OPINION-EDITORIAL

HELPING OUR FARMERS RECOVER FROM RAINS

 

By Steve Thomson Minister of Agriculture and Lands Government of British Columbia   2010AL0044-001326 Oct. 22, 2010

 

VICTORIA - Our growers in the Fraser Valley are dealing with severe crop losses this fall due to record heavy rain during September. I want to assure you that the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands staff are acting quickly to ensure growers have access to the help they need to get through this difficult time. Contractors are out in the fields inspecting and documenting reported losses.

 

We are also actively working and meeting with growers and the Vegetable Marketing Commission to hear their concerns. A nine-person working group including growers, commission members and government officials has been formed to discuss the next steps.

 

Many Fraser Valley potato and cole crops were sitting in fields immersed under water. This means harvest is well behind in some areas and virtually wiped out in others. Growers are estimating the damage to be approximately $30 million. Conditions are very similar on Vancouver Island.

 

A significant portion of the potato industry - with 29 growers, 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) and nearly $8 million dollars in coverage - is insured under the 2010 Production Insurance Program. Most major potato and vegetable producers are also enrolled in AgriStability, a jointly funded federal/provincial business risk management program.

 

Ministry staff has acted swiftly to setup a number of AgriStability information sessions for growers in Abbotsford and Delta, and will follow-up individually with growers on Vancouver Island to ensure they are aware of the options available to them and have the tools to access those options.

 

AgriStability will compensate for losses caused if the producer’s margin loss is more than 15 per cent below their average margin of previous years. Participants can also choose to apply for an interim payment to assist with cash flow.

 

I know from first-hand experience how B.C. farming families show their incredible strength, resilience and adaptability when faced with tough challenges, including situations like adverse weather conditions. We are also fortunate that our ministry has some of the best, most passionate people working hard to help the agriculture industry during these times. It’s important that we work together.

 

In the weeks to come, my staff will continue to work closely with farmers and producers to help them address their individual cases and find the best possible solutions for the current crop situation as well as look at strategies for the future.

 

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