Regional District of Fraser-Fort George announces new initiative for farmers

PRINCE GEORGE—The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is creating a new strategy to help farmers of livestock and crops.

The District wants to provide a baseline of information regarding existing agriculture in Northern B.C., identify the strengths and weaknesses of agriculture in the region and create practical solutions and goals for the region.

“A Regional Agriculture Strategy will help us strengthen farming and contribute to the long-term sustainability of agriculture within the region,” says Kenna Jonkman, General Manager of Development Services with the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. “It will be a tool to foster greater communication and collaboration between the Regional District, Indigenous Nations, the agricultural community, and provincial agencies in undertaking actions to support agriculture in the region,” says Jonkman.

A 2019 report from Northern Development Initiatives Trust suggests that Northern B.C. is home to around 1,900 livestock farms and just over 1,700 crop-producing farms.