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By Adam Berls

agriculture

Bachrach calling on feds to support farmers facing difficulties because of drought

Jul 28, 2023 | 12:11 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A Northern B.C. MP is calling on the federal government to help BC farmers dealing with drought conditions.

Taylor Bachrach, MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley is calling on the federal government to act to help struggling farmers dealing with crop failures and soaring hay prices. Farmers north of Williams Lake have seen crops reduced to as little as 10 percent of previous years’ harvest.

“The situation we’re in in northern B.C. is extremely challenging for farmers. I’m hearing from farms that only got 10% of their normal hay harvest and they’re struggling to feed their animals. As a result, a lot of farmers are selling off their herds and that could have impacts for a number of years going forward. So we’re calling on the federal government to step in to help these farmers that are in this situation and to help protect our food security and our economy here in northern B.C.” – Taylor Bachrach, MP, Skeena-Bulkley Valley (NDP)

Bachrach is also planning to reach out to local mayors to encourage a collaborative push for federal support.

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“We’re always stronger as a region when we speak with one voice, and I’ve heard from a lot of folks in local government, whether it’s at the regional district or mayors in the region, that they’re very concerned as well. So due to the cabinet shuffle, we have a new minister of agriculture, and I want to ensure that as quickly as possible, we send out a strong message from this region stating that we expect federal support, that farmers here need help.” – Taylor Bachrach, MP, Skeena-Bulkley Valley (NDP)

With soaring hay and feed prices, farmers are having to make difficult decisions.

“I’m hearing from farmers that the animal sales in Vanderhoof have been have been extremely busy as as farmers sell animals that they aren’t able to feed. We need to ensure that agricultural capacity, those multi-generational family farms are able to survive in our region because they’re such an important part of our economy and of food security for people in this region.” – Taylor Bachrach, MP, Skeena-Bulkley Valley (NDP)

Northern B.C. has been experiencing level 4 and 5 drought conditions, the highest levels of classification, leaving long-term impacts on the industry.

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Twitter: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com