8 RED ink


statistics pointing to the tide of red ink facing farmers, and those looking to get into the business. “If they get into farming,


they’re going to lose money, most likely,” he said. “They’ll pull money from other sources; they’ll pull it from savings, and they’ll lose it. So why are we fighting to keep land prices down so they can do that? Why are we wanting to punish the next generation?”


Succession planning was an issue many speakers highlighted, noting that if farming doesn’t pay then they should be allowed to engage in other activities on their land to keep agriculture – at any scale – alive. Many wanted the right to a second home that could either generate rental income or accommodate multiple generations who might not work the farm directly but provide important supports in the form of expertise, childcare and similar assistance.


Options James Mack, who represented the agriculture


ministry at the meeting, said the new consultation process was a chance for government to consider such options. “We felt we had to do something to stop what I call the run on the bank that was happening,” he said of the regulations implemented under Bill 52,


CODE OF PRACTICE FOR


AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT WINTER IS COMING! WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?


SOIL TESTING REQUIRED


If your farm is 2+ hectares and you apply nutrients like manure or fertilizer, and you have not done post-harvest soil tests within the last three years, post-harvest nitrate and phosphorus soil tests need to be taken beginning in the fall of 2019.


HIGH-RISK CONDITIONS


During high-risk conditions* and in high-precipitation areas* from October 1 to April 1, additional protective measures need to be taken, such as covering temporary 昀eld-stored piles, including agricultural by-products or wood residue.


*High-risk conditions include strong winds, storm events, short-term intense, or high rainfall that can occur at any time of the year. HIGH PRECIPITATION AREAS


If your farm is located in a high-precipitation area, ensure you have adequate manure storage. The Code prohibits nutrient application during November, December, and January. High-precipitation areas also require a risk assessment before nutrients are applied in October, February, or March.


*High-precipitation areas are those that receive 600 mm or more precipitation between October 1st and April 30th. Check out our website to see if your farm is located in a high-precipitation area.


FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.gov.bc.ca/Agricultural-Environmental-Management


BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is assisting the Province of BC with communicating the key changes related to the AEM Code. Please look for this ad in the coming issues of Country Life in BC for updates.


QUESTIONS? Email: AEMCoPenquiries@gov.bc.ca


COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • OCTOBER 2019 nfrom page 7


Many participants simply wanted the ability to make a living from their land, by farming if possible. “If you want people to continue farming, please find ways to let people make money off the farm other than by farming,” said Ambrose. Others said a more


FULL HOUSE: A vocal crowd told the Agricultural Land Commission that recent changes to regulations had limited their options and failed to make farming any easier. Both the ALC and BC Ministry of Agriculture representative James Mack said the concerns were heard, and would guide future changes. PETER MITHAM PHOTO


which nixed second homes for family members. While a grandfathering period was subsequently announced that gives landowners until February 22, 2020 to secure approvals for a second home, Mack acknowledged that government could have done better. “We realize that people got caught out in that decision,” he said. “We want to figure out what comes next.”


restrictive regime at the land commission would prompt them to take their activities underground and let the land commission come after them rather than let the commission disallow them up front. (Grout had earlier told the meeting that “the land commission is not out there looking for non-compliance,” noting that investigations are the result of complaints.) Mack noted that the commission’s relationship with farmers was not healthy, and he pledged on behalf of the ministry to work for improvement. “I know we’ve done a bunch of things wrong in the organization,” he said at the


end of the meeting. “We are listening.” The listening will continue at five meetings scheduled for October, including Delta (October 1), Dawson Creek (October 2), Prince George (October 3), Kelowna (October 10) and Castlegar (October 30). Comments gathered during the meeting will


form the basis of a final report. A timeline for publication of the report has not been given.


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