This page will be updated regularly with Notices of Interest to Members as well as a Calendar of Events.
November 26, 2021:
Agricultural Flood Relief & Farm Vehicles Gas Restrictions
Flood Relief Programmes
The Salt Spring Farmers’ Institute would like to convey our sadness in watching the recent catastrophic flooding unfold across Southern British Columbia. This event has had a significant impact on the lives of many British Columbians, including the farming community.
Hundreds of farms have been impacted by the floods, including both those underwater and those that have been cut off from vital resources. Farms in the Fraser Valley have been severely affected, with tens of thousands of animals perishing in the floods. Many of these farmers risked their own lives, refusing to evacuate in order to stay and care for their animals. They have lost not only their animals and their farms, but their family homes and their means of making a living.
Whether growing crops or raising animals, Canadians rely on our farmers for food stability in our everyday lives. They have continued to support us throughout a pandemic, wildfires and drought; now it is our turn to support them. We would like to encourage anyone who is able to do so, to make a donation in support of those impacted in the farming community or to another organization assisting with the relief effort.
There are many worthy organizations collecting donations at this time, and the Salt Spring Island Farmers’ Institute does not endorse any particular fundraising campaign, nor are we involved with the collection or distribution of funds. We hope only to encourage you to consider making a donation in support of those hit hardest by this devastating event.
Help our BC Farm Families
Several listings available for Fundraising campaign specifically supporting the farming community:
Canadian Red Cross – British Columbia Floods & Extreme Weather Appeal
BCSPCA – Support for Flood Victims and animals
BC Ag Council has a list on their website: www.bcac.ca
Gas Restrictions for Farm Use Vehicles
Until November 30, 2021, B.C. is prioritizing fuel for essential vehicles in impacted areas of the province. This is a temporary measure brought in by a new order under the Emergency Program to make sure we have a steady supply of fuel for the services and goods people depend on after the recent catastrophic weather events. Essential vehicles will not have a fuel limit.
This order covers the following regions:
-Lower Mainland (Vancouver to Hope)
-Sea to Sky (Squamish to Lillooet)
-Sunshine Coast
-Gulf Islands
-Vancouver IslandUnder the order, agricultural and farm-use vehicles and veterinarians supporting flood response are considered essential. For a full list of essential vehicles please refer to the list here.
While most essential vehicles will be able to access gas through fuel depots and cardlock gas stations, there will be a limited number of unmarked or private vehicles that will be accessing gas at retail locations. These unmarked or private vehicles will need to show a printed or digital certification letter authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries to gas station attendants to identify their priority status and ability to fill up with no restrictions.
Agricultural operators and essential service providers in the regions listed above who use unmarked or private vehicles and require unrestricted access to fuel can request a Ministry issued certification letter below.
If you have questions or require assistance please call or email AgriServiceBC: 1-888-221-7141 at agriservicebc@gov.bc.ca.
To keep up to date on issues and resources, please visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Response to Flooding Webpage: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/water/flooding-emergency-resources. This website will be updated regularly with important information related to flood management.
Emily Carmichael, M.Sc, P.Ag | Resource Development Agrologist (Capital Island Region)
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries | Victoria
Emily.carmichael@gov.bc.ca | 778-405-1935
Nov 02, 2021
NEW DATE FOR THE FALL FAIR IN 2022
Due to the fact that the Cowichan Exhibition is now holding its fair on the third weekend of September this poses a conflict for the SSI Fall Fair. As a result the Board of Directors have voted to change the date of the SSI FallFair to the second week in Sept to avoid problems for vendors and fair goers. The SSI Fall Fair will be held on September 10/11 2022. Hope to see you there!
July 5, 2021 Rental space is now available.
Until September 1, 2021 occupancy numbers will depend upon the event planned. See rates under rentals
April 27, 2020 Agricultural Response and Recovery Plan re Covid-19
All the information of this working group of stakeholders can be found on the Agricultural Alliance website www.plantofarm.org/covid-19/
March 31, 2020 Information on animal care during Covid 19
1. Items to consider for preparation on small animal farms. This suggests actions to take to protect your animals and your farm should you be infected.
2. Information from the Canadian Veterinarian Association on caring for your animals and pets if you are infected.