To help improve food security in rural communities and help more British Columbians enjoy B.C. beef, pork, poultry and lamb, the B.C. government is consulting with small abattoirs and other stakeholders for feedback and suggestions on how to improve rural abattoir licensing in B.C.

The public engagement portion of the Revitalization of the Agricultural Land Reserve and the Agricultural Land Commission has reached the halfway point, with more than 7, 510 visits to the engagement website, and stakeholder meetings held in nine communities throughout British Columbia.

British Columbians are being encouraged to discover, share and choose B.C. wines through a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and the BC Wine Institute.

Apple, cherry and other tree fruit growers throughout the province will be able to update aging equipment and infrastructure while increasing their marketing and research efforts thanks to a new $5-million Tree Fruit Competitiveness Fund announced today at the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association annual general meeting.

On the heels of Alberta’s boycott of B.C. wines, the B.C. government is ramping up its support for the industry by proclaiming April as B.C. Wine Month, including a special month-long promotion at all public liquor stores.

Kaslo Sourdough, a family-owned bakery that uses ancient sourdough fermentation technology to create pasta, is one of 11 organizations receiving funding to support innovative products in British Columbia’s agriculture and processed food and beverage sectors.

Agriculture and food production contribute to the fabric of British Columbia in terms of food supply, economic activity and community strength.

The opportunity for British Columbians to participate in the public engagement on revitalization of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) is now open.