Hi from the Islands Ag Show

Here are at the first annual Islands Agriculture Show. We are really excited about showing off the our new sales aids for farmers and to introduce to consumers how they can find local food by finding the Rooster sign. We presented a “Fresh from the Islands” T-shirt to Don McRae, the Minister of Agriculture – so look out for Don in his beautiful new T-shirt!

National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Seeks BC Members

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is presently engaged in a membership drive. It is sending officials throughout British Columbia to sign up support. This support is even more important than ever now under Canada’s New Majority Government. We can expect to see the Wheat Board, Co-ops, and Supply Organizations being challenged by new agricultural policies supposedly dedicated to reducing red tape and opening Canada up to world competition.

In the past, such changes have boiled down to screwing the local producer and so we can expect that trend to continue. About the only national organization that can stand up to the government agriculture-wise is the National Farmers’ Union. Visit its website at nfu.ca to get the scoop on what it does. The organization has been around since the beginning of the twentieth century and much of what has served to make Canada a livable country has sprung from its initiatives. It has continuously fought for policies to make life for people living down on the farm supportable and has no intention of throwing in the towel.

Local Food Project on Vancouver Island

An exciting Local Food Project has been taking place across Vancouver Island that involves students from all 5 post secondary schools in the region. These students have been developing digital stories, discussion papers and other materials in areas of concern to local food production. For instance, the Vancouver Island University team has been compiling information on the impact of Climate Change on local food production, while Camosun College students have been identifying research related to Urban Agriculture. At the same time, students from the University of Victoria have been gathering information on Institutional Purchasing and at North Island College, Indigenous Food Systems has been the topic to explore. Royal Roads University is engaged in getting the resulting materials out to the public, which is anticipated to happen over the summer. To keep an eye on the project, access the digital stories, and read the materials as they emerge, visit http://mapping.uvic.ca/vicra/welcome.

Advance Payment Program Available for BC Sheep Producers

The BC Sheep Federation has arranged for the Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Program to include sheep producers from BC in their Advance Payment Program (APP). The Advance Payments Program is a federally-funded program that provides producers with a cash advance on the value of their lambs during the growing and finishing phase. By improving your cash flow throughout the year, the APP helps producers meet their financial obligations and benefit from the best market conditions. The Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Program was established in 2007 and is a producer-driven, non-profit organizations representing 10,000 Manitoba producers, mostly in the beef cattle industry. MLCA also represents sheep producers from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba – and now BC. For information on how to apply call 1-866-869-4008 and an application can be mailed or faxed to you. You may also visit their website and download the application at www.manitobalivestock.com. Financing for sheep may also be available from British Columbia Co-operative Feeder and Bred Heifer Associations in the future. Contact an association near you and the BC Sheep Federation for more information.

Submitted by Barbara Grimmer

Island Sheep Producers Receive Certificates of Merit at Canadian Cooperative Wool Grower’s AGM

This year the AGM for the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers was held in Abbotsford BC. Among the producers across Canada recognized for their efforts, two sets of producers from BC, both from Vancouver Island, received Certificates of Merit. Wayne and Mary Schaad from Black Creek and John and Lorraine Buchanan from Metchosin were the Certificate of Merit winners from BC. Pieter DeMooy from Central Saanich was the shearer of both flocks. The selection was made by a panel of judges representing the shearing, warehousing, grading, selling and buying aspects of wool. Consideration was given to volume, breeding, care of the fleece, proper preparation and shipment to the Co-op.

Submitted by Barbara Grimmer

BC Sheep Fed Surveying Effectiveness of Community Dog Bylaws

The BC Sheep Federation will be conducting a scan of regional district and municipal bylaws, as well as seeking input from farm organizations and individual sheep producers, in order to determine the effectiveness of the various dog bylaws in the province. Since the repeal of the Livestock Protection Act in 2003, local governments have had the responsibility of controlling dogs in their communities. This has been generally in the form of licence tag fees and fines, with some providing compensation to livestock owners who have had livestock killed or injured by stray dogs. Although the Livestock Protection Act was repealed, the part of the Act allowing livestock owners to shoot and kill dogs chasing or attacking livestock was retained and put into the Livestock Act. To participate or request more information, please contact Barbara Johnstone Grimmer (250) 629-3817 or firhill@gulfislands.com.

Submitted by Barbara Grimmer

Sandown Racetrack Property Proposal Boosts Future for Agriculture in North Saanich

NOTE: The District of North Saanich is holding a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday June 23, 2011 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Parklands Secondary School Theatre (10640 McDonald Park Road) regarding the proposed agricultural future for the Sandown Racetrack property.

The District of North Saanich has received an application to amend the Zoning and Official Community Plan bylaws for the properties known as Sandown Racetrack. The uncertain future of this 95 acre property has been a concern for Council. The proposal submitted by the owners is in response to the District’s initiative to develop a solution that balances the interests of the Community and those of the owners.

Farms Prepare for Tour of Farms 2011

Where does my food come from? Who grows my food? What’s it like to be a farmer? How can we build a sustainable future for local farming? The Southern Vancouver Island Direct Farm Marketing Association has organized “Tour of Farms 2011” so consumers can find answers to these important questions – and have some summer fun at the same time. The “Tour of Farms” will be held on Sunday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-oriented, self-guided event includes 15 farm sites on the Saanich Peninsula and through the Cowichan Valley, as well as Morningstar Farm in Parksville. The event offers food consumers a chance to enjoy a rural ramble, to learn more about what it’s like to be a farmer today and how they can help build a future for local agriculture.