It is a pleasure to once again provide this annual message to Delta Optimist readers and reflect on a busy year in B.C. agriculture.
The B.C. government has brought in legislation that solidifies the Agricultural Land Commission’s independence and to ensure it has the modern tools to continue making independent land decisions, help farmers grow their businesses and support food production for future generations.
We completed an extensive consultation process with over 100 organizations and as direct result of this consultation, we established regulations that provide opportunities for farmers to earn new dollars, in both the local and export markets.
I want to assure Delta farmers the new regulations preserve farmland and encourage agriculture. Delta is in Zone 1 and the regulations will specifically help farmers take advantage of the demand for value-added B.C. goods by promoting the use of cooperatively owned processing facilities.
In addition, B.C. breweries, distilleries and meaderies will be permitted to operate on ALR land on terms similar to wineries, requiring at least 50 per cent of the products used to make the beverage to be grown on the farm.
One additional change will permit alcohol producers in the ALR to offer alcohol from other producers to their lounge and restaurant guests, so for example, winery guests who prefer a beer with their meal can have one.
The B.C. government is continuing to support industry through initiatives such as the Buy Local Program where we have invested $6 million in funding since 2012. This year, the Buy Local Program partnered with the B.C Greenhouse Growers’ Association for B.C. Veggie Day and announced $94,375 in funding for the initiative.
B.C. Veggie Day celebrates the annual springtime arrival of locally grown greenhouse vegetables from B.C.’s greenhouse growers. These greenhouses, many of which you see throughout Delta, are full of activity during the winter months as seedlings mature into ripe fruits and vegetables ready to be delivered to homes all over the province in the spring.
In the past year, we have also brought in a new Fish and Seafood Act, adopted the National Dairy Code of Practice improving the welfare of B.C. dairy cows in this province and we are working closely with our organic sector to strengthen the awareness and reputation of this growing industry.
As you are aware, B.C. has been experiencing drought-like conditions throughout the province this summer. The Ministry of Agriculture has been working with the federal government and the agriculture industry to proactively plan for climate change and extreme weather conditions and that partnership has resulted in a regional agriculture climate adaptation strategy for Delta.
I want to thank Delta’s farmers and producers for their dedication. The B.C. government looks forward to creating more jobs, opportunities and wealth for our farming families.
Norm Letnick is the provincial minister of agriculture.
