September Calendar...
- September 3: Meet and greet new graduates of North Island College's Farm Worker Foundation program as they celebrate their success. We wish these 7 students all the best in their future work endeavours. At Shelter Farm, email for exact time or more info. Come and get to know them. Perhaps they'll be working for you?
- September 10-12: Alberni District Fall Fair - a live AND virtual event. To create your own virtual info-booth or make a home arts submission, visit https://www.albernifair.com/virtual-fair. If you'll be there in person, don't miss a visit to What the Flock Farm's live display in the Old MacDonald's Farm Yard.
- September 19th: Land Matching Social at Shelter Farm, 2-5 pm. "We’ll tour the farm, network, and look at the steps to building a successful land sharing relationship. Your regional Land Matcher will share information about how the B.C. Land Matching Program can help you find the perfect farmer for your land – or farmland where you can build your dream farm business." Register and get more info here, or just stop by.
- September 26: World River's Day! The first annual celebration of all things water (including the importance of water for agriculture). Info-booths, presentations, activities, and a delicious local lunch! At Beaver Creek Community Hall, stay tuned for more info.
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What we know about new SPCA Inspections
The BC SPCA has announced an intention to conduct unannounced proactive inspections on livestock operations.
- They have the authority to do so under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
- These inspections will be conducted unannounced, without prior notice to producers.
- The plan is to conduct inspections on two farms/ranchers for each commodity group this year.
- A staff person from Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (MAFF) will participate in all inspections as an independent observer.
- Results will be kept between the BC SPCA and the individual producer; producer privacy will be respected.
- SPCA records are not accessible under Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Acts.
- If a producer refuses an inspection, then it is possible that SPCA will file a legal claim, which will be publicly available.
- Producers are advised to have their own plans for biosecurity and to ensure compliance to them.
- BC SPCA will be assessing for distress during the inspections. If an animal is found to be in distress during the inspection, BC SPCA will bring it to the attention of the producer and prompt a discussion around animal care plan to relieve distress.
- Producers who are caring for sick or injured animals will want to be in contact with their veterinarian and/or have a plan for their care.
- The Code of Practice will be used by the BC SPCA as a guide for compliance. Verification programs, such as Verified Beef Production Plus may also be used a guide for compliance
- BC SPCA will be looking to see that proper due diligence is in place so that an animal is not at risk of becoming distressed.
- Producers may want to request that a veterinarian or other support person attend the inspection.
- Various groups and individuals, including the BC Cattleman's Association and District A Farmers' Institute, are seeking more information and sharing concerns with the SPCA and/or Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries.
Some information courtenay of the BC Cattleman's Association.
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Gain some clarity about the farm business of your dreams, and get support writing a comprehensive and achievable farm business plan!
Young Agrarians is hosting this amazing opportunity starting in October on a pay-what-you-can basis.
More details at their website here.
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The Small Scale Meat Producers Association is surveying meat producers across the Province.
"The survey has been developed by a large team of producers from across BC to document the economic and food-security impact of small-scale meat production in this province, and the potential opportunities for this sector.
The survey should take less than 15 minutes and all current producers who complete the survey are eligible to receive a $25 discount code for fencing supplies".
Please share your feedback here
Survey has been extended until September 10th. Your voice matters!
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On-Farm Climate Action Fund
This new Fund will provide $200 million from 2021 until 2024 for the adoption of beneficial management practices that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions directly on farms, specifically in the areas of:
- Nitrogen management
- Cover cropping
- Rotational grazing practices
They are currently seeking proposals from potential delivery partners to redistribute the funds to farmers.
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Coming Fall 2021....
Would you like to learn more about applying for grants to support your work in agriculture or in food system support?
Send us an email if you'd be interested in attending an online grant writing workshop, tailored to the local needs of the Alberni-Clayoquot region.
Funding via Vancouver Foundation
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Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program
Up to $1.5 million of funding in total is available for projects that take place between April 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022.
Statements of Interest are being taken from August 31 to September 23 at 4:30pm Pacific via IAFBC's online portal.
More Info here
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Stay well, and keep in touch.
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