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The agricultural news source in British Columbia since 1915 JULY 2019 | Vol. 105 No.7

POULTRY FIRB sides with K&M on annualized production 10

ALR Farmers institute members discuss ALR changes 14

RANCHING Clifton Ranch aims for better beef, habitat 23

by PETER MITHAM

PITT MEADOWS—May wasnot kind to Golden EagleGroup, the province’s largestberry farmer withapproximately 5,000 acres ofblueberries and cranberries inPitt Meadows.

The company, owned bythe Aquilini family ofVancouver, was fined $53,690in October 2018 regarding abus deemed as presenting a“high risk of serious injury ordeath” to workers. The bushad several mechanicalproblems, primarily relating to

the braking system. However,other issues were alsoidentified relating to the airbag system, headlights andrear battery.

Golden Eagle appealed thefine, but a review byWorkSafeBC upheld thepenalty.

The safety of vehicles usedto transport workers has beena priority since the death ofthree workers in a crash nearAbbotsford in March 2007. Aninter-agency committee wasformed in December 2007 bythe provincial ministries oflabour, transportation and

agriculture as well asWorkSafeBC and the BCAgriculture Council to addressvehicle safety.

In 2018, WorkSfeBCinspected 121 vehicles andissued 175 orders. CommercialVehicle Safety andEnforcement inspected 133vehicles and 20 failed to passmuster. The previous year,WorkSafeBC inspected 128vehicles and issued 131orders. CVSE inspected 111vehicles and 24 failed to pass.

WorkSafeBC’s decision

by PETER MITHAM

VICTORIA—Growingcriticism of the province’sefforts to tighten protectionof the province’s AgriculturalLand Reserve is promptingthe province to backtrack onsome of the new regulations.

A late-night bulletin the BCMinistry of Agriculture postedon June 18 indicates thatrules governing secondhomes in the ALR wouldallow a grandfatheringperiod.

“As the Province hascontinued to work onregulations to support Bill 52,the BC government has beenlistening to localgovernments and people

Provinceblinkson ALRSmall-lot farmers fightback

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Over 250 school children from five local schools attended an education day at Hutley Acres Farm in Spallumcheen on June 7 to learnabout dairy farming, how chickens are raised, milk an imitation cow and even pet a real cow. The event preceded the fifth annualBreakfast on the Farm where close to 900 people enjoyed breakfast, farm tours and activities. [JACKIE PEARASE PHOTO]

Berry grower hit with finesSee DETAILS on next page o

See WAGE next page o

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