File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Making farms and ranches more resilient to extreme weather

Jul 20, 2022 | 3:44 PM

FARMERS AND RANCHERS know first-hand how interconnected we are with the world around us. The health and food security of every person is tied to the farmers, ranchers and growers who produce the food we eat. And the success and livelihood of those farmers is tied to the Earth and its climate.

Last year’s extreme weather events made this clearer than ever before. B.C. farms lost valuable livestock and crops, taking not only a financial toll on farmers and their families, but a mental and emotional toll as well.

As Minister of Agriculture, what I witnessed during the extreme weather events will stay with me forever. There was tremendous loss and heartbreak, but also generosity, kindness and community spirit as people helped their neighbours. The farming community is strongest when people work together, and that is why I am eager to announce a new program to help farmers and ranchers work together to improve their resilience to future wildfires, flooding and extreme heat events.

The new Extreme Weather Preparedness for Agriculture program will support up to $1.5 million in projects this year to help farmers conduct risk assessments and make infrastructure upgrades on their farms.

This could include projects like retrofitting farm buildings for wildfire preparedness, protecting fuel, feed storage and wells from flooding, or enhancing watering and shade to mitigate heat stress for crops and livestock. All these things will help farmers and ranchers prepare for future climate events, and better protect their family farms and businesses.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

17h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

Beginning July 25, farmers and ranchers can apply for cost-shared funding for these projects. By taking these steps, we’ll be able to better protect the livelihoods of our food producers while strengthening our food security and food economy.

B.C. is recognized around the world for the exceptional food we produce, and as British Columbians we know how lucky we are to enjoy food from our own backyard.

We all want a competitive agriculture and food sector – one that feeds B.C. families and employs B.C. workers. This pilot project will help make our sector as prepared and resilient as possible against future extreme weather and climate impacts.

——

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.