NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2009AL0024-000741 December 9, 2009

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

 

RANCHING TASK FORCE PRESENTS FINAL REPORT TO PROVINCE

 

VICTORIA – The Ranching Task Force (RTF) presented its final report and recommendations to strengthen the ranching industry in B.C. to Minister of Agriculture and Lands Steve Thomson today.

 

“I would like to thank the Ranching Task Force for their work on the report,” said Thomson. “Cattle ranching has a long, proud heritage in B.C. and I am optimistic that the future holds much opportunity, particularly as a result of the work the task force has done.”

 

The RTF was formed at the request of Premier Gordon Campbell to address the regulatory issues hindering the B.C. cattle sector. The task force was charged with identifying regulatory barriers and making recommendations addressing these barriers to assist the industry to thrive, given the current economic climate.

 

“Ranchers are people who understand adversity, hard work and the need to adapt and innovate,” said Terry Lake, parliamentary secretary to the RTF and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson. “Regular meetings with industry over the last few months were very effective to discuss ways of creating opportunities and eliminating barriers for ranchers in this province.”

 

Many of the RTF’s recommendations focus on changes to regulations and policies related to topics such as water access, wildlife management, slaughter waste disposal and infrastructure. The RTF also expresses support for recently announced fencing programs and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which will benefit both ranching and agricultural business in general.

 

“The task force allowed industry to clearly identify the issues facing the ranching sector today,” said Roland Baumann, president of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association and RTF co-chair. “The suggested changes should help the Province and ranchers work together to sustain the industry long into the future.”

 

The complete report outlining the RTF’s final recommendations are available online at www.ranchingtaskforce.gov.bc.ca.

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Contact:

Patrick Vert Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Agriculture and Lands 250 387-9147 250 213-2020 (cell)

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