability to purchase fertilizers, sprays, nutrient sprays, and have the means to afford production insurance."

The proposed program is too small to be deemed a subsidy, which can trigger countervailing duties at the U.S. border in retaliation, Sardinha said. He thanked Dix for taking up the growers‘ cause, but added he‘s working with all parties to acquire a lifeline.

Growers and the NDP support contracts that would deliver Okanagan apples to Valley hospitals and other health regions in the province to boost their sales. Patients would benefit from healthier food; procurement contracts would still align with trade agreements as long as it‘s a local food service, said Popham.

Restoring Buy BC, which ended in 2001, would encourage British Columbians to buy locally grown food. Growers would partner with restaurants and add value to their fruit, she said.

"I hope the government‘s listening . . . Otherwise we won‘t have growers any more."

The B.C. government has said the deficit is too high, most revenues are going toward health and education, and there‘s no extra money. The consequences of doing nothing would damage a fruit industry that provides thousands of jobs and is a linchpin of the Okanagan‘s economy, said Dix.

Because Premier Christy Clark is vague on when the next election will be, the party is campaigning as if it will happen soon, Dix said.

"We encourage the government to take action now. It can‘t wait until 2013," he said. "Both parties should . . . support the package. . . I don‘t care who gets the credit."

Supreme Court of Canada says it is fair to deny farm workers the right to unionize

2011-05-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is a very concerning set-back for farm-workers rights in Canada. You can read the Supreme Court Decision here.

And here is an April 29/2011 article about it by Sharon Hill in the Vancouver Sun.

Lana.

Supreme Court denies right of farm workers to unionize

WINDSOR, Ont. — The Supreme Court of Canada has abandoned Ontario's farm workers and the charter of rights has failed them, UFCW Canada national president Wayne Hanley said Friday after the union lost a 16-year court battle to allow agricultural workers to unionize.

"We are shocked that the Supreme Court of Canada has treated agricultural workers differently here in Ontario than any other worker," Hanley said at a Toronto news conference after the ruling was released.

In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court sided with the province, ruling its Agricultural Employees Protection Act does not infringe on the charter. At issue was the freedom of association. The act allows workers to form associations to take complaints to employers and if needed to a tribunal, but it doesn't allow collective bargaining.

"The Supreme Court of Canada has abandoned agriculture workers here in Ontario in their plight for dignity and respect," Hanley said.

Without protection under the Labour Relations Act like other workers, farm labourers may then be second-class citizens, said Stan Raper of the UFCW.

"This is just wrong. It's unjust and this decision is not really worthy of the paper it's printed on. It's not even fertilizer."

Joining UFCW officials was Mindy Leng, who worked at a Kingsville, Ont., mushroom farm seven years ago.

"I'm sure right now a lot of farm workers are very, very disappointed," said Leng, 29, who is now studying to be a nurse.

"The condition that we work in is really harsh," Leng said of her former mushroom picking days. "The employer did not take care of us or protect us, so that's why we had to run to the union, They listened to us. We want to be heard by somebody."

The UFCW said it will continue to fight for farm labourers but it seems their court options after two trips to the Supreme Court are done. The union could lay hundreds of thousands of complaints under the act upheld by the Supreme Court and lobby the province to allow collective bargaining.

One of the justices in the Supreme Court ruling said: "The decision to impose a duty of collective bargaining should be made by the legislature and not by the court."

The provincial government has no plans to change the act, said Sarah Petrevan, a spokeswoman for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Carol Mitchell.

"The decision means that farm workers maintain the right to form associations to represent and communicate their interests and employers under the act are also obligated to address the workers' issues or concerns and that is what the court agreed with," Petrevan said.

Farm groups are delighted with the ruling, said Ken Forth, chairman of the Ontario agriculture industry's labour issues co-ordinating committee.

"The ruling still protects the rights of workers under the Agricultural Employee Protection Act. It's a good outcome for agriculture, in our view."

Ken Wales, a vegetable grower who is the committee's vice-chairman and the vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, said the act needs to be given a chance to work.

Wales said farmers are glad to hear a clear decision that the act is constitutional and "that we can get on. This issue has gone on for too long."

The union battle started in southern Ontario. In 1995, the UFCW unionized about 200 workers at Highline Mushrooms in Leamington under 1994 NDP legislation that gave collective bargaining rights to farm workers for the first time in Ontario.

When the Conservatives came to power in 1995, they repealed the law and the union appealed. The union took the case to the Supreme Court. In 2001, the court ordered the province to make a new law.

The new legislation, the Agricultural Employees Protection Act, did not allow collective bargaining so the UFCW challenged it.

In 2008, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled the act violated the charter right to freedom of association and the province was ordered to come up with new legislation. Ontario appealed the case to the Supreme Court and won.

Read more: http://www.windsorstar.com/business/Supreme+Court+denies+right+farm+workers+unionize/4697807/story.html#ixzz1Lam4NAI8

Four Remarkable Women

2011-03-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

Organic farming on Southern Vancouver Island owes a great debt to four remarkable women: Mary Alice Johnson, Tina Fraser Baynes, Marti Martin-wood and Rebecca Jehn.

Today - in honour of the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day - it is my pleasure to re-release a documentary about their early efforts.

It was directed and filmed in 1995 by Helen Rezanowich of the Media Network Society. I know that it inspired a number of women to begin farming… including myself!

The film captures the challenges that women face if they want to farm. But it is also about the joy and value that comes from growing food for yourself and others. I know many women farming today will relate to the feelings and ideas expressed in this film.

Many of the projects these women helped start – such as Moss Street Market – remain vibrant and successful to this day. I’m also very happy to report that all four women are still actively farming.

Mary-Alice Johnson, for example, has transformed land in Sooke into a highly-productive and successful farm, ALM Farm. She and her business partner Marika Nagasaki grow a full range of vegetables, including fifty types of heritage tomatoes, and coveted salad greens. They also have poultry and pigs, run a busy seed company (Full Circle Seeds) and protect wild natural spaces on the edge of the farm. The whole operation is certified organic, employs several people and grosses over $100 000 a year!

Tina Fraser Baynes also continues to farm organically at Corner Farm in North Saanich. She has a busy farm-gate stand, and has helped start the North Saanich Farm Market. She also teaches a popular course at Camosun College about how to start a farm.

Marti Martin-Wood runs Two Wings Farm in Metchosin with her husband Bernie. Their seed company was founded in 2000 and continues to provide high-quality, certified organic and open-pollinated seeds.

Rebecca Jehn operates Rebecca’s Garden, a certified organic market garden in Saanich. She is also well known for her preserves and seeds. She continues to hold workshops on seed saving, plant propagation, harvesting and marketing produce, as well as canning and preserving the harvest.

I asked Mary Alice if she had a word of advice for young women considering farming. Her answer? “Well, I worry about people being too idealistic about it. It is very hard work. But it can be done – there is a huge demand for local and organic. People will thank you and value your efforts. It’s an extremely rewarding way to make a living.”

I hope you will enjoy this video and join me in celebrating four remarkable farmers for this year’s International Women’s Day.

BC Farmworkers deserve better

2011-03-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

Four years ago today a transport van carrying farm workers crashed on the highway near Abbotsford, injuring fourteen people and killing three women: Sarabjit Kaur Sidhu, Sukhwinder Kaur Punia, and Amarjit Kaur Bal.

A wooden bench without seatbelts was being used in place of seats, the vehicle was in poor repair, and was carrying 17 people, more than it could safely hold.

A 2009 coroner’s inquest made 18 recommendations but the government has failed to act on some of the most important ones, including improvements to road-side and on-site vehicle inspections.

As the Opposition Critic for Agriculture, I will continue to speak out about this tragedy until the government does more to ensure farmworker safety and restore employment rights for B.C. farmworkers.

I’d like to thank my colleagues New Democrat interim leader Dawn Black and labour critic Raj Chouhan for joining the deceased women’s families at a candlelight vigil in Abbotsford last night.

As Ms. Black said: “It’s time for [the BC Liberals] to stop treating farmworkers like second-class citizens. And it’s time to restore full rights to them under B.C.’s Employment Standards Act.”

And I echo Mr. Chouhan’s words as well: “Ms. Clark has said she’ll put B.C.’s families first. If she means what she’s promised, she must act for farmworkers and their families today.”

You can read more about the vigil here:

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Five+years+after+farm+workers+Abbotsford+crash+coroner+recommendations/4393227/story.html

Local Beekeepers are fighting to keep our precious island pollinators safe

2011-02-28T14:07:00.001-08:00

Here is a letter I sent today to BC Agriculture Minister Ben Stewart regarding the inadequate protection of island honey-bees.

February 25, 2011

Dear Minister Stewart,

I am writing to draw your attention to a matter requiring your action. As you are likely aware, the owner of Babe’s Honey, Mark Pitcher, is now facing several fraud-related criminal charges. I assume he is innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law. Having said that, it is important to revisit how your Ministry has handled the Vancouver Island bee file.

My understanding is that the policy to lift the quarantine on the importation of bees and of bee equipment on the island was based in large part on input from Mr. Pitcher.

In contrast, hundreds of Island beekeepers – including substantial honey-related business owners – were denied input in the decision-making process. They were and are presenting a consensus on what steps are necessary to safeguard our island pollinators and improve honey bee health on the island.

Experts, concerned individuals and myself, have been speaking out strongly about this situation since the quarantine was lifted. We have warned your ministry repeatedly of the danger of this course of action. Our input was ignored.

At this point, it is important to ensure the safety of hundreds of millions of bees recently brought onto Vancouver Island by Mr. Pitcher. I have questions regarding the health and maintenance of these hives. As the Official Opposition Critic for Agriculture, I am asking for answers.

I want to know what course of action you are recommending and what steps you are taking to ensure the situation improves.

This issue affects all of us on the island because if these bees become diseased and spread their disease, our already-decimated precious island pollinators could be further harmed.

As you know, pollination is a very important part of our food security and pollination is fundamental to our island agriculture industries.

I look forward to your earliest reply.

Sincerely,

Lana Popham

MLA Saanich South
Official Opposition Critic for Agriculture

And check out this Times Colonist article for more details: Concern for Babe's Honey bees as company enters receivership.

Response to the Budget - Agriculture Focus

2011-02-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

Today I rose in the Legislature to call the BC Liberal government to account for its failure to support agriculture.

RETURN THE SOUTHLANDS TO THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE

2011-02-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

Five Shiny Purple Seeds

2011-01-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

Scarlet Runner Bean Seeds

I hold in my hand five shiny, purple, seeds. They have come from inside an old medicine bottle that my grandmother Mavis gifted to me many years ago. With the seeds came a small handwritten note.

“These seeds are from your great grandfather’s garden. He saved the seeds from his Scarlet Runner beans each year. I thought you might want to try them out in your own garden. Love Grandma Mavis”.

I started with eight of these purple seeds and I tried to germinate them one seed at a time over three years…careful not to waste the chance to grow the exact beans my family had feasted on two generations ago. Each year the bean seed failed in some way and after the third failure I felt that just having the seeds themselves would have to satisfy me.

These days I keep those five seeds in my desk at the BC Legislature to remind myself of my connection to agriculture and why I entered politics.

If you are like me, this time of year is even more exciting than the holidays because in your mailbox you will be receiving, not Christmas cards, but the 2011 Seed Catalogs. Nothing is better on a cold winter afternoon than having a hot cup of tea, a stack of seed catalogs, and the thrill that comes from planning the current years’ harvest. Fabulous!

The value of local seed and the importance of supporting local seed companies is becoming more significant these days. As the climate changes and our growing conditions change, local seeds are changing too. They are evolving to conditions and hopefully adapting to the changes in our environment. This is all part of the sustainability equation.

It troubles me that a few major corporations have control over the majority of our seed supply. This is not healthy for our communities, for our local economies or for the diversity and health of our seed banks. Supporting local seed companies is investing in our future. Supporting local seed companies also supports the economic development of our local economies. Money spent at the local level is re-spent at the local level. Plus it helps farmers diversify their incomes.

Our local seed savers are playing a critical role as far as food security goes. As my friend Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds says “save seeds like our lives depend on it”…because they really do.

This time of year brings one of my most favorite events into our communities. Seedy Saturday! Below are some of the BC Seedy Saturday locations and dates. Maybe I will see you there!

Lana.

Qualicum Beach, Feburary 5th, at the Qualium Beach Civic Centre (10am-4pm) Visit their site for information on an array of topics from speakers to vendors and more!http://qbss.bravehost.com/

Salt Spring Island, Feb. 12, 2007 Held at the Farmers Institute, Salt Spring Island from 10-3pm

Victoria, Feburary 19th, at the Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street Victoria (10am-3pm)

VanDusen Botanical Garden, Feburary 26th, 37th and Oak Street Vancouver (10am-4pm)

Sooke, Feburary 26th, Sooke Community Hall (10am-4pm)

Courtenay, March 5th, at the Filberg Centre (10am-3pm) in downtown Courtenay comprehensive vendor list (complete with e-mail and web links) available athttp://www.almfarms.org/www.cvseeds.bc.ca

Nanaimo, March 6th, at the Bowen Park Auditorium (10am-4pm)

Cobble Hill, March 12th, at the Cobble Hill Hall (10am-3pm)

Lana Popham calls for next B.C. NDP leader to defend Agricultural Land Reserve

2010-12-22T11:36:00.000-08:00

Reprinted from the Georgia Straight.

By Matthew Burrows, December 21, 2010

The B.C. NDP’s agriculture and lands critic believes the gap at the top of her party provides an opening for her to demand that the next party leader protect the Agricultural Land Reserve.

“My background is around farming and sustainability, so I want to see a leader who can present a credible argument for keeping that strong in British Columbia,” Lana Popham, the MLA for Saanich South since 2009, said in a sit-down interview in theGeorgia Straight offices. “So I want someone who will stand up strongly for the ALR. As the NDP, we have that in our back pocket as something that we brought in, but we need to do a lot more work around making it news and making it important.”

Popham was one of the 13 MLAs who called for a leadership contest to replace NDP Leader Carole James, who announced her resignation earlier this month. However, Popham said she is “absolutely not interested” in running to replace James next spring when the party chooses its new leader.

Instead, Popham said she wants to offer her view that the next party leader “present a clear sustainability message”. Popham, a successful small-scale organic farmer, said this is “very related to agriculture and our domestic economy”.

“I think that food security has the potential to be a very big economic driver here in B.C., because we’re set up for it as far as our growing potential goes,” she added.

Ideally, Popham said, B.C.’s government should position itself to facilitate a new generation of farmers, including “more localized smaller-lot farms, sustainable farming”, which she claimed is “really what the consumer is interested in, and we have 4.5 million consumers in B.C.”

One factor driving how local farming will develop in B.C. is peak oil, Popham claimed. Peak oil refers to the point when world oil production peaks, after which either the price rises exponentially to reflect plummeting supplies, or the demand drops to keep prices stable.

“Do I think we’ve reached it? I think we need to live like we have, because even if we haven’t at this moment, I don’t believe that it’s very far off,” Popham said.

Island Pollinators

2010-11-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

There is a crisis right now on Vancouver Island: about 90% of the honey bees on the island disappeared last winter! We aren't sure why, but the provincial government is making the situation worse by failing to investigate what's happening and allowing people - for the first time in 22 years - to import honey bees from the mainland.

Kudos to Greg Horne for making this documentary! Watch it and you'll know why island bee-keepers swarmed the BC Legislature this fall...and why it is so important that we protect our precious island pollinators.

I also want to acknowledge the resolution adopted at the recent BC Honey Producers' Association AGM:

The BC Honey Producers' Association [shall] send a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands stating that we have lost confidence with the Apiculture Program and are seeking change, with more consultation, to enhance communication and increase the sustainability of beekeeping in British Columbia.

Please take a moment to support my efforts to persuade the Ministry of Agriculture to address this serious situation: click here.

Thank you,

Lana Popham, MLA Saanich South

Agriculture and health on critic's mind

2010-11-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

Reprinted from the Invermere Valley Echo

NDP Agriculture Critic Lana Popham
speaking to students at
DTSS in Invermere.
Darryl Crane/echo photo

By Darryl Crane

Published: November 16, 2010 1:00 PM

Students and residents of the Columbia Valley had a special visitor when MLA for Saanich South and NDP critic for Agriculture and Lands, Lana Popham came to the area.

Popham was elected MLA for Saanich South on May 12, 2009 and is a well-known environmental and community activist, businesswoman and organic farmer.

Popham was on her first visit to the area and took the time to learn more about concerns locals have in the agricultural industry.

“I have not had the opportunity to come into this area and see what is going on agriculturally. I am very committed to sustainability. This area is amazing for what it is doing. I tour many towns that have the vision but the action here takes my breath away,” Popham said.

Popham started her tour in Cranbrook before moving on to Kimberley where she met with some local ranchers.

She then came north to Invermere to visit farmers who are involved with aspects of agriculture that are close to the MLA’s heart.

“They are doing things in a similar setup to what I used to do and it made me want to get out there and help them because I missed it so much,” Popham said.

Popham said she has heard that some people feel that there are fewer new farmers but she is of the belief that people do want to become involved with the industry but they want to do it in a new style that is concerned about sustainability and local food.

“This is a teachable moment where consumers are begging for local food and we have people who want to produce it. The problem is that we do not have the provincial support in agriculture right now to make it easier to do that,” Popham said.

When looking at the future of agriculture in British Columbia Popham had some ideas on what could be done by the government to help.

“We had a great program up to eight years ago. It was a buy BC program. Farmers want our products to be marketed to us. They want to have labelling so we know where products are from. It was very successful.

"The Ministry of Agriculture is so ill-funded right now that there is no money for that but it is hard for me to understand why we would not invest in a program that is going to give some strength to our domestic economy,” Popham said.

Another idea that the MLA has involves looking at the way the food in B.C. is being distributed and the possibility of better using the rail-system to move food throughout the province.

As Popham continues to talk to people in B.C. about the issues surrounding agriculture in the province she is working on a document to highlight both the issues and ideas on how to make the industry more efficient.

While in Invermere Popham stopped in to talk to students at David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) and see some of the programs which involve food at the school.

“The greenhouse and the chefs' program were the attraction. Connecting kids to food is critical right now. We are seeing skyrocketing Type 2 diabetes in kids and that is related to what they are eating. We are feeding them sugar-laced, fat-ladened, highly processed food. That has to raise alarm bells,” Popham said. She added that she was very impressed with the chefs' program and the food that they are making.

She also passed on a great deal of credit to the teachers at DTSS who are responsible for helping students in their lives.

In the end Popham said she was grateful to have had the chance to visit the area and for all the hospitality shown to her during her trip.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/invermerevalleyecho/news/108304884.html

Thank you Cranbrook, Kimberley and Invermere!

2010-11-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

Thank you Cranbrook, Kimberley and Invermere!

From food security to renewable energy - here are some pictures of amazing British Columbians doing the hard work to plan for the future! I was on agriculture tour of the area this week and was really impressed! Click to the right to see the photo album.

One of the highlights of the tour was learning about successful efforts to connect kids to healthy local food. There is a Chef's programme in Invermere bringing good food back into the school system. I was even treated to a lovely lunch with freshly harvested salad greens from the school greenhouse. Here is a recipe of the (delicious!) tofu burritos we had for lunch.

Don't knock it until you've tried it!

Tofu Burritos

Yield 12 Burritos

375 ml. Onions, finely diced
15 mL Canola oil
30 mL Garlic, minced
20 mL Chili powder or Chipotle puree
1 L Red or green peppers, finely diced
10 mL Paprika
30 mL Cumin, ground
10 ml Oregano leaves
500 ml Corn
2 pkg Extra firm tofu
150 mL Tomato Paste
30 mL low-sodium soy sauce
125 Chopped Black Olives
12 Whole wheat tortillas
Pepper to taste

Method:

Sauté the onions, garlic, and chili powder or chipotle paste in oil for three minutes.

Add peppers and continue cooking on medium heat until the onions are soft. Add the paprika, ground cumin, oregano leaves, corn and crumbled tofu and continue to sauté.

When the vegetables are tender, stir in the tomato paste, low-sodium soy sauce, olives and pepper to taste.

Place 250 ml of filling into the centre of each tortilla and form into a burrito. Place seam side down onto a parchment-lined hotel pan or baking dish.

Bake at 180 C, covered with foil for 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Recipe modified from the Moosewood Restaurant Cooks for a Crowd.

Weekend Reading!

2010-11-05T16:00:00.001-07:00

Hi,

Two very interesting reports have recently been released - excellent weekend reading for everyone interested in agriculture, sustainability and food security!

Lana

"Every Bite Counts", by the CCPA: http://www.policyalternatives.ca/everybitecounts

And a draft strategy for a regional food system in Vancouver: http://www.scribd.com/doc/37130581/Draft-Regional-Food-System-Strategy-for-Metro-Vancouver-September-2010

Poultry Health for Small Flock Owners, Free 2 day Course in Duncan, Nov 16-17

2010-10-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

A snapshot of what’s happening this month in the local island agriculture community, courtesy of the Islands Forage Committee.

2010-09-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

A snapshot of what’s happening this month in the local island agriculture community, courtesy of the Islands Forage Committee.

Used to be anybody could farm. All you needed was a strong back. . . but nowadays you need a good
education to understand all the advice you get so you can pick out what’ll do you the least harm.
~ Vermont Saying, Mid-1900s

Foxglove Farm

Centre for Arts, Ecology & Agriculture Salt Spring Island, BC

October 2, 2010
Field to Plate: Fall Roots & Squashes with Chef Heidi Fink

October 24, 2010
Foraging for Fungi

Upcoming Food Safety Planning Workshops on Vancouver Island

(registration fee $20, includes lunch and coffee breaks)

• Thursday, September 30 – Courtenay (Courtenay Community Futures, Suite 200–580 Duncan Avenue, Courtenay)

• Friday, November 5, 2010 – Victoria (Saanich Fairground, 1528 Stelly's Cross Rd, Saanichton)

Jane Kelly

FSSI (Processor) Program Outreach Coordinator

Small Scale Food Processor Association

1-866-619-7372 or direct 250-951-9945

email fssi.outreach@ssfpa.net

Foxglove Community Garden & Culinary School

Cooking in the Barn

October 3rd.

“Art of Canadian Heritage Cuisine”

In this first class of the series, Pat Germschied will take us back to the beginning when Canada was being settled. She will teach the art of preserving and “putting by” the produce and fruit from our gardens. Time 1:30 – 3:30 m. Cost $35 with lunch

October 17th.

“The Art of Chinese Cuisine”

Li Ping, originally from China will take us on a culinary journey to China as she creates her countries cuisine in this first series. Time 1:30 – 3:30 pm Cost, $35 with lunch

October 24th,

The Art of Coast Salish Native Cuisine”

Using her Native culture as her guide, Gloria Norris, will teach the art of preparing and smoking a salmon. Time 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Cost $35 with lunch

November 7th.

“Art of Canadian Heritage Cuisine”

In this second series Pat Germschied will teach the art of making soups and stews.

Time 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Cost $35 with lunch.

All classes are limited to 12 students. Please call Nancy at (250) 246-4967 for information and reserve your space. info@foxglovecommunitygardens.org

Foxglove Community Gardens and Culinary School non-profit Society, 8035 Vye Road, Crofton BC V0R 1R0

Vineyard Workshop

Wine Islands Growers Association

Saturday October 2nd

Topics: Botrytis Control, and Determination of Grape Maturity

Where: begins at Rocky Creek Winery

1854 Myhrest Rd, Cowichan Bay

See www.rockycreekwinery.ca/location/

Time: 2 – 4 p.m.

COASTAL INVASIVE PLANT COMMITTEE

Sunshine Coast Stakeholders Meeting:

Thursday October 28th

Land managers, stakeholders, interested organizations and landowners are invited to attend a meeting in Sechelt on Thursday October 28th. The objectives of this meeting are to: increase awareness of invasive plant issues and coordinated management approaches along the Sunshine Coast, share information about invasive plant activities already occurring in region, discuss areas for improvement and identify the level of interest in joining with or forming a regional invasive plant committee.

Where: Seaside Centre 5790 Teredo Street, Sechelt

When: 9:30am - 3:30pm on Thursday October 28th (refreshments and lunch to be provided)

RSVP: Melissa Noel, CIPC Coordinator at: info@coastalinvasiveplants.com or 250-857-2472 by Tuesday October 26th

There is no cost associated with attending the meeting.

Farm Credit Canada – Upcoming Free Workshops

Farm Financial Management – Profitability and Budgeting in Abbotsford on November 9

Farm Financial Management – Statements and Ratios in Langley on November 10.

Registration at : http://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/LearningCentre/event_list_e.asp?blnSearch=true&mnuEventType=1&mnuEventName=Any&mnuGeographicRegion=BC&startDate=&endDate=&search=Search

Maureen Hari

Customer Service Manager / Directrice, Service à la clientèle

BC Coast & Interior District

Farm Credit Canada / Financement agricole Canada

#301 – 5460 152 Street

5460 152 Street, bureau 301

Surrey, BC V3S 5J9

Tel/Tél: (604) 575-4268 Cell: (604) 722-6891 Fax/Téléc: (604) 575-4260

E-mail/Courriel: maureen.hari@fcc-fac.ca

Building Sustainable Communities Conference

November 15th-18th, 2010

Delta Grand Resort & Conference Centre, KELOWNA, BC

Hosted & Facilitated by the Fresh Outlook Foundation

EMAIL: jo@freshoutlookfoundation.org • PHONE: 250-766-1777

www.freshoutlookfoundation.org

The Island Agr-food Initiative is Open for Business

The Islands Agri-Food Initiative (IAFI) was started in 2001, to encourage the development of a viable and sustainable agri-food sector on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Powell River. Funding is available to groups, societies and organizations based in the areas served by the initiative for projects that fit at least one of the initiative’s four strategic priorities:

1. To enhance market and product development and promotion of the agri-food industry.

2. To increase the agri-food stakeholder knowledge base (including stakeholder communication, economic potential, statistical data, marketing skills and product development).

3. To facilitate the development of strategic partnerships and alliances that enhances the long-term sustainability of the agri-food industry.

4. To support increased agri-food processing as a catalyst for rural community development

IAFI funding is provided by IAF through the federal-provincial Agri-Food Futures Fund.

Jamai Schile

Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC

Program Manager

Direct Line: 250.356.0119

jschile@iafbc.ca

Web: www.iafbc.ca

Farm Business Advisory Services Program

Are you considering changes to your farm business? Do you have the financial information and plans you need to make the best decisions for you, your family and your farm business?

Up to $5,000 is now available for both new and established farms to answer these questions. Check the link below for all the program and eligibility details or contact:

Toll Free: 1 877 702-5585 Email: BCFBAS@gov.bc.ca for more information. http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/busmgmt/FB_Advisory_Services.html

BC Assessment Authority Farm Classification

Application Deadline October 31st

http://www.bcassessment.bc.ca/public/Pages/ClassifyingFarmLand.aspx

Janice Weninger

Farm Appraiser

Vancouver Island Region

300 - 125 Wallace St,

Nanaimo BC V9R 5B2

Tel 250.753.6621 x 228

Toll-free 1.800.977.2775

Island Ideal Meats

Class A custom meat processing service

Operated by: Vancouver Island Heritage Foodservice Co-operative

located at Valley View Farm, 2322 Gomerich Rd. in Nanaimo

Now Open August 2010 offering slaughter and custom cut-and-wrap services

All enquiries should be directed to:

Grant Henry,

250 6680-8718

Grant@islandtastesensations.com.

Agriculture and Water - Waterbucket website for information on drought management, irrigation scheduling, drainage and more

http://www.waterbucket.ca/aw/?sid=79&id=189&type=single#

Provincially Licensed Meat Plant Establishments

New! ENHANCED REGULATIONS SUPPORT LOCAL MEAT SALES

http://www.hls.gov.bc.ca/protect/meat-regulation/

http://www.bccdc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/161B504B-8E5D-43BA-B111-684DA64996C6/0/MeatPlantEstablishmentWEBVERSION.pdf

UPDATE Spotted Wing Drosophila (Fruit Fly)

Attention: Berries, grapes and stone fruit producers

Spotted Wing Drosophila been found in all fruit growing areas in BC where traps have been placed including Southern Vancouver Island

Information on sanitation New

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/swd_sanitation.pdf

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/swd.htm

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/swd_monitoring.pdf

Canadian Horticulture’s Council CanadaGAP On-Farm Food Safety program

Annette Moore, recognized trainer

Quality First in Agriculture Inc.

T: (604) 859-5962

E: qfirst@telus.net

W: www.qfirst.ca

BC Good Agricultural and Collection Practices

Keith Hunter, recognized trainer

phone 250 720-8907

FirstNationsWildcrafters@shaw.ca

Agri-Food Trade Service Funding Opportunities for BC Producers, Processors, and Associations

For a print copy of this publication please contact:

BC Regional Office
Market and Industry Services Branch
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
420 – 4321 Still Creek Drive
Burnaby, BC
V5C 6S7
Telephone: 604-666-6344
Fax: 604-666-7235
Email: atsbc@agr.gc.ca

ISSN 1923-0060
AAFC No. 11160E

http://www.ats.agr.gc.ca/exp/5288-eng.htm

Farm Centre Agriwebinar’s http://agriwebinar.com/

2010 COABC Webinars

- Soil Nematodes with Rosy Smit

- Breaking Down Market Barriers: Strategies to Improve Markets for Small and Mid-sized Organic Growers with Alida Cantor

- Rethinking Economic Development: Using Standard Tools to Promote a Local Food Economy with Rob Marqusee

- Using Grandin-like Principles in Livestock Production: Small Things Sure Can Make a Difference with Jane Morrigan

Canadian Organic Growers Vancouver Island Chapter (COGVI)

Meets monthly every third Thursday of the month 7 p.m. at Haliburton Farm, 741 Haliburton Road, Victoria.

Please see www.haliburtonfarm.org for map."

Comox Valley Farmers' Institute

Meets at the Dove Creek Hall, Courtenay the third Tuesday of every month.

Contact: Gerry 250-334-4562

Cowichan Agricultural Society & Farmers Institute Meeting

Come to our meetings and learn from other growers during the “Farmers Soap Box”

Meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. 5855 Clements St. Duncan, BC

Contact: David at 250-748-8089

Meetings from June to September will be at member farms hosting tours!

Cowichan Exhibition Society

Meets at 5855 Clements St in Duncan on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm.

Island Farmer’s Alliance

kathleen.erickson@buyselltrade.ca

http://www.islandfarmersalliance.org/index.htm

Nanaimo-Cedar Farmers' Institute

Meets at the Cedar United Church Hall (1644 Cedar Rd) on the second Thursday of October - June.

Contact Joanne at 250-722-3397

Peninsula Agricultural Commission (PAC)

For more information please contact:

Isobel Hoffmann Secretary to PAC Isobel.Hoffmann@saanich.ca

Shawnigan Cobble Hill Farmers Institute

Meetings are the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the Cobble Hill Hall.

Vancouver Island Goat Association Meetings

Contact: Marion 250-752-8526 e-mail mousefieldfarm@uniserve.com

Wine Island Growers Association

http://www.wiga.ca/

A majority of our 2010 Conference Presentations are now available on our website under Events and News

VEGGIE, POULTRY AND SMALL ANIMAL SWAP that has started up at the Lighthouse Community Center on Lions Way in Qualicum Bay. There is an indoor swap meet and Pancake Breakfast from 9am - 1pm and an outdoor farmers market (including live poultry) that runs from 10am till 1pm. The contact person is Sheena McCorquodale 250-757-9991

Farm Animal and Poultry Swaps

Courtenay - South Country Feeds - 2rd Sunday each month 11am - 1pm

Courtenay - SharKare Feeds - 3rd Sunday each month 11am - 1pm

Duncan, (Cowichan Feather Fanciers) at Buckerfields - 4th Sunday each month 11 am til 12:30 pm starting Feb 28 til Oct http://members.shaw.ca/cowichanfeatherfanciers/

Coombs, Farm Animal & Poultry Swap, Coombs Fairgrounds - 1st Sunday of the month 11 am - 1 pm starting March 1 until November. Contact 250-752-1703 dogma@bcsupernet.com "Subscribe to free eNewsletter"

BC HST Information

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/hrmnztn/bc/menu-eng.html
Registering (opening) your GST/HST account http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/rgstrng/menu-eng.html

Canada Revenue Agency – Technical Questions: 1 800 959-5525

B.C. Ministry of Finance: 1 877 388-4440

BC Crop Production Guides

Home and Garden Pest Management Guide for B.C. is now available!

Ordering information available at the following link http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/prodguide.htm

Courses being offered through Vancouver Island University Continuing Ed.

Growing Fruits And Vegetables Organically

Raising Local Sheep On A Small Acreage

http://www.mala.ca/ccs/courses/horticultureandgarden.asp

Call today to register! 250-746-3519

G.R. Paine Horticulture Training Centre

http://www.mala.ca/horticulture/grpaine.asp

Courses being offered through North Island College Continuing Ed.

http://www.nic.bc.ca/programs/ce/PDF_Docs/CE_Calendar.pdf

Campbell River 250-923-9750

Comox Valley 250-334-5005

Port Alberni 250-724-8705

Courses being offered through Camosun College Continuing Ed.

http://camosun.ca/ce/programs.html

1–877–554–7555

BC Farmers Market Association “Find A Market”

http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/findamarket.asp

Farm and Ranch Safety Association (FARSHA)

Provides ongoing safety courses, safety materials and helpful advice to the farm and ranching community of BC

http://www.farsha.bc.ca/index.php

Agriculture Labour Pool (based in Abbotsford but does the Islands as well)

http://www.agri-labourpool.com/

Western Agriculture Labour Initiative

http://www.walicanada.com/docs/brochure.pdf

Federal - Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2008

http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/epb/yi/yep/programs/scpp.shtml

Federal - Youth Employment Strategy

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/sc/youth/summerwork.shtml

Bee Information

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/apiculture/

Apiculture Inspector Vancouver Island

Brenda Jager

cell/message250-755-5834
bzbees@telus.net

Canada - British Columbia Environmental Farm Plan Program

http://www.ardcorp.ca/index.php?page_id=14

Multispecies Grazing Articles

http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/sheep/bsa01s30.html

http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/multispecies.html

http://wsare.usu.edu/pro/pr2003/EW01-006.pdf

Farm Vehicles on the Move

A guide to licensing and insuring farm vehicles in British Columbia

www.th.gov.bc.ca/forms/getForm.aspx?formId=1151

Farm Structures and Fencing Information can be found at:

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/publist/Farm_Structures.htm#fencing

To apply for Farm Status you would contact BC Assessment in Nanaimo or Courtenay.

http://www.bcassessment.bc.ca/public/Pages/ClassifyingFarmLand.aspx

Leasing options for farmers and rural land owners

http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/FarmlandAccessAgreementGuide2009.pdf

Dam Safety in BC

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/public_safety/dam_safety/responsible.html

Food Safety Systems

http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/foodsafety/fed-prov.htm

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Programs and Services

http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1204137480722&lang=eng

Investment Agriculture Foundation

http://www.iafbc.ca/funding_available/other.htm

Ranchers look for government help after fires

2010-09-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/williamslaketribune/news/103441694.html

By Erin Hitchcock - Williams Lake Tribune

Published: September 21, 2010 8:00 AM

Ranchers hope the B.C. government will help assist them with forage and fence rehabilitation in the aftermath of the forest fires in the Cariboo Chilcotin.

Ranchers met with Cariboo North MLA Bob Simpson and MLA Lana Popham, the Opposition critic for the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, last week to discuss the help they need.

Duncan Barnett, president of the Cariboo Cattlemen’s Association, says one of the biggest issues is forage and fence rehabilitation.

“Without those fences, ranchers have no ability to manage their livestock,” Duncan says, adding that not only does a loss of fencing cause herds to mix with each other, but it also causes forage issues. “You can’t manage the livestock so they use the forage properly.”

He says ranchers want the provincial government to help get the fences rebuilt, otherwise ranching businesses will be put at risk.

“They’ve lost a lot of their fall forage this year,” he says, adding that unless fences are replaced for next year, ranchers will face major problems.

He says there is emergency response funding in place, but it’s not yet known if the funding can be used to help the ranchers replace the lost fences.

“We basically have businesses that have lost the infrastructure that they need to operate, and if we can’t get it replaced, then obviously those businesses are in serious trouble.”

He says the government needs to either provide some funding to rebuild the range infrastructure that’s been lost or emergency/disaster relief funding needs to be used.

Ranchers are also dealing with lost forage that was burnt up in the forest fires. Not only does the grass need to be re-seeded so there is forage supply, but also so invasive weeds don’t move in.

Ranchers also have a number of suggestions for the future, he says, including using local people who can provide equipment and their knowledge of the area and dealing with fires when they start. Barnett says ranchers and the ministries of forest and environment also need to work together to ensure ecologically sound seeds that also suit the natural environment are planted.

Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett attended a meeting two weeks ago in Alexis Creek, where she met with ranchers to hear their concerns about the devastation caused from the fires.

“We are working on the analysis on what has happened to the fencing, the cattle, to the grasslands, all of those types of things,” she says. “We are working with the communities on a mitigation plan.”

She says she also went on a two- to three-hour tour to see the devastation for herself, and has also met with individuals throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin to discuss the forest fires and other issues.

Simpson and Popham, who had also met with the Ministry of Forests and Range in Williams Lake, said they will discuss the issues with the Minister of Agriculture.

“We heard (from ranchers) that the Minister of Agriculture needs to champion this,” Popham said. “We can make a push for that.”

Simpson said the loss of forage could be the last straw for ranchers already suffering challenges to the industry.

Alexis Creek resident and rancher Bev Madley is the president of the Chilcotin Stockmen’s Association, an organization that falls under the Cariboo Cattlemen’s Association.

“Out here, there were seven members of our association that were affected by the wildfires,” Madley says. “In the run of all of these fires, we lost a lot of fence.”

She says the government has agreed to reseed and rehabilitate the CAT guards that were built on the ranges in the Bull Complex area.

She says the ranchers also want the fences replaced, soon.

“These are boundaries between people with different breeding programs,” she says, adding the fences also provide barriers between pastures that are rotated to keep the range in good condition.

She notes the firefighters did a good job, but says the management of the fires could have been done differently.

“Those fires were allowed to run, and they didn’t get anybody on them to put them out until they became quite large and quite dangerous and somewhat unmanageable,” she says.

If and when money is provided to replace the fences, she says ranches would like them built on large right-of-ways so there is exposed soil that would serve as fire breaks.

A meeting between the ranchers and government field officials was to be held at Madley’s home last night, after press deadlines.

Report by Auditor General shows BC Government not protecting ALR

2010-09-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

A new report from the Auditor General shows how the B.C. government is undermining the Agricultural Land Reserve and leaving B.C.’s valuable farmland at risk of being lost forever.

As we face an increasing population and the impact of climate change, it is more important than ever to promote local food production and develop the green jobs that our agricultural sector has to offer.

But instead of listening to British Columbians who are saying they want to see more local food in their grocery stores, this report shows the B.C. Liberals have been undermining the Agricultural Land Reserve.

Graph from Report

The report notes despite the fact that 95 per cent of British Columbians support the ALR, the amount of agricultural land in the ALR on the south coast has declined by eight per cent and the amount of agricultural land in the ALR on Vancouver Island has declined by 13 per cent since the reserve was created by the then-New Democrat government in 1973.

Less than five per cent of British Columbia’s land base is suitable for agriculture, which is why we must protect the farmland we have, especially in the face of an increasing population and a changing climate,” said Popham. “British Columbians want access to fresh food from local farmers. It’s time for the B.C. Liberal government to listen up and stop undermining the ALR.

The Auditor General’s report also notes that the B.C. Liberals have cut the budget for the Agricultural Land Commission by more than 28 percent since 2002.

The commission doesn’t have the resources it needs to ensure it fulfills its mandate of preserving productive farmland, let alone the staff to dedicate to enforcement and evaluation of the hundreds of applications that come to the commission every year.

If protecting our agricultural resources was important to the B.C. Liberals, they’d start by ensuring the commission had the resources it needs to protect the ALR.

Check out these media links for more information:

Let's Swarm the Legislature!

2010-09-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

The bees need your help!

Last year more than 90% of the honey-bees on the island died!

And what is worse, the provincial government's response has been to weaken the protections for our precious island bees.

Bee-keepers from across Vancouver Island ask you to join them for a rally:

Wednesday September 22nd at noon at the BC Legislature.

We are calling on the government to consult with island bee-keepers and strengthen the regulations.

This is about more than honey. Bees are critical pollinators, and without pollinators more than a third of our food plants will die.

We are asking everyone who supports local farming and food security to join us.

Visit islandbees.ca for more info.

Comments at ALC Meeting, Aug 30 2010

2010-09-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

Comments at public ALC hearing regarding Hudson's Bay Farm, August 30, 2010.

Hi, my name is Lana Popham, I’m the Agriculture Critic and the MLA for Saanich South.

Before I was elected, I worked on my farm for over a decade…while at the same time fighting for food security and sustainable food production.

I left a job that I loved and that inspired me every day to enter provincial politics and to take on the role as Agriculture Critic. A job that disappoints me every day…because I don’t understand why we have to fight for farming in British Columbia.

Building capacity for vehicles at all costs will never stop unless we stop doing it. Our quality of life will continue to decrease as we increase the capacity for vehicles. To remove productive agricultural land to make room for cars is unacceptable.

The ALR was put in place to protect our food growing capacity. Without it we would see little to no farming in this area [Langley] and we wouldn’t be here tonight fighting for the Hudson’s Bay Farm. Because it wouldn’t exist.

Why was this land so important back when the ALR was created but not now? It’s because the creators of the ALR - like Harold Steves - looked at our future with unselfish eyes. Agriculture has seen the lowest level ever in BC history in the past provincial budget. And that includes the budget for the ALC.

Agriculture and food production are the lowest priority for the BC government and vehicles and carbon-emitting modes of transportation are one of the highest. With this equation, It’s hard to see when these types of proposals will stop.

At a time when we know climate change will affect our ability to source food, we don’t have a made-in-BC food security plan. We seem to be setting ourselves up to be absolutely dependent on imported goods. Why? We have so much potential. The BC food self-sufficiency study that the government produced – showing that we need to increase our food producing capacity – was shelved. We have a BC Agriculture Plan, but we can’t use it because the Ministry is under-funded.

Without a plan, will we end up developing every last acre of farmland? Decisions like the one that is before us tonight, the decision to split up this valuable farm, has far-reaching implications that must be seriously considered. We have a responsibility to our future generations to ensure that we have food security in this region and Hudson’s Bay Farm is part of the solution.

We need to look at these problems with the same eyes that the creator of the ALR used. I want the ALC to fulfill its mandate to preserve farmland and not to take away our ability to feed ourselves.

My final point is a question: what is the end-game? What is the final outcome that we expect from chopping up farmland to make room for vehicles?

It is about our future survival or is it about a short-sighted plan that is unsustainable and irreversible.

-
Link to Langley Times news article on the ALC meeting.

Bees! Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em,

2010-07-31T03:28:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of people up and down Vancouver Island are speaking out about... bees!

As you know, bees are pollinators and without pollinators a third of our food plants can’t reproduce naturally.

There is a crisis right now on Vancouver Island: last year, 90% of the honey-bees on the island died. We aren't sure why, but the provincial government is making the situation worse by a recent change which allows people to import hives from the mainland. There had been a 22-year old quarantine in effect which protected us from the even worse situation (diseases and pests) facing bee-keepers off the island. But that has been lifted in error and we now need your help before the situation gets any worse.

Almost every single bee-keeper on the island agrees that the Agriculture Minister's actions are worsening the situation for honey-bees on the island. You can read many of their comments by clicking here.

Please help by taking a few minutes to write a letter to your Mayor and Council. This is, in part, an island issue, and so we need our municipal leaders to take action.

Thank you,

Lana.

Quick Letter Writing Tips and Info
1. Find the mailing address for your Mayor. Click here for an up-to-date list of Mayors on Vancouver Island.(Note: the Mayor from Metchosin has already written an excellent letter.)
2. Address your letter to ‘Mayor and Council’.
3. Include a little personal information so they understand why this is important to you.
4. A very modest improvement would include a Motion asking the B.C. government to immediately halt the importation of used bee-keeping equipment and/or honeycomb.

If you want to be fancy, you can even take the time to c.c. the BC Minister of Agriculture, Steve Thomson. PO BOX 9120 STN PROV GOVT, Victoria, BC, V8W 9E2

Believe me, every single letter has big impact.

Lana.

The $1.8B agri engine

2010-06-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/abbynews/news/96692709.html

By Grant Granger - Abbotsford News
Published: June 18, 2010 4:00 PM
Updated: June 21, 2010 11:10 AM

David Hull couldn’t quite believe the numbers the computer spreadsheet was producing as he and Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce staff were punching in results from their survey on the economic impact of agriculture to Abbotsford.

“Hang on, hang on,” said the astonished executive director.

The survey, conducted jointly with the city and the provincial Ministry of Agriculture, said the industry generates $1.8 billion in economic activity annually in Abbotsford.

“It was a lot larger than we thought,” said Hull. “That’s a massive number in our town.”

And there were more impressive numbers:

The $1.8 billion is about 35 per cent of the city’s gross domestic product.

Primary agriculture produces in total revenues $20,400 per hectare, the highest in Canada, and three times more than that of the next most productive region, the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario.

Agriculture generates more than 11,300 jobs in Abbotsford, which is about 25 per cent of local private-sector jobs.

The average hourly wage per farm employee is $16.75, while the average annual salary in the agri-business is nearly $50,000.

There are more than 1,200 farms in Abbotsford

Hull said the city is the de facto hub of agriculture in the province. It’s more than just getting milk, picking berries and raising chickens because there are so many industries, industry organizations and government offices connected to agriculture that are based in Abbotsford.

The city is currently working on producing an agriculture strategy to help the industry grow even further.

“It does represent the very essence of what we do,” Jay Teichrob, the city’s economic development manager, told a chamber agriculture symposium Wednesday. “It drives the work in our city on a daily basis. It’s in our DNA.”

It’s why, Teichrob said, there’s a concentration on densifying the city core at the same time as protecting the 74 per cent of the land that’s inside the Agriculture Land Reserve.

“We want to be a sustainable community. We don’t want to be a bedroom community to anyone else,” said Teichrob.

Our Bees Deserve Better!

2010-05-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today in the Legislature I made a two minute statement about the `Day of the Honeybee`.

As you know, the government recently ended a twenty-two year old quarantine on importing bees from the mainland, and did so without consulting local bee-keeping communities and associations.

During Question Period, I raised the issue directly with the Minister responsible, asking him to pull back from this short-sighted decision and provide the protections our island honey bees desperately need.

More information is available on my website, islandbees.ca

You can watch both videos below, transcripts follow.

"Day of the Honey Bee" - Two-Minute Statement in the Legislature

Honey Bees in Question Period, May 27, 2010

--

HANSARD: ROLE OF HONEYBEES IN AGRICULTURE
L. Popham: May 29 has been proclaimed the Day of the Honeybee in British Columbia. Honeybees are a big part of our pollinator population and play a critical role in the production of many B.C. crops. In fact, much of B.C.'s agricultural production is dependent on honeybee pollination. Without them, our food systems will fail.

Our proclamation was signed recently, and within our proclamation, the virtues of B.C. bees as well as the threats they face were brought to light:

"Whereas the honeybee has, through its role as pollinator, been an important part of agricultural efforts since ancient times; and whereas the honeybee plays an essential role in the success of agricultural enterprises in British Columbia; and whereas the honeybee has been under serious threat due to disease and environmental conditions that ultimately threaten the future of agriculture in our province; and whereas the government of British Columbia has worked with the agriculture industry to improve production and the honeybee has been under serious threat due to disease and environmental conditions that ultimately threaten the future of agriculture in our province. Whereas the government of British Columbia has worked with the agriculture industry to improve production and stabilize the industry. Whereas it is in the interest of furthering that goal to raise awareness of the role of the honeybee and the plight it faces."

In early May, a 22-year-old policy restricting the importation of bees to Vancouver Island was lifted. This significant decision is of grave concern to the Vancouver Island bee-keeping sector. Bee keepers are especially concerned because last winter on Vancouver Island almost 90 percent of honeybees died, largely because of the varroa mite which was introduced to island hives when an individual contravened our island quarantine.

I am wondering, given recent decisions, if the day of the honeybee will become a day of memorial for honeybees on Vancouver Island in our near future.

HANSARD: TRANSCRIPT FROM QUESTION PERIOD
L. Popham: Beekeepers on Vancouver Island are reeling from a recent decision to change the policy around the import of bees to Vancouver Island from the mainland — a policy that has been in place for 22 years. This was done without consultation, and the results may be devastating to our bee industry. The test results, which were the basis for the government to lift the quarantine, are not being made public.

Will the Minister of Agriculture commit today to listen to all island beekeepers and ensure that there will be no honeycomb and no used equipment brought onto the Island from the Lower Mainland?

Hon. S. Thomson: The member opposite is aware that we've equalized the restriction for imported bees onto Vancouver Island with federal standards. Vancouver Island beekeepers were able to import bees from Australia and from Chile before. We've equalized those standards with federal standards so that they can import bees from the Lower Mainland, providing those opportunities for the Vancouver Island bee producers.

I'm fully aware of the concerns of Vancouver Island. The member opposite knows that I've met with the presidents of the associations. For bees to come onto Vancouver Island, they require inspection, and they require a permit. We've committed to continue to work with the associations to make sure the inspection protocols are in place so that we can protect the health of the Vancouver Island bee population.

Mr. Speaker: The member has a supplemental.

L. Popham: I understand that the minister has met with the local Island bee clubs, and so have I. It's not the bees that are a problem and that they're worried about. They're worried about the honeycomb and the used equipment. The minister has been claiming that there is science to back up the decision that was made. If he believes this is true, then there should be nothing to hide. Will he commit today to release the provincial test results to the Island beekeepers?

Hon. S. Thomson: I have met with the presidents of the associations, and I've committed to continue to meet with them. As I said, it requires inspection. It requires permit for bees to come on to Vancouver Island. We're going to continue to work with the associations around the inspection protocols to make sure that we protect the health of the Vancouver Island bee population.

Coming from the agriculture industry, I understand the importance of the bee industry to both the agriculture industry and to value-added production for small-scale farms on Vancouver Island and in British Columbia. We'll continue to work with the association to make sure that those inspection protocols and those permits are in place to protect the health of the Vancouver Island bee population.

http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/39th2nd/H00527y.htm

Anger, relief at new B.C. meat-slaughter regulations

2010-05-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

Producers in three remote regions can conduct 'farm-gate' sales to consumers

By Glenda Luymes, The Province May 6, 2010 7:31 AM

http://www.theprovince.com/health/Anger+relief+meat+regulations/2993377/story.html

The provincial government is making it easier for farmers in remote communities to sell meat at the farm gate, while those in the Fraser Valley must continue to find innovative ways to sell direct to consumers.

Recent changes to B.C.'s meat-inspection regulations now allow farmers in three remote regions — Bella Coola, Haida Gwaii and the Powell River Regional District — to obtain a licence to kill a limited number of livestock on site and then sell them to consumers in their region.

Elsewhere in the province, animals must be sent to a government-inspected slaughterhouse.

The new rules have met with both relief and criticism in an industry still struggling to deal with changes brought on by the mad-cow crisis.

"It's a ridiculous piece of nonsense," mobile-abattoir owner Lars Jongerdon said Tuesday.

The former executive chef left Vancouver to homestead near Fort St. John several years ago. When the mad-cow crisis led the province to require all meat for human consumption to go through a licensed slaughterhouse, he responded with B.C.'s first mobile abattoir.

The $400,000 machine is designed to travel to remote regions, giving farmers a butchering option that doesn't involve driving hours to the nearest facility. An on-site inspector ensures food safety.

"We've spent the money to build this, to respond to what the government said farmers needed, and now we're going to be left with egg on our faces," said Jongerdon. "You can't have one set of rules for one person and another set of rules for another."

Farmers in northern B.C. also continue to feel the effects of the changing regulations. Some have formed co-operatives, sinking hundreds of thousands of dollars into abattoirs and meat-processing plants that only operate a few times a year and continue to accumulate debt. A clause in the new regulations says farmers within 100 kilometres of a licensed slaughterhouse or mobile abattoir can't receive a licence to do their own butchering.

NDP agriculture critic Lana Popham said the government's "mishandling" of the regulations has led to turmoil in the industry, pitting producers against processors.

"The regulations have failed in all aspects," she said Wednesday. "The government says this ensures food safety, but we don't see people getting sick from farm-gate sales."

Popham urged the government to take advantage of a consumer demand for local products.

"That's what's going to make or break agriculture in this province and we should be embracing it."

Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport, said the licences will protect food safety while adding stability for licensed facilities, with ticketing by local health authorities to ensure farmers' compliance.

"The province is recognizing the importance of existing provincially licensed facilities and the investment they have made to comply with the regulation," she said in a statement.

Queen Charlotte Islands veterinarian and rancher Don Richardson called the new regulations "a breath of fresh air." Since the government began requiring animals to be killed at licensed facilities, he's had to make a 20-hour trip, including a ferry crossing, to bring his cows to the nearest slaughterhouse.

"It's a ridiculous amount of cost and time," he said.

In the Fraser Valley, farmers don't have to make a long trip to have their animals killed.

Chilliwack organic farmer Mary Forstbauer sells her meat at farmers' markets after it's returned from a nearby slaughterhouse. While she supports the new regulations for farmers in remote regions, she's content to bring her animals to a government-inspected facility.

"It's close by, so it's not a real hardship," she said.

"I don't know that we should relax the rules all over. Some of the people we meet at the farmers' markets want to know that their meat has gone through a facility."

gluymes@theprovince.com

http://www.theprovince.com/health/Anger+relief+meat+regulations/2993377/story.html

Private Member's Motion in the Legislature: We need a food security plan for BC!

2010-04-19T15:16:00.001-07:00

We need a made-in-B.C. food security plan right now.

If you can see this then sorry but your browser does not support inline frames.

Private Member's Motion, April 19, 2010.

If the video isn't available above, click here.

Private Members' Motions

FOOD SECURITY
AND PRODUCTION PLAN FOR B.C.

L. Popham: I move:

Be it resolved that this House debate and discuss a made in BC food security and production plan.

What is a food security plan? A food security plan refers to the availability of food, one's access to it and a comprehensive plan to make sure these things are addressed. The necessity of having such a plan is becoming more crucial year by year, as we understand the effects of climate change on agricultural capacity around the world.

In B.C. we have been neglecting our food security plan because we have had easy access to imported food. As a result, up to this point we have almost abandoned our potential for self-sufficiency. We are becoming more and more reliant on imports.

The places we are importing from are regions that will be first affected by the devastating impacts of climate change. In fact, we see this happening already. We see California facing water shortages, the salinity issue. We see Florida wrestling with temperature fluctuations that destroy their crops. In other areas of the world we are seeing extreme weather as well.

B.C. is not immune to climate change effects, but we have resilience, given our diverse topographies. This doesn't mean, however, that we have the luxury of sitting back and doing nothing. We should be taking the time to develop a made-in-B.C. food security and production plan.

The government released a study in 2006 called B.C.'s Food Self-Reliance. The goal of this study was to get a perspective on total food production and food self-reliance using farm-gate production values. There was an interesting disclaimer at the beginning of this report which states that this "report is an information piece and does not necessarily represent current or future policy direction."

It continues to establish that "the statistical data in the report is factual and will be used to develop benchmarks for further research and study." This disclaimer is relevant to my motion, because there is information in this report that leads me to question why the B.C. government is not fully committed to making sure B.C. has a food security plan in place.

Sustainable B.C. is a vision of our province. As B.C. politicians, we need to be dedicated to building a sustainable society that nurtures us, and food security is a large part of that vision. Healthful food for consumers and increased local and provincial food self-sufficiency are essential for a sustainable society. This requires a protected agricultural land base, environmentally sustainable farm practices and economic viability for B.C. food producers.

To produce a healthy diet for the projected B.C. population in 2025, B.C. farmers will need to have 2.78 million hectares in production, of which 281,000 will need access to irrigation. This means that to produce a healthy diet for B.C. in 2025, given existing production technology, the farmland with access to irrigation will have to increase by 92,000 hectares, or 49 percent over the 2005 levels. That's one of the undisputed facts from the report that this government released.

Where should we look for leadership, and what ministry should we work with in order to make a food security plan a reality here in B.C.? We could look at our communities, we could look at our grass-roots organizations, and we could look at our consumers for leadership. They are demanding more priority be put on local food production.

It seems we cannot look at the current government. This government fails to make food production a priority, even though they commissioned a study to prove it was critical for British Columbia. The budget for agriculture in B.C. has dropped year after year, and it's at a level now that I believe makes the Ministry of Agriculture ineffective. When we look at a massive decision in our province that we are facing right now — all decisions — we need to continually visit our food security situation as a province. A decision to take away most fertile land at a time when the facts tell us we need to add to our land base works against the idea of food security.

When will food security be a priority? Sadly, food security around the world becomes important when food supplies are not secure and access to food is threatened. The B.C. government has an opportunity to plan for our future, and this should be a future where food security is not in doubt. We need a made-in-B.C. food security plan right now.

http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/39th2nd/H00419x.htm

Century loses appeal on Southlands assessment Entire Tsawwassen property classified as residential

2010-03-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

The Delta Optimist

By Sandor Gyarmati

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Even though it's zoned agricultural and some people insist it remain as farmland, the entire Southlands property has been classified as residential by the B.C. Assessment Authority.

Concerned about a massive tax wallop, Century Group president Sean Hodgins said last week he's been put in a difficult position after losing an appeal of an earlier decision by the assessment authority.

Part of the property bordered by 56th Street and Boundary Bay Road had already been classified as residential but this year about 200 acres that had previously been classified as farmland lost that classification, said Hodgins.

"All the forested areas were being taxed residential and I kind of got over that, but we're farming some of it but lost the farm assessment. I am reeling from this right now," said Hodgins.

"Some people are telling me I should just farm it. Well, we are farming it and yet we're taxed residential," he said.

The Tsawwassen property has been zoned agriculture by Delta since the early 1990s and it's currently in Metro Vancouver's Green Zone, but it's long been out of the Agricultural Land Reserve.

"This is the dichotomy, this is the contradiction, that I have to work through in owning this property," said Hodgins.

The assessment authority's reclassifying the property as residential comes as the Tsawwassen Area Plan Committee considers the future of the site.

The Century Group is proposing to build 1,900 housing units on the Southlands following the modern concepts of new urbanism. Forty-two per cent (about 200 acres) of the land would be dedicated to urban agriculture. The agricultural land, which would undergo work to improve the soil quality, would be given to Delta.

The proposal also includes a post-secondary institute focused on sustainable agriculture, in partnership with Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

On another front regarding the property, a resident recently sent the Optimist several photos of a gravel road built on the Southlands, and asked whether it was a prelude to development. Reiterating that some farming activity does take place, Hodgins, who also lives on the Southlands, said he had a separate access road built so trucks and farming equipment would stop using his home's driveway.

© The Delta Optimist 2010

Letter To the Editor - Lana Popham

2010-03-17T14:27:00.001-07:00

The Okanagan is a place where people understand that food is an ingredient in the recipe of history, of culture, and of community. Food is the social glue that holds families and societies together.

Yet, despite the importance of local agriculture, orchardists are sounding the alarm. Like many other farmers, orchardists are having an increasingly hard time making ends meet. Without strong, decisive action from all partners, particularly our provincial government, we could lose this culturally significant and economically important industry.

It doesn't need to be this way. We could save money while helping local farmers if we allowed ourselves to think creatively.

For instance, if our health authorities bought as much food as possible directly from local producers at a fair price – cutting out the middle man -- we could save money on hospital food costs, while farmers could get a fair price for their product. Buying bulk, directly from producers of all products from fruit to pharmaceuticals is a common sense way to contain costs in our health system.

Here in British Columbia we produce less food than we consume. The fact that orchardists are getting ready to quit the industry shows that we are not maximizing opportunities in our own market.

It's not just orchardists -- ranchers are in a similar predicament. B.C. produces less beef than our population consumes, yet ranchers can't make a buck on the hoof.

The problem isn't with our local agri-food businesses -- they're run just as well run as those in other jurisdictions. They've made tough decisions, worked to contain costs, and consolidated operations; closed packing-houses are evidence of that. What is missing is a provincial government that works to maximize opportunities for local producers to connect with local consumers.

For nine years the B.C. Liberal government has been missing in action after mothballing Buy B.C., a successful provincial branding initiative that put B.C. produce front and centre in the places where consumers buy food.

Government dollars are not a cure all for any industry, but the Buy B.C. program is a perfect example of how small, smart investments can boost industry, create jobs and preserve the unique heritage that makes our province special.

On average, Buy B.C. cost less than 1.5 million dollars a year, which is pocket-change for a government that spent nearly a million dollars on Olympic tickets for B.C. Liberal MLAs and their friends. This branding program is just the sort of smart, targeted investment that can help our agriculture sector thrive. It was short-sighted to cut this efficient and popular program, especially when we need to produce more food.

Farmers in the Okanagan know first-hand about the devastating impact that lack of water has on food production, yet too much food on our dinner table comes from water-starved California. As gas prices go up and water becomes increasingly hard to find, producing local food for our families will only become more important.

British Columbians are increasingly looking for B.C. food, for its environmental and health benefits. In the province that birthed the 100 mile diet, the demand for local food has never been higher.

Yet our government cut investment in agriculture by 27 per cent last year, despite evidence that eating locally is good for the environment and good for the economy.

We still have the opportunity to protect local agriculture by making common sense decisions – reducing red tape where it exists, and finding ways to open up new opportunities for farmers to sell directly to consumers. Farmers deserve to get paid more than $6 for a box of apples that we buy for $40.

It’s time for the B.C. Liberal government to stop taking local agriculture for granted, and start building bridges between farmers and consumers. It’s the right thing to do for our communities, our economy and our environment.

Apple growers state case to minister

2010-03-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Black Press

Growers state case to minister

Published: March 16, 2010 6:00 PM
Okanagan orchardists have outlined a game plan to try and escape financial disaster.

During a meeting last week with Agriculture Minister Steve Thomson, the B.C. Fruit Growers demanded Victoria provide apple growers with $10 million and initiate a claim to a provincial/federal insurance program because of extraordinary conditions.

“We laid out the case of where the industry is at,” said Joe Sardinha, BCFGA president.

The average price for all apple varieties is 13 cents a pound while the cost of production is 22.5 cents.

“While there is the AgriStability program, it will only cover 15 to 30 per cent of the grower losses for the 2009 crop,” said Sardinha. “And from 2008, there are growers who still haven’t received anything from the program.”

Sardinha says some growers are already unable to cover their expenses.

“It will be difficult for growers to find the resources to grow this year’s crop which will just compound the problem.”

While it’s possible the Ministry of Agriculture will apply to the provincial/federal AgriRecovery program for assistance, it’s unknown whether the $10 million will materialize.

“The minister made it clear that things are very challenging. His ministry received a $5 million reduction in the budget and next year, they’re proposing a $7 million cut,” said Sardinha. “It doesn’t bode well, but the question to ask is: is the industry important enough in the Okanagan for the government to support?”

Sardinha and Thomson also spoke about long-term initiatives that could be taken to improve the plight of orchardists including possible trade action against counties that dump apples in Canada and establishing a marketing board to retrieve the cost of production.

The BCFGA has asked Thomson to respond to its requests within a week to 10 days.

“They have several things in front of them to consider and we’ll have to wait and see what happens,” said Sardinha.

NDP support future Northwest Meat Co-op plans

2010-03-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Houston Today

By Rikki Schierer - Houston Today

Published: March 15, 2010 5:00 AM

Future plans for the Northwest Premium Meat Co-operative (Co-op) will have NDP support as they seek to refinance to move forward, Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson said.

Donaldson was quick to arrange a meeting with Co-op board member Harold Kerr to discuss the Co-op, which was also attended by Carole James, Leader of the Official Opposition and Lana Popham, agriculture critic.

“I was happy that that took place because it gave Carol and Lana a good briefing and are up to speed on the meat Co-op,” Donaldson said. “We’ve heard from Harold the optimism around the potential support.”

Particularly, Donaldson added, in the form of a $900,000 loan from Farm Credit Canada. However this loan has certain contingencies, one of which is the conversion of a loan from Northern Develop Initiative (NDI) Trust provided into an equity position.

“Preferred shares in the Co-op in other words,” Donaldson said. “So I’ll be actively supporting [that] and and I’ll be writing letters and phoning NDI to see if we can encourage them to do that.”

Keeping the Co-op is vitally important for the Northwest, he added.

“The Co-op facilities are very important for local livestock producers from Vanderhoof to the Queen Charlottes,” Donaldson said. “It’s about supporting a local economy and providing more choice for consumers in the area — the option to purchase locally produced and slaughtered meats in retail outlets processed by a licensed facility.”

Regulations are killing small farmers' profits.

2010-03-11T14:30:00.000-08:00

Lambs to Slaughter

Salt Spring Island lamb is legendary. And has never been more threatened.
By: By Joanne Will, 11 March 2010, TheTyee.ca
View full article and comments: http://thetyee.ca/Life/2010/03/11/LambsToSlaughter/

Regulations are killing small farmers' profits.

My dad and I are travelling the 13-kilometre road that winds from Fulford Harbour to Ganges on Salt Spring Island. He's telling me about the summer of 1970, when he first arrived to work as a mate on the island ferry system. He soon found that living anywhere outside Ganges village meant considering the choir of island sheep. It was a stark contrast from his downtown Toronto life. While he talks, my eyes are scouring the pastoral landscape, but I can't spot a single ewe.
In 2004, the island produced 2,342 lambs, and longtime residents were already worrying about the low numbers. By 2008, the tally was 44 per cent lower -- a drop of more than 1,000 lambs in five years.
Every islander has a different theory about what makes Salt Spring lamb special: pampered care, salt air, gentle climate, heritage breeds, or wild forage such as ferns, salal, Oregon-grape and blackberries. Some say it has an unusually hard fat consistency, making for meat that is firm and yet rich, lean and yet full of flavour. What it all seems to come down to is terroir, or the unique landscape and culture of a place.
"Salt Spring lamb is a really good example," says Brian Brett, the author of the award-winning Trauma Farm, a memoir of his 18 years of Salt Spring farming. "It's built into its environment, keeps the land moving and alive and fertilized, and creates that circular, local, living community. And what they're doing is taking the community out of our food and turning it into an industrial focus."
Small-scale farms, large-scale rules
Sheep arrived on Salt Spring soon after the first European settlers. Sheep were an obvious choice to early farmers, given that much of the island is better for ranging animals than it is for producing crops. An 1874 agricultural survey recorded the Pimbury brothers as the first sheep ranch, with 350 lambs. By 1895, Rev. E.F. Wilson could report a number of acreages with large herds. "A farm on the Pacific coast may, perhaps, not yield its owner a fortune," Wilson writes, "but it will at any rate enable him to make a living and bring up his family with comparative ease and comfort."
For at least a century, locals and visitors have made a tradition of hitting the farm stands and gathering their groceries as they go. While island farmland has been steadily eroded by housing developments and new generations of property owners uninterested in agriculture, the biggest hit against Salt Spring lamb came in 2004, when changes in provincial meat regulations began to bring farm-gate sales under the same rules as large agri-business producers. For years, islanders slaughtered their own animals or took them to local farmers who specialized in butchering. Since 2007, farmers in rural B.C. who wish to sell meat to their neighbours, as they've always done, now must have those animals slaughtered at a government-inspected facility. Places like Salt Spring and Haida Gwaii are among the hardest hit because they have no easy access to provincially approved facilities. The nearest abattoir for Salt Spring farmers is a ferry ride and well over 100 kilometres' drive away -- in Metchosin, on Vancouver Island.
As I talk to Sandy Robley, who has been farming on Salt Spring for 26 years, she's bottle-feeding a black sheep born the night before and rejected, so far, by its mother. Another long-legged lamb is following her around, bleating at the top of its baby lungs. Out in the front yard, two sheep stand together. One of them, named Nya, is a former PNE queen. Both are now in their teens, well into sheep retirement, and have been spared from the dinner plate. "When they give you that much good service, you want to look after them in their old age," says Robley.
"The problem is time and cost," she says, turning to the issue of the new regulations. The farmer has to make two trips off the island -- one to deliver the livestock and another to pick up the cut and wrapped meat. Another problem kicks in at the abattoir. "Lamb is seasonal. What happens is the plants are overbooked, and because there's not enough of them, and everyone wants their lambs done at the same time, they're looking after them longer and waiting for a spot, so costs are up there, too."
Robley now ships lambs from her 100- to 150-head Sunset Farm to a Vancouver Island slaughterhouse every two weeks in the summer. She still sells 100 per cent of her lamb meat at her farm-gate store or to island restaurants, but adds that it's now her sheep's-wool products -- not the famous lamb -- that keep her operation afloat. She's making a living, but sees the regulations as an unnecessary hardship.
"Psychologically, maybe it's helped people to say their meat is inspected," says Robley. "But no one ever got sick from eating [Salt Spring] lamb."
Many smaller-scale sheep farmers have given up altogether. Brian Brett keeps anywhere from six to a dozen lambs, and, with no truck of his own for hauling, must send his animals to slaughter with other farmers. At roughly $140 per animal in transportation and processing fees, he says, there's no profit in it. Others simply do not want their lovingly cared-for animals to suffer the stress of long-distance travel and industrial slaughter.
"They'll tell you how they're doing the best scientific things and saving everybody. What they're doing is destroying food by narrowing its range," says Brett. "They're increasing the large-scale dangers in order to defeat the small-scale dangers."
Safety in (low) numbers
Last fall, Nicholas Simons, the MLA for Powell River and the Sunshine Coast, submitted a private member's bill to amend the slaughter regulations, but it was never debated in legislature. Neither, in fact, were the controversial new rules themselves -- because they are regulations added under existing legislation, they didn't have to be.
"People I talk to feel the safest, feel the healthiest, and feel they're supporting their community when they're buying local food, and being told they're not allowed to and that supply will no longer be available -- people are rightfully upset about that," says Simons.
Government officials and agri-business advocates cite outbreaks of illnesses such as mad cow disease and listeria as a major instigator of the change in regulations. Rory McAlpine was B.C.'s deputy minister of agriculture when the regulations were introduced and is now vice-president of government and industry relations for Maple Leaf Foods; his own son became ill from eating bologna his company produced in 2008, when listeria spread through Maple Leaf's processing facilities in Toronto. He has since argued in favour of similar regulatory changes in Manitoba, stating that "pathogens do not respect jurisdictional boundaries."
This may be true in large plants (Maple Leaf's weekly limit at their Brandon, Manitoba, pork-processing facility was raised from 75,000 to 86,000 hogs last year), but it's precisely the reason small farmers say that their meat is safer. Of the seven Salt Spring farmers interviewed for this story, none could recall a single case of food-borne illness from local lamb. If disease had struck, they say, the number of people affected would have been small and the problem easy to trace to its source. In the factory farm system, as one farmer put it, "Instead of a half dozen people getting sick at a family picnic, you now have 7 million pounds of meat go out in one day."
Local, organic, and inspection-free?
Over on Saturna Island, which has just 300 permanent residents, Jacques (pronounced "Jackie") Campbell has found a way to live with the new rules. Her family managed to upgrade their existing slaughter facility at a cost of approximately $120,000, but she isn't complaining. She says government officials were helpful, even kicking in a $50,000 reimbursement.
Campbell's parents settled on Saturna in the 1940s and built their slaughterhouse the following decade. "They both had agriculture degrees from UBC, and when it came time to build a slaughterhouse, they made sure they did it right," she says, adding that the upgrade was fairly straightforward. Still, Campbell now has to book in advance to have an inspector from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency present for all slaughters at her facility, which happen almost weekly from the end of June to December. Since the upgrade, Campbell has begun to slaughter lambs from neighbouring islands Pender and Prevost.
"It's too bad on Salt Spring they weren't able to seize the opportunity," she says.
A study commissioned by several Gulf Islands farmers' groups found that it would take $500,000 to build a government-approved slaughterhouse on Salt Spring, though others put the figure at closer to $1 million once the cost of acquiring the land base is factored in. An alternative solution is a mobile abattoir, estimated at $300,000. (One such operation exists in the province -- Gate To Plate Food Services, based in Fort St. John.) Others propose a two-tier system with more monitoring of traditional slaughter facilities, perhaps even by camera, without the need to change the essence of small farming in the ways demanded by the industrial system.
"I think we can have a system that at least allows both varieties to go," says Brett. "There's got to be a kind of buyer-beware that can happen, but it's up to you to make the decisions with the food that you eat. If you want to buy meat off one of the local farmers who's got a little butchery in his basement and a cooler, you should have the right to do that, fully knowing it's uninspected meat."
There's already a celebrated example, he adds, after a clash between locals and government health inspectors over eggs at the Ganges farmers' market. "Since the big Salt Spring egg wars, we put a sign on them telling people these are organic, home range, not inspected by any government bureaucrat -- you make the decision if you want to buy those eggs," says Brett, laughing. "I tell you, they line up a mile deep for those eggs."
Good to the last bite
Back in Vancouver, I cook the lamb chops I bought at Sandy Robley's farm under the broiler, just as she instructed when we talked next to the pot-bellied fireplace in her farm-gate store.
I'm thinking about the way she handled her herd, the way she talked with and doted on her sheep. The meat is so succulent, I drop my knife and fork and pick up a chop with my hands. I'm not sure whether I'm detecting salal, fern, or Oregon-grape in the flavour -- but I'm certain I can taste the salt air, and a century of Salt Spring tradition.
Vancouver-based journalist Joanne Will co-wrote the Eat Your History series with Jeff Nield. The series, guest edited by 100-Mile Diet co-creator James MacKinnon and made possible with support from FarmFolk/CityFolk, ends (for now at least) with this article.

Media Monitoring.....CHNL Kamloops

2010-03-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Media Monitoring – Radio

Lana Popham wants Steve Thomson to bring back the Buy BC program – CHNL –10:00 AM February 11th, 2010

Announcer: The NDP Agriculture critic Lana Popham has a message of harsh criticism for the Liberal government over what she calls a lack of action to save the B.C. ranching business. At a meeting of Kamloops ranchers Popham says the government should bring back the Buy BC program to help those who are struggling.

Lana Popham: The self-sufficiency reports that the government put out in 2006 that show we are consuming way more beef than we are producing here. So that to me is the start of the equation. Why are we not marketing this product to our own consumers? The lower mainland is growing at an alarming rate. There’s eaters down there that we need to marry with these ranchers.

Announcer: Popham says even the Minister of Agriculture admits the Buy BC program is one of the tools available to save the industry.

Local MLAs lock horns over budget

2010-03-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

Published: March 06, 2010 10:00 PM
Updated: March 08, 2010 6:51 AM

Saanich's provincial politicians are predictably playing ping-pong.

In the wake of last week's provincial budget, Saanich's oppoition NDP MLAs were quick to take aim at the government's cost-cutting measures.

Rob Fleming, NDP MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake and his party's environment critic, worries about further cuts to the Environment Ministry budget. After 2010-11, the budget will drop by three per cent in each of the following two years and that will have an effect in the Capital Region.

"When the ministry is so bare bones and understaffed already, anything that requires MOE signoff, including real estate developments and clean site certificates, (further cuts) can slow things down even more," Fleming said.

He added that B.C. Parks continues to take a hit.

"The parks budget has never been lower," he said. "We've never had fewer park rangers and conservation officers in B.C. parks. It's amazing that they're still cutting (that budget) …"

Saanich South NDP MLA Lana Popham also stepped into her critic's role, blasting cuts at the ministry of agriculture.

"The ministry budget is decreasing by about four per cent annually, some programs by more than this, reflecting a slow, but steady decline in Liberal commitment to agriculture in B.C.," she said.

Popham said the cuts are ironic given the government's frequent use of the phrase"'the cupboard is bare" to describe its finances.

"All of that translates for me as: what about our food system in B.C.? Why is that never a consideration?"

While her political rivals were critical of the cuts, Oak Bay-Gordon Head Liberal MLA Ida Chong said the government isn't going to try to spend its way out of the recession.

"It's easy to increase deficits and keep spending more but that's not gong to be very good for your children or grandchildren."

She pinpointed all day kindergarten and benefits to grandparents looking after their children as specific benefits for families.

"It's a way to keep families together because at the end of the day it's not about the incentives or dollars as much as it is about that the program will provide the opportunity for families and extended families to be together as opposed to (having people) in the care of government."

She doesn't agree with those who say this year's budget is a "gimmick" budget.

"Clearly they're not looking at it from the perspective of the fact that we've come through this global economic recession, that we need to stay the course in terms of fiscal discipline and that we have targets that we are going to meet."

Chong said the budget -- with a $2.8-billion deficit -- will allow the government to reduce future deficits and reach a balanced budget by 2013.

Liberals Abandon Farmers

2010-03-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

NDP: Liberals abandon farmers
Thu, 2010-03-04 10:58.
Local News
The provincial NDP says this week's provincial budget is proof that the government has turned it's back on farmers.

Agriculture Critic Lana Popham says even though orchardists and ranchers have sounded the alarm, the budget promises no new investment in farming.

Popham says with the budget for agriculture cut 25% last year and 4% this year, BC invests less in the industry than any other province.

Critic Response to the Budget - Hansard Official Report

2010-03-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

I would like to address agriculture in our province. I am astounded by this government's lack of support for agriculture in a time when we need food security in B.C. This is not fluff and glitter. This is critical to our survival.

We have had the Premier's pal Arnold Schwarzenegger telling us that the world, as far as agriculture goes in California, is in really big trouble. Their groundwater is mixing with salt water, making it poisonous to irrigate the crops. No crops, no food and no exports into B.C.

The lack of support for agriculture is irresponsible. Not only is it abandoning our potentially strong economic driver in our province, it is also setting us up for

failure when we must turn to our province for sustenance. With another 4 percent cut to agriculture in this budget, it's obvious that this government has no plan for our future. They are setting us up to starve.

For the past decade this government has been chipping away at the agricultural land reserve. We see 14 percent cuts to the Agricultural Land Commission coming down the pipe over the next two years. Acre by acre, we've seen one of the most successful land use planning initiatives in the history of our province become relegated to the status of a dwindling bank account to be drawn upon at a whim yet never replenished. At the same time, they have pulled support for farmers — two more strikes against this government.

This government has failed to support agriculture time and time again. I'm not alone in my thinking. Just ask the fruit growers in this province or the cattle ranchers. Time and time again they have warned us about their demise, and the government's response is to cut the budget.

No better example demonstrates this government's agricultural malaise than the halting of the Buy B.C. program in 2001. Shortly before its demise there were over 1,200 companies and associations using the Buy B.C. logo in their advertising and promotional materials — over 5,000 Buy B.C. products identified at major grocery retailers throughout the province. Buy B.C. supported a critical industry that directly served the economic and physical health and well-being of our province.

The Minister of Agriculture has confirmed his belief that this government ought to bring back Buy B.C. Yet there was not one single mention of this program in the budget speech. In fact, it might as well be called the goodbye B.C. program.

2010 Budget Says Goodbye to BC Agriculture

2010-03-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

March 3, 2010

VICTORIA- Yesterday's provincial budget is yet more proof that B.C. Liberal MLAs from places like 100 Mile, Kelowna, Kamloops and the Kootenays continue to fail farming communities, says New Democrat agriculture critic Lana Popham.

"The B.C. Liberal agriculture minister claimed he wanted to reintroduce Buy B.C., but all I see is goodbye B.C. agriculture in this budget," said Popham. "Orchardists and ranchers have sounded the alarm, businesses are shutting down and the B.C. Liberals offered nothing, not even an apology, for a budget that promises no new investment in this vital industry."

The Ministry of Agriculture was cut by more than 25 per cent last year and it is being cut by a further four per cent this year and next. British Columbia already invests less in agriculture than any other province in Canada.

"Yesterday's budget offered nothing new for the farming community in British Columbia," said Popham. "There is nothing, no fresh ideas, no solutions for an industry on the brink."

This year's B.C. Liberal budget and throne speech didn't offer any new or expanded initiatives for the agriculture industry, noted Popham, despite the fact that a focus on farming would generate green jobs for the province.

Popham added that the budget proved that the government doesn't have a long-term strategy for economic growth as B.C. starts to emerge from the downturn.

"Yesterday's budget proved that the B.C. Liberals don't have any post-Olympics strategy to help create good-paying jobs and business opportunities. All they have to offer is cuts to economic drivers like tourism and agriculture, and a multi-billion dollar tax shift in the HST," said Popham.

Carole James and the New Democrats are committed to reinstating Buy B.C. and giving British Columbians the right to buy food directly from farmers.

Apple growers ask for assistance

2010-02-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

Summerland Review

Apple growers in Summerland say the market needs to change for their industry to remain viable.

Published: February 24, 2010 2:00 PM
Updated: February 24, 2010 2:41 PM

0 Comments Plagued by low prices, apple growers are asking for a little short-term and long-term help to make their industry viable once again.

“This is the second year in a row where we’re seeing very poor returns,” said Joe Sardinha, president of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association.

Last year, the year-end industry average price for apples was 16 cents a pound. This year, it is 10 to 13 cents a pound.

That isn’t enough, Sardinha said.

The costs of production on a replant block work out to 22.5 cents a pounds.

Sardinha said the apple industry in British Columbia has been declining in recent years.

“We’ve shrunk by 5,000 acres in the last 10 years,” he said. “Our viability is shrinking too.”

B.C.’s apple industry is worth $130 million a year in revenues, while cherries bring in another $25 to $30 million.

“I think we have a pretty significant identity that has to be preserved,” Sardinha said.

In the past, recent immigrants have been farming, but there are now aging farmers who are getting ready to sell.

Sardinha said the industry needs some help in the short term, as well as changes to help in the future.

“In the long term, we need a system that will get us the cost of production out of the market,” he said.

He said dairy, poultry and eggs are all produced on a supply managed system. The industry is able to produce enough to satisfy the Canadian market, with farmers and consumers both satisfied with the arrangement.

“If we have a marketing system where we can meet our needs from the market, then we don’t need subsidies,” he said.

At present, Canadian apple producers can grow half the apples consumed in the country.

With a controlled pricing system, Sardinha believes local fruit growers would be able to keep farming.

“Imports would have to meet a minimum pricing,” he said. “They could not undercut the amount paid to Canadian farmers.”

While he advocates for a change in the farm marketing system, he believes the consumers should also take an active role in supporting the B.C. apple industry.

“If consumers outright refuse to buy foreign product, that in turn will drive the demand,” he said.

Farmers' Market Nutrition & Coupon Project Cancelled Due to Lack of Funding

2010-02-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

Farmers' Market Nutrition & Coupon Project Cancelled Due to Lack of Funding

Vancouver, February 17, 2010

The BC Association of Farmers' Markets (BCAFM) regrets to announce that the successful Farmers' Market Nutrition & Coupon Project (FMNCP) will be cancelled for the 2010 season, due to lack of funding. A province wide initiative of the BCAFM, the FMNCP has brought dollars to local farmers & farmers' markets and supported close to 3000 low income families and children in accessing local, nutritious food since its inception in 2007.
"The FMNCP excites me. In the three years that BCAFM has offered this program we have had only positive feedback. This is a sign of success! Our partners want the program to continue. The BCAFM is still looking for a champion to fund the FMNCP. If you are interested or have any ideas please contact Elizabeth Quinn, BCAFM Manager to get more information." Mary Forstbauer, BCAFM President
An innovative project, the first of its kind in Canada, the FMNCP provided low-income families with children and low-income pregnant women coupons to access fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, dairy or fresh cut herbs at participating farmers' markets across BC. Participating families were actively participating in a designated cooking & skill building program, allowing families to develop & build knowledge and skill in the preparation of healthy, nutritious meals using fresh, local foods.
The FMNCP coupons brought families to their local farmers' market and created the opportunities for families and children to connect with the people growing and raising their food. The coupon dollars supported local farmers and farmers' markets, often creating new opportunities and growth. The FMNCP also supported cooking and skill building programs for low-income families and low-income pregnant women. This support allowed many programs to expand their programming and to reach more vulnerable community members.
The success of the FMNCP is evident in the 2009 season redemption rate of 94%, and the of growth the project. Starting with five communities in 2007, the FMNCP grew to 10 communities in 2008 and 16 communities in 2009. View a video of the Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Project at www.bcfarmersmarket.org/fmncp/video.htm.
"Thankful for the program! In really tight financial situations I have been able to feed my family! This program has saved us this summer!" 2009 FMNCP participant
"What a fantastic program!! It works for health, for income and for the farmers!" 2009 FMNCP participant
"The vendors are very pleased with what they are seeing happen at the Market. One long-time vendor pulled me aside at the end of this market day and said she was seeing people she knew buying vegetables for the first time. She was thrilled to see young people buying vegetables..." 2009 Market Manager
The BCAFM celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2010 and will continue to work on the core projects Market Safe, Market Manager Training and Board Governance Training. The BCAFM will re-evaluate the FMNCP as the economic climate shifts and more funds become available.
-30-
Contact:
Paula Luther, FMNCP Project Manager
cell:778-232-4782
coupon@bcfarmersmarket.org
Elizabeth Quinn, BCAFM Manager
604-734-9797
info@bcfarmersmarket.org
www.bcfarmersmarket.org/fmncp

Tough Times For Ranchers

2010-02-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

Kamloops This Week
Tough times for ranchers
By Jeremy Deutsch - Kamloops This Week

Published: February 11, 2010 11:00 AM
Updated: February 11, 2010 11:14 AM

By Jeremy Deutsch

STAFF REPORTER

jeremy@kamloopsthisweek.com

The decade may have changed, but the problems in the cattle industry remain.

The outlook for the struggling beef industry in 2010 doesn’t look all that much better than the last few years.

It’s a bleak forecast that brought dozens of ranchers from across the province to a panel discussion on Wednesday on the “current cattle industry meltdown,” hosted by the Kamloops Stockmen’s Association.

While CanFax, a national resource organization for the industry, is cautiously optimistic the cattle industry will begin to rebound this year, one local financial expert sees more uncertainty ahead for ranchers in 2010.

Peter Aarestad, BMO’s commercial banking area manager for Kamloops-Shuswap and South Cariboo, believes much of the factors that have crippled the industry, like the high Canadian dollar and a struggling U.S. economy, will remain for this year.

He said the reality will force some ranchers to make hard decisions on their future.

Aarestad said he’s seen files come across his desk from ranchers who have simply run out of money.

In BMO’s case, he said, the bank will support ranchers to help buy some time.

“At some point, you have a bigger wave in front of you than you can climb over,” he said.

Though he said it’s been years the since the bank foreclosed on a ranch, that could change if present conditions continue.

One idea to help the struggling industry that came out of the day-long discussion is to create a provincial beef-marketing board that would control production and set prices.

The NDP would like to see the government set up policies that move the industry back into the domestic market.

Lana Popham, the NDP’s agriculture critic, suggested the industry is set up to be vulnerable because it’s being sent into the international marketplace.

She noted the province is consuming more beef than what it produces.

“Why are we not marketing this product to our own consumers?” Popham asked.

She argued initiatives like Buy B.C., a program to promote agricultural products produced in the province — which was cut in 2005 — is just one tool that could be used to save the industry.