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Okanagan Edition
Regional Newsletter - September 2024
Updates For BC Tree Fruits Cooperative
The BC Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA), the BC Cherry Association (BCCA) and the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food formed an emergency table on August 2nd in response to the shutdown of BC Tree Fruits Cooperative. To date, four sub-tables have been created to address critical needs of growers:
- Food Safety: Supporting 2024 individual certifications.
- Grower Finance: Addressing cash flow issues by exploring financial support options.
- Packing and Logistics: Coordinating packing and storage solutions.
- Grower Impact: Engaging with growers to address immediate concerns.
The BCFGA and the Ministry are collaborating to provide weekly apple maturity updates and assist growers in preparing for individual food safety audits, which are now required since the BC Tree Fruits Coop group certification is no longer valid. Access the apple maturity information here and food safety details here. Additionally, the Ministry has compiled a list of available packinghouses and a survey to help growers arrange packing services. These resources are accessible here.
- Drought levels in the Okanagan region are at levels 3 or 4 in most watersheds.
- Drought levels in the Salmon River and Bessette Creek watersheds have been elevated to drought Level 5. Water users are encouraged to maximize voluntary efforts to conserve water.
- The Similkameen River watershed conditions have improved and the watershed drought level has been lowered to Level 2.
- Visit the B.C. Drought Information Portal for current drought levels across the province.
- Drought Levels are current, as of August 29, 2024
Looking for General Information on Drought?
Please see the Drought in Agriculture webpage https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/water/drought-in-agriculture
and the B.C. Drought Information Portal - https://droughtportal.gov.bc.ca/
Provincial drought levels are updated on the B.C. Drought Information Portal on Thursday mornings.
Cross-Commodity Leadership Support Project - Events Calendar
The Cross-Commodity Leadership Support Project (CCLSP) was launched in 2023 as a pilot forum for the tree fruit and wine grape industries to work together on common challenges and opportunities. The CCLSP maintains a collaborative tree fruit and wine grape calendar which is designed to streamline industry events, help prevent scheduling conflicts and broaden outreach. To view the live calendar or submit events, visit: https://crosscommodity.org/events/
Don’t miss out on Early Bird Ticket sale!
Farm Management Canada’s Agricultural Excellence Conference
Date: November 19-21, 2024
Location: Abbotsford-Chilliwack
New Research Briefs from BC Food Web!
Just in time for apple season, BC Food Web’s latest research brief, “Preventing and detecting sunburn on ‘Ambrosia’ apples”, offers actionable insights for addressing sunburn browning. The results of this research can help with rootstock selection and post-harvest sorting 🍎 ☀️
Photo: Hao Xu
Landscape Modeling Project in the Bolean and 6-Mile Creek Areas
The BC Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA), supported by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, is initiating a landscape modeling project in the Bolean and 6-Mile Creek areas of the Salmon River Watershed. BCCA contractors will be in the Bolean and 6-Mile Creek areas conducting sampling and survey work from mid-August to the end of September. The work will support evaluation of a modeling tool, focusing on landscape water and testing potential to predict where water might be anticipated to accumulate on the landscape, which in turn can be used to contribute to future planning discussions in the region.
To collect the necessary data, BCCA contractors (Pantel Environmental Services Inc) will be out in the area starting mid-August and continuing through September. They’ll be surveying stream channel characteristics such as width, depth, flow rate, gradient, as well as streamside plant communities of both Bolean Creek and 6-Mile Creek. BCCA contractors will be using public roads located throughout the Crown land portion of the area to access sampling points, they will not be accessing private land.
Watch for the survey crew across the region from August 12 to September 30, 2024.
For further information please contact: BC Cattlemen’s Association (250) 573-3611
AgriStability Enhancement Program 2024
The Government of British Columbia has established the 2024 BC AgriStability Enhancement Program which offers greater coverage and helps agricultural producers manage income losses due to extreme weather, marketing challenges or natural disaster in 2024.
2024 BC Enhancement Program details:
• The BC Government will pay a higher compensation rate to AgriStability Participants for the 2024 Program Year; BC will top up AgriStability's existing 80% compensation rate to 90% on margin declines greater than 30%; learn How AgriStability Works.
• The higher compensation rate applies to all producers in British Columbia who are enrolled in AgriStability for 2024.
• The BC Government will increase the existing AgriStability $3 Million dollar payment limit to $6.2 Million dollars.
• Additionally, Late Participation for AgriStability 2024 ensures you can still enroll in the AgriStability program until April 30, 2025.
Contact us, dedicated staff are available to assist you with the Enhanced AgriStability Program.
Visit: AgriStability 2024 - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Phone: 1-877-343-2767 toll-free. Support is available in English and Punjabi.
Email: AgriStability@gov.bc.ca
Business Risk Management Programs
B.C.'s agricultural producers face many business risks that are beyond their control (production losses, severe market volatility, extreme weather events or disasters); the Province’s suite of agricultural insurance and income stability programs can help you manage those risks.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE SURVEY – WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
The Ministry in undertaking a project to improve the client service processes related to AgriStability and Production Insurance. Please help us by participating in a short survey about how you learned about our programs and your experience of enrolling.
The survey will be open until September 16, 2024.
Thank you for participating! Your valuable feedback will help us improve the service delivery of these important programs.
UPCOMING PROGRAM DEADLINES:
AgriStability 2024 program year enrollment until April 30, 2025
Production Insurance Application Deadlines for the 2025 Crop Year:
• Berries, Grapes, Flower Bulbs and Strawberry Plants – October 31, 2024
• Tree Fruits and Forage – November 30, 2024
Herd Management and Feed Considerations
As summer transitions into fall weather conditions, herd management and feed considerations are important for winter planning. Effectively monitoring herd health and adjusting feed quality/quantity are critical for making informed management decisions. Balancing these factors can significantly impact both productivity and profitability, especially when considering actions like adjusting herd size and/or feed rations. This article offers strategies for optimizing herd management during challenging conditions such as drought, by focusing on pregnancy testing, early weaning, body condition scoring, and alternative feed sources.
This is the third article in the monthly Livestock Drought Management Article Series. All articles can be found here: Drought articles
Please refer to the BC Drought in Agriculture website for more information, resources and tools on drought for forage crops and irrigation management, livestock management and other topics, as well as financial assistance for agricultural producers impacted by fire and drought.
Pasture Walks and Field Scouting
Whether you have forage fields or pastures, it is important to get out and walk the land to evaluate what is happening throughout the growing season. A quick look at soil health and moisture, along with plant vigour and productivity can help you evaluate what is going on and make decisions on the next steps. This article provides information on pasture walks and field scouting, along with some guiding questions for forecasting and looking ahead.
This is the second article in the monthly Livestock Drought Management Article Series. All articles can be found here: Drought articles - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Second intake of the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program – Accepting applications now!
The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is live and accepting applications for the second intake until October 6, 2024. The Program provides cost-shared funding to eligible participants to adopt new technologies on-farm to enhance profitability, productivity, and/or efficiency to help alleviate the impacts of labour shortages and rising operational costs. The program is competitive, funding is not guaranteed.
B.C.-based farmers can apply now, and successful recipients will be awarded up to $100,000 to fund projects to adopt innovative technology that can improve labour efficiency. Financial support is provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, a federal, provincial, and territorial initiative and the program is delivered by Innovate BC. There is up to $2 million available.
To learn more, please visit:
- Information Bulletin: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024AF0036-001338
- B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program website: https://www.innovatebc.ca/programs/bc-on-farm
In case of questions, please contact Innovate BC: integratedmarkets@innovatebc.ca
Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program
The next intake of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program will open on September 9th, 2024.
The program aims to support the competitiveness, resiliency, and innovation of B.C.’s agriculture and food sector through facilitated knowledge and technology transfer.
Funding is available up to $1,500 for expert speakers/presenters at conferences and AGMs, and up to $7,500 for hands-on events focused on skill development (e.g. workshops, field days).
New for this intake: Applications will be adjudicated on a first-come, first-served basis.
For information on eligibility and how to apply, read the Program Guide at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/knowledge-transfer-events.
B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program
Application intake for the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program will be opening on Monday September 9, 2024
The B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program (ABPP) provides funding support for primary agricultural producers and agriculture, food and beverage processors to support informed decision making and ensure business development.
Funding will be available under two streams:
1) Agri-business skills and leadership development
- Eligible Activities: Specialized training, courses, registration, fees, and tuition for:
- Business management including topics such as: - Financial analysis - Cash flow management - Human resource management - Cost of production - Benchmarking
- Business leadership
- Business management conferences
2) Business planning, preparedness, and disaster recovery
- Eligible Activities:
- Development of immediate and long-term recovery plan for businesses that have been impacted by an external event that interrupts the normal production or flow of operations and puts the stability of the business at risk.
- Update or renew a business plan focused on one, or a combination of - Business structures - Business strategy - Cash flow and financial analysis - Human resources - Product development - Production economics - Risk assessment and mitigation - Succession/transition planning - Value added ventures
To find out more, please visit the Ministry’s website https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/agri-business-planning-program
Accommodation For Employees
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food would like to remind producers who have employees living on site, or are providing housing for employees off-site, that the accommodation must abide by the Industrial Camps Regulation. The B.C. Guidelines for Industrial Camps Regulation is a helpful resource that provides guidance, best practices, definitions, and interpretation of the Industrial Camps Regulation.
If you have any questions, please refer to the relevant Health Authority Contacts on the Government of British Columbia's Industrial Camp webpage
In July 2024 the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food launched 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: B.C. Crop and Livestock Reporter Program - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund
The BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (BCCAF) is accepting applications from BC producers!
This is your chance to apply for cost-shared funding to implement cover cropping, nitrogen management, and rotational grazing.
- Nitrogen Management up to $30,000
- Cover Cropping up to $30,000
- Rotational Grazing up to $20,000
Don’t wait to submit your application – applications are open until funding is committed.
What to Do with Excess Manure?
In certain regions of British Columbia, it may be more difficult to effectively manage surplus manure for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: cost of land, transport costs to distant fields, and increasing quota to meet market demand.
The following factsheet provides guidance on dealing with surplus manure and covers a range of topics such as manure storage, nutrient management, and techniques for converting manure into valuable by-products.
Farming Fundamentals at VIU
This fall and winter VIU will be offering three new micro-credentials with an agricultural focus. Courses are online, with in-person field day options.
Please visit viu.ca/agriculture or email pdtagriculture@viu.ca for more information and registration details.
Courses
Sustainable Soils Management
September – October 2024
Explore the science of soils. Develop an understanding of soil as a complex community of living beings. Learn about the physical, chemical, biological and social environments of soil.
Understand how communities of plants, animals and other biological beings in the soil can thrive or be regenerated with soil amendment practices.
Agro-ecological Systems Management
November – December 2024
Get an introduction to the art and the sciences that shape agro-ecological principles and practices. Explores ecological and farm biodiversity, climate-adaptation and ecosystem restoration strategies.
This course invites a holistic, Two-Eyed Seeing perspective on the ecological, social, and economic impacts and benefits of contemporary and traditional land management.
Organic Vegetable Seed Production
January-March 2025
Gain an understanding of the science of organic seed production for vegetables. Explore the current regulatory and policy environments in Canada that impact seed saving and seed sovereignty.
This national initiative is a refresh of the Organic Vegetable Seed Production course developed with Canadian Organic Growers and SeedChange Canada.
Species at Risk Partnership on Agricultural Land (SARPAL) Applications Are Open
The SARPAL Program is open for applications!
Call the BC Cattlemen's Association office - 1-877-668-2333
or email: sarpal@cattlemen.bc.ca
Access to Feed Program
Available to all livestock producers.
A program provided by the BC Cattlemen's Association was 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
Agroclimate Impact Reporter
The Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR) is open for August reports!
Agroclimate Impact Reporter provides producers an opportunity to provide information to AAFC on how weather and climate conditions are impacting your farm. We are interested in the impacts of weather on things like water supplies, feed production, soil moisture conditions and crop stress. The surveys are completely anonymously and the information you share cannot be tied to you or your email address. This information is extremely valuable and provides confirmation and details that are required to assist with various programs and activities of AAFC, including the Canadian Drought Monitor, Livestock Tax Deferral and AgriRecovery. To learn more about AIR, follow this link.
To let the AAFC know what the conditions at the start of the season are in your area, please respond to one of the links below:
As always, please consider sharing these links with your colleagues and networks.
We encourage you to subscribe to this activity to allow you to continue to provide monthly updates on conditions. To become part of our regular network and to receive a reminder to complete the survey each month please send an email to aafc.droughtwatch-guetterlasecheresse.aac@agr.gc.ca with the subject line AIR.
Thank you for your interest in this citizen science project.
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.
Follow the link below, follow, like and share!
