It has been two years since British Columbia’s farmers, ranchers and industry leaders last gathered for Ag Day in Victoria where they connected with government to discuss matters impacting the sector. While the annual event won’t take place in Victoria this year, Ag Day will go forward virtually, beginning today. This year’s discussions will focus on three top priorities for agriculture: food security, water security, and labour.

Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to try some tasty new recipes! BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and We Heart Local BC are hosting a free cook-along webinar from 5:30pm to 7:00m on June 21, 2021 that features fresh, fabulous and fun summertime recipes and ag-education!

Today, Finance Minister Selina Robinson tabled the 2021 provincial budget amid COVID-19 financial pressures. The budget funds a range of new measures to protect the health and safety of British Columbians while supporting people and businesses and preparing for recovery from the pandemic.

BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC) and We Heart Local BC, are partnering again to provide a new series of free virtual cook-alongs! The exciting new series will feature a variety of educational cooking demonstrations with Chef Trevor Randle on April 24, May 8, June 21 and fall/winter 2021.

BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is thrilled to share the results from the annual silent auction which saw proceeds hit the highest level it has ever raised, wrapping-up at $13,255. For the fourth consecutive year, the proceeds from the auction will be donated to BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC).”

Today, BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is thrilled to announce the launch of the annual BC Agri-Food Industry Gala online silent auction. For the fourth consecutive year, the proceeds from the auction will be donated to BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC). “The BCAC Board is again thrilled to support the work of BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation whose activities are something our whole sector can unite on,” says BCAC President, Stan Vander Waal. “Given the past year, it is critical that we continue to collaborate and show support from within our community.”

Today, BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) and Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF) announced the completion of a B.C. agriculture economic impact study that illustrates how agriculture is a significant economic contributor and an important piece of B.C.’s identity. Not only is the sector a core component of the province’s economy, it can play a major role in helping the province weather and recover from the pandemic-induced economic downturn, particularly in rural communities.

Farmers on Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands will have more support to adapt to climate change following the development of the Vancouver Island Adaptation Strategies plan. The plan identifies 11 strategies for increasing the resilience of producers in the region. The governments of Canada and B.C. will provide $300,000 in funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support projects that achieve those strategies.

Today Mary Robinson, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), hosted a virtual press conference to address the extraordinary challenges being faced by Canadian farmers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Robinson warned that without immediate assistance from the federal government, the Canadian agriculture sector cannot ensure our domestic food supply will remain secure for the immediate and long-term benefit of all Canadians.

This week the BC NDP government released its third budget after delivering a throne speech last Tuesday. The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture received a $2.8-million reduction in funding for 2020. The reduction is primarily targeting travel and office expenses, a freeze on hiring and anticipated program slippage. Out of all the provinces, British Columbia continues to have the lowest government expenditures in agriculture as a percentage of agriculture GDP.