The provincial government is set to be briefed on the agricultural sector's challenges in British Columbia at a caucus retreat in the South Okanagan. The BC Fruit Growers Association (BCFGA) has organized an event titled "Stronger Together - Rally For Farmers" in Osoyoos. According to a BCFGA press statement, the sector has faced significant hardships, notably due to the 2021 heat dome and subsequent cold weather events, which have adversely affected the local agricultural community.
The BCFGA aims to bring together growers, consumers, and policymakers to advocate for the agricultural industry. BCFGA Vice-President Sukhdeep Brar expressed concern over the impact of recent years on farmers and the potential decline in orchard and vineyard ownership, questioning the future of farming in the Okanagan for the next generation.
The rally is scheduled to take place at Gyro Park, Osoyoos, with BCFGA President Peter Simonsen, along with former provincial agriculture ministers Corky Evans and John Van Dongen, set to speak. Simonsen highlighted the importance of the Agricultural Land Reserve, established over 50 years ago to safeguard food production for future generations, noting that while the land has been protected, support for farming has dwindled across various political administrations. NDP MLAs have been invited to the rally to engage with growers, though they are not slated to address the gathering.
Source: pentictonwesternnews.com