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Islands Edition
Regional Newsletter - July 2024
Introducing Foster Richardson –
The new Agricultural Water Resource Consultant
In recent years, BC has experienced a significant increase in drought conditions, greatly impacting the agricultural sector. This shift in climate patterns has led to reduced water availability, making it challenging for farmers to maintain traditional farming practices. The scarcity of water has not only stressed the irrigation systems but also heightened the need for more efficient water management and conservation strategies. Agricultural producers on Vancouver Island (specifically in the Koksilah and Tsolum watersheds) have been impacted by drought conditions and have been subject to regulatory action. These conditions have compelled producers to adapt to drought-resistant crops, move to advanced irrigation technologies, and rethinking land-use practices.
To help support the farming community we have hired Foster Richardson as an Agricultural Water Resource Consultant. Foster will work with the agriculture community to determine solutions during times of drought and reduced water availability.
Foster Richardson is an Articling Agrologist with practice areas in crop production and water management. He completed a BSc from UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems in 2012 and a GCert in Water Science from the University of Saskatchewan in 2023. From 2018-2023 he worked as a project manager for the BC Climate Change Adaptation Program where he contributed to the development and implementation of adaptation strategies across BC including Vancouver Island. Foster has also farmed since 2013, growing vegetables and seed crops in both the Comox Valley and Cobble Hill, where he lives and works.
Foster will be engaging in the following activities throughout the summer and fall:
- Educating farmers on best practices for water conservation and efficient irrigation techniques.
- Providing on-farm training and demonstration workshops and seminars for farmers and agricultural professionals.
- Collaborating with local agricultural agencies and organizations to promote sustainable water usage.
- Support producers with access to funding and resources.
Digital Drought Resources:
Drought levels are currently being monitored in all watersheds on Vancouver Island. Weather will dictate drought levels set by the province. For current drought information please check in on the BC Drought Information Portal (gov.bc.ca)
- Drought in Agriculture resources
- Calculate your evapotranspiration, growing degree days and more at Farmwest.com
- BC Agriculture Water Calculator
Current Drought Condition Reports:
Young Agrarians Farm Tour & Potluck – BC Land Matching Program
You’re invited to a Farm Tour at Silverside Farm in Cobble Hill, B.C. If you’re curious about what land matching and sharing is all about – or just want to check out what your local farmers are up to – join us for the event. Come out to connect with other farmers and food lovers, share a meal, and learn about berry production!
JULY 7, 2024: COBBLE HILL, BC - Farm Tour and Potluck at Silverside Farm (youngagrarians.org)
4pm-7:30pm
2024 Flavour Trails
CRFAIR, in partnership with the District of North Saanich and new partner District of Saanich is excited to invite everyone to "jump on" the 2024 Flavour Trails featuring a season long series of events, trails, farm gates, tastings, demos, tours and experiences! For programs, celebration dates and our vendor partners!
(NEW!) Savour Saanich Flavour Trails July 6 - 7: Enjoy savoury, sweet and fun Trail stops and then join us Sunday July 7 at the 57th Annual Strawberry Festival (Beaver Lake) for the Inaugural Savour Saanich Flavour Trails Market!
North Saanich Flavour Trails - Aug 17-18: Start down the legendary 18 Annual North Saanich Flavour Trails for our featured Saturday morning Pancake Breakfast and Art of the Farm fun day at McTavish Academy of Art travel to over 15 trail stops featuring farm gates, markets, tours, tastings and weekend packed with flavour experiences.
Flavour Trails 2024 will be the summer of local food flavour!!
Optimizing Water and Nutrient Management in Potatoes
Optimizing Water and Nutrient Management in Potatoes
BC growers are wanting more data and tools to increase efficiencies in potato production. Irrigation and nutrient management are key components for success. Input costs are reported to be at an all-time high and, more frequently, weather patterns are forcing industry to make more precise and more timely management decisions during the production cycle.
The second year of a multi-year project is underway to continue work that supports growers in adopting new nutrient and soil monitoring practices, and that promotes adoption of best management practices. Led by BC Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, on-farm demonstration trials will be conducted to evaluate fertilizer and irrigation programs in Pemberton, Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Irrigation trials will look at practices that improve water use efficiency and increase crop performance and the capacity to thrive under a changing climate. Fertilizer trials will focus on improving nutrient uptake while minimizing effects on the environment by looking at optimizing fertilizer rate, source, placement and timing.
In addition to various farmer-led on-farm demonstration fertilizer and irrigation trials, the BC Potato Variety Trial will continue to be used to further evaluate varietal response to fertility programs. This will be done through tissue testing, soil sampling and multi-depth monitoring of soil moisture through the growing season.
To learn more about an irrigation trial using a solid set system, soil moisture sensors and real-time tissue analysis using Picketa Systems, field days in Delta and Pemberton are scheduled for August and September. Please keep an eye out for dates, places and registration information - to be arriving in your inbox soon - from the organizers including BC Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, E.S. Cropconsult Ltd. and BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
The Optimizing Water and Nutrient Management in BC Potatoes project is led by the BC Potato & Vegetable Growers’ Association and funded by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
EFP Advisor time for BMP Applications
EFP Advisors can allot up to 5 hours per BMP application to support making a BMP application. The 5 hours can be used for:
- Assisting you in identifying which BMPs would be most suitable for this operation,
- Supporting you in the steps to design and implement the BMP,
- Providing details of the EFP workbook numbers that align with the corresponding BMP for your application
Food Hub Update
Food hubs are shared-use food and beverage processing facilities (shared use kitchens) that offer food and agriculture businesses access to commercial processing space and equipment. Food hubs may also offer expertise and other resources to support business development. Four food hubs were established in the region over the past several years with support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. In Victoria- Kitchen Connect (https://www.kitchenconnectvictoria.com/), in Duncan- Cowichan Farm and Food Hub (https://www.cowichanfarmandfood.ca/), on Saltspring Island- The Root (https://www.ssifarmlandtrust.org/projects), and in Port Alberni- Dock+ (https://thedockplus.ca/) For more information on the province-wide initiative to support local agriculture see BC Food Hub network.
The Dock+ Food Hub in Port Alberni is expanding and upgrading infrastructure with $4 million in new funding. The Dock+ includes a seafood processing facility, substantial cold storage, and commercial kitchen space for small agrifood businesses. Along with expansion, funding will support new rooftop condensing units for flash freezing, a racking system for cold storage and a transformer to power the facility.
Ice being dispensed to a fish tote at Dock+.
Sockeye harvest being unloaded at Dock+.
The Cowichan Farm and Food Hub is under construction in the Cowichan Valley with $500,000 in recent funding from the Province. It will include a commercial kitchen, teaching space and food aggregation facilities.
South Island Farmers' Institute Summer Series
South Vancouver Island Farmers Institute has some exciting learning opportunities coming up this summer and fall! Every 3rd Sunday, SIFI will be presenting the Innovation Series:
Join Farmers Ilya and Chrystal at Square Root Farm on Sunday July 21st at 3pm to take a deeper look into Mechanical Cultivation for Hand-Grown Food. This field trip showcases walk behind cultivator technology. All folks are encouraged to bring their own innovation or idea to this event to share. Innovations could include a new tool, post harvest process, record keeping technique or technology hack. Plan to stay for the potluck!
On August 18th, Dave Chambers welcomes SIFI members to Madrona Farm to check out his tractor implements and cultivation equipment, including his snazzy basket weeder. Folks encouraged to bring their own innovation or ideas to share at the on-farm potluck following Dave’s demo.
Stay tuned for fall events.
If you or farmers you know may be interested in joining SIFI, please visit: https://forms.gle/F2iuL1vrBenWGTvs6 or contact info@sifarmersinstitute.ca. More details coming in July on the website sifarmersinstitute.ca
These events are free, funded by the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program. Funding for the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
Launch of the AgriService BC Crop and Livestock Reporter Program
In July 2024 the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food is launching the AgriService BC Crop and Livestock Reporter Program based on the very successful crop reporting programs in Alberta and Saskatchewan. This program is for any agricultural producer or allied tradesperson who enjoys monitoring agricultural production conditions in their area and would like to be part of a network of people contributing timely, local agricultural intel to raise awareness of growing conditions throughout B.C. and support agricultural information sharing.
Each week from April to November, reporters will spend about 5 minutes filling out an easy online survey that collects information on rainfall, topsoil moisture conditions, seeding progress, crop development, crop damage, harvest progress, livestock feed and water supplies, and pasture conditions. This information will be used in B.C. by producers, producer organizations, government, and others interested in keeping informed of current agricultural production findings in regions across B.C.
Please visit the program website here for more information and to register as a Crop and Livestock Reporter!
B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF) Video Showcase
Last year, we had the privilege of sharing some remarkable stories that the BC Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF) requested we create. Here are 3 videos showcasing IACAF & Indigenous farming/gardening within the province. We hired a contractor, Scott Reynolds, Hole Hog Media, Inc. who has produced for us 3 videos centering on the IACAF Board, Tsawwassen First Nation, and Lytton First Nation. Sharing these firsthand accounts and personal stories is one of the most powerful ways we can highlight the vital work being done by Indigenous communities in providing food for their people.
We have received many requests to share the videos. We have proudly posted the videos on the provincial government YouTube. We are very pleased with the final products! Seeing the impactful work being done is inspiring. Please share far & wide.
1. BC Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture & Food (IACAF) Spotlight
IACAF & the Ministry of Agriculture & Food work together to enhance the equitable participation of Indigenous Peoples in the BC agriculture and food sector & support the realization of their food sovereignty objectives. https://youtu.be/vESo5rGol24
2. Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) Farm
C’eliselem is a community led garden located within the Treaty lands of the Tsawwassen First Nation. The farm is supporting the food sovereignty & food security goals of the community, while contributing to the cultural revitalization of the Nation.
https://youtu.be/-Y596x0aiCQ
3. Lytton First Nation (LFN)/YeKm Food Hub
YeKm Food Hub is an agricultural resource for LFN, supporting local farmers & the LFN community. The project consists of a greenhouse and garden. YeKm is expanding with construction of a storage, processing & preserving facility. The building will include a retail outlet and become a hub for the community.
https://youtu.be/EYUnzANG2zM
Water Management Resources
Learn more about financial assistance for agricultural producers impacted by drought on the Ministry’s Drought in Agriculture webpage. This page also contains key drought resources and information on livestock, crop, and irrigation management during drought. Links to information on flood forecasting, preparedness, and mitigation are found on our Flooding webpage.
Please visit the Ministry’s Drought in agriculture web page to access our library of water management resources for producers.
Forage Supply Decisions
As we enter July, many producers have already harvested or are gearing up to harvest their first cut. The first cutting makes up a major portion of the entire season’s forage yield and it is important to consider both the yield and the quality. Early data on yield and quality can help inform management decisions throughout the remainder of the season and factors into overall crop profitability. As feed is the largest annual expense of any livestock operation, meeting the nutritional requirements of your herd/flock as cost-effectively as possible is imperative every year. In a dry year, it is even more important.
Three facts to remember when matching forage volume and quality to livestock requirements:
1. Perennial forage stands have a yield/quality trade-off as maturity and yield increases, the overall quality decreases. While many producers can approximate quality from stage of growth, the only way to know if you have hit your quality targets is to feed test.
2. Quality requirements vary depending on the type/class of animal and the timing within their production cycle they are fed. It is generally more economical to try to match harvest timing to their needs.
3. Forage testing on dry hay can be done as soon as harvest is completed. With haylage and silage, it is best to wait until it has reached its stable phase and is cured (minimum three to six weeks).
If the weather affects your first cut harvest timing and the forage is over or under mature, then the quality and volume of what you have harvested can guide your future harvest timing and the quality and volume of your forage/ supplement purchases. It is strongly suggested that you take forage quality tests immediately after harvesting in addition to tracking the volume harvested.
In addition, consider:
- Does this volume meet your livestock’s projected needs?
- Does the quality meet or exceed their needs?
- Will your next cutting(s) fill any gaps from the first cut?
If you have identified gaps, it can be an opportunity to look at purchasing forage to fill the gaps early as there is more time to coordinate transportation. For producers with expectation of additional harvests (irrigation), this can be an opportunity to review management decisions to optimize yield. Decisions could include nutrient applications, irrigation, and harvest timing management, as well as consideration towards seeding of an annual crop as emergency forage for harvest or grazing later.
Depending on the gaps identified this may also be the time to have a discussion with an Agrologist with expertise in forage production or livestock nutrition.
Taking a forage sample:
1. Identify a lot of hay: (same type of forage and harvest timing)
2. Take a representative sample: (use a bale core tool and sample 15+ bales)
3. Proper Handling: (label properly, seal within a bag and ship quickly)
4. Ask for the correct analysis: (depending on livestock type and goals
Further information on determining a uniform “lot” of feed, collecting a proper sample and guidance for testing parameters and labs can be found below:
Have any additional questions? Contact AgriService BC
AgriService BC
1-888-221-7141
AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca
www.gov.bc.ca/agriservice
Written by: Mike Witt, Greg Tegart, Jim Forbes
Access to Feed Program
Available to all livestock producers.
A program provided by the BC Cattlemen's Association created to connect feed suppliers to livestock producers that are in need of feed due to drought.
Submit applications if you have feed available for sale including: type of hay/ quality, bale type & size, equipment to unload, ability to handle a b-train or step-deck delivery, your contact info & location.
Contact hay@cattlemen.bc.ca or 250-306-6277
Haying Season is here!
Should you bale or silage? The Peace River Forage Association has a factsheet of considerations (Learn More). The Beef Cattle Research Council looked at Cost of Production between bales and silage (Learn More).
Spring is a great time to increase wildfire resiliency. Take action to reduce the impacts of wildfire on your agriculture business!
The updated Farm & Ranch FireSmart website includes:
- Farm & Ranch Wildfire Plan: Guide & Workbook
- Open Burning Practices for Farmers and Ranchers: Factsheet
- Farm & Ranch FireSmart Assessment: Information & Example Assessment
What’s your Wildfire Plan? Check out the updated website and get prepared.
Emergency Supports Needed
The Emergency Management Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food creates an annual emergency resources list which is used during emergencies that impact the agriculture sector. The list includes hay & feed suppliers, livestock haulers, and water haulers whose assistance may be needed during emergency events.
If you fit in one or more of these categories, we are encouraging you to contact the Emergency Management Branch at AF.Emergency.Management@gov.bc.ca so that we can have a discussion with you, and add you to our resource list.
We are looking for hay suppliers, livestock haulers, and water haulers throughout the province.
CleanBC Plastics Action Plan and Extended Producer Responsibility Five-Year Action Plan
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is leading a public engagement process to identify policy approaches for improved management of non-residential packaging, plastic, and paper waste. This work is part of the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan and Extended Producer Responsibility Five-Year Action Plan. Agricultural producers and industry associations are encouraged to review the discussion paper and provide feedback through the engagement website. An info session for the agricultural industry is scheduled for July 16; 11a.m.-12p.m.
Participants can register through: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrfu-srzIqGNFh3r5b_chRrRKLsT5TF6hr
B.C. Tree Fruit Acreage and Maturity Report
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has released a new report: 2021 B.C. Tree Fruit Acreage and Maturity Report, as part of its ongoing commitment to B.C.’s tree fruit industry. The report provides data and analysis on the acreage and age of apple and cherry orchards in B.C.’s primary tree fruit growing regions, and how these changed between 2011 and 2021.
Apple acreage declined from a high point in 2015. In 2021, there were over 6,300 acres of land dedicated to apple production across the province. Apple acreage decreased in most regions over the period, and increased only in North Okanagan, one of B.C.’s largest apple-producing regions.
Cherry acreage rose continually over the decade, growing from 2,500 acres in 2011 to over 5,100 acres in 2021. The North and Central Okanagan regions have the youngest cherry orchards in the province, suggesting that their yield per acre will increase over the next 1 to 8 years.
Organic BC Podcast - New Episodes Added!
Have you caught the latest episodes of the Organic BC Podcast? Created for the organic food and farming community in British Columbia and beyond, the podcast features conversations with farmers, eaters, academics, scientists and authors about the philosophy, practice, and politics of organic food.
BC Vegetable Marketing Commission
The BC Vegetable Marketing Commission oversees the regulation of vegetable production in British Columbia. Previously limited to southern regions, the Commission expanded its jurisdiction province-wide starting January 1, 2024. However, due to inquiries, they're deferring full implementation until January 1, 2026, to consult stakeholders and develop a plan. For more info, visit www.bcveg.com or contact the Commission's General Manager.
Contact BCVMC:
#207 - 15252 32nd Ave
Surrey BC
Canada, V3Z 0R7
Tel: (604) 542-9734
Toll Free in BC: 1-800-663-1461
E-mail: info@bcveg.com
Autonomous Electric Tractors in Blueberries
Looking for innovative and efficient ways to tackle increasing costs and labour shortages in your blueberry operation? Agri-tech weeding equipment could be a key part of the solution!
To find out more, join Organic BC at Klaassen Farms in Chilliwack on July 15th for a demo of autonomous, electric tractors in blueberry production. Representatives from Rollins Machinery will be on hand to discuss the latest advancements in this technology, and Monarch Tractors will showcase and demonstrate their MK-V tractor, with an opportunity to take it for a test drive! Plus, Q&A, snacks and refreshments.
This event is free but registration is required. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/autonomous-electric-tractors-in-blueberries-tickets-919102800217
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program
A reminder that Stream 3 of the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program opened for applications on June 20, 2024.
Stream 1 - Producer Projects opened for application drafts on June 27, 2024, and opens for applications from July 25, 2024 to August 8, 2024.
Stream 2 - Community Projects Expressions of interest open July 3, 2024 and close on July 24, 2024.
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PROGRAM INFORMATION: The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) aims to increase adoption of efficient irrigation infrastructure and improve agricultural water supply and management in British Columbia. Through this program, the Government of B.C. seeks to see improvements to stream flows, fish populations and an increased and more sustainable food production. The program goal is to help improve water security in agricultural areas and food security in B.C.
The AWP is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) of B.C. Please refer to the program website for details: iafbc.ca/agriculture-water-infrastructure-program/
- Stream 1 Producer Projects
- Stream 2 Community Projects
- Stream 3 Assessments, Engineering Studies or Plans
- Stream 4 Strategic Projects
Emergency Preparedness - Is Your Farm Prepared?
As we move into spring freshet and summer wildfire season, we would like to encourage producers and farming operations to review or create their Emergency Preparedness Plans. Creating a plan can help ensure that your operation is prepared in the event of an emergency.
Industry-specific guides and templates are available to help you plan.
To assist Indigenous and First Nations communities with planning for the agriculture aspect of emergencies, the Ministry has developed the Emergency Guide to Support Indigenous Farms & Ranches.
Is your farm insurance up to date? A checklist is available to help you prepare to meet with your insurance provider.
Ensure that your BC Premise Identification information is current, and if you are not registered, please do so, as all farms, including hobby farms are now required to register as of July 1, 2022. Visit the Premise ID Program for more information.
Flooding and wildfire resources from AgSafe can also help producers build an emergency response plan for agriculture operations in B.C. You can also find information on mental health programs and support.
Emergency Preparedness is a key step! Keep aware of potential hazards through websites like BC River Forecast Centre and the BC Wildfire Service.
Emergency Supports Needed
The Emergency Management Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food creates an annual emergency resources list which is used during
emergencies that impact the agriculture sector. The list includes hay & feed suppliers, livestock haulers, and water haulers whose assistance may be needed during emergency events.
If you fit in one or more of these categories, we are encouraging you to contact the Emergency Management Branch at AF.Emergency.Management@gov.bc.ca so that we can have a discussion with you, and add you to our resource list.
We are looking for hay suppliers, livestock haulers, and water haulers throughout the province.
B.C. Agriculture & Seafood Statistics
The Sector Insights & Corporate Initiatives Unit recently published four new Sector Tables with 2023 data:
- Greenhouse Vegetables - Area, Production, Value
- Floriculture - Production and Sales
- Nursery and Sod - Production
- Value of Pollination
As always, you can find and download the data from: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/statistics/agriculture-and-seafood-statistics-publications#sectortables
BCHPA Introduction to Honey Bee Biology and Apiculture
Enrollment opened in April and is ongoing!
Re-Evaluation of Lambda-Cyhalothrin Registrations and Maximum Residue Limits
The Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency has made changes to the registered agricultural uses for the pesticide lambda-cyhalothrin (commonly known as "Matador" or "Silencer" products). Cancelled registrations affect the following crops:
Crops for animal FEED uses
Lettuce (field and greenhouse)
Condiment type mustard seeds
Bulb vegetables from revised Crop group 3-07
Oilseeds from revised Crop group 20
except flax seeds, oilseed-type mustard seeds and rapeseed (canola grade only)
Other crops may be affected by changes to maximum residue limits, please review the full information on the decision by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency using the button below.
Enhanced Replant Program Update
In March 2024, a new 5-year Enhanced Replant Program was announced, offering up to $70 million in assistance to wine grape, berry, and tree fruit producers to replace current acreage with resilient varieties that meet evolving market demands. The program is expected to launch by September 2024.
This additional funding complements the $15 million provided by the Perennial Crop Renewal Program introduced last spring. The Enhanced Replant Program will be distinct from the Perennial Crop Renewal Program, with unique criteria that reflect the feedback received from the B.C. wine grape, tree fruit, and berry industries.
Leading up to September, Ministry staff and industry associations are working together to shape the program criteria. Market Opportunity Assessments for B.C.’s blueberry, cranberry, cherry, pome fruit, soft fruit, and wine grape industries will inform the program, and a survey will be distributed through the summer to introduce the criteria and gather input directly from producers. We recognize that this coincides directly with the growing season and appreciate your support and contributions as we work towards launching the program in September.
Additional work is underway to address critical information gaps needed to develop planting guidelines for B.C.’s wine grape and raspberry industries. Final reports will be published to the Enhanced Replant Program webpage as they become available.
Please visit the program webpage for more information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/enhanced-replant-program
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