The Graham Island East Coast Farmers' Institute is celebrating over 100 years of farming and agriculture on Haida Gwaii.

In recognition of the 100 years of supporting local agriculture on Vancouver Island, Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick, is presenting a Century Farm Award to the Coombs Farmers' Institute.

B.C. farmers can discover and stay up-to-date on programs and services offered by the federal and provincial governments, including Growing Forward 2 programs, by visiting: www.agpal.ca

The Windermere District Farmers' Institute and Livestock Association (WDFI) have gone through several name changes over the past century, however, their commitment to promoting agriculture and rural life has remained the same.

The Ministry of Agriculture has begun consultations with B.C. farmers to help farming families earn a better living and have more opportunities to use their land.

With enhanced conditions to further support sustainable harvesting, the Ministry of Agriculture is offering three Mazzaella japonica harvest licences for the 2014 season.

The Government of British Columbia is excluding federally-licensed medical marijuana production from the list of agricultural uses that qualify for farm classification for assessment and property tax purposes.