The Province is beginning a process to phase out B.C.’s mink-farming industry due to ongoing public-health risks associated with COVID-19.

Farms that employed seasonal workers from other parts of Canada are eligible to receive support for some of the costs they incurred to keep their workers safe and ensure British Columbians could enjoy local fruits and vegetables this summer and fall.

From Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Aug. 4, 2021: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-eng.html

Two mink have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans, on a farm under quarantine after it had mink test positive in May 2021.

Fresh fruit from the Okanagan and Creston Valley will continue to be on the tables of British Columbians this year, as support for work camp accommodations for seasonal fruit pickers has been extended through the 2021 harvest season.

For the second consecutive year, the Province is waiving the income requirements normally required for existing B.C. farm operations when qualifying for farm classification.

A Fraser Valley mink farm has been placed under quarantine with restrictions prohibiting the movement of animals and materials from the property.

From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans.html)

B.C. seed producers may soon be able to access new seed processing equipment in up to a dozen BC Food Hub Network facilities.