Spallumcheen seeks feedback on future processing options for local agriculture industry

Photo: Contributed

Spallumcheen wants to know what the township can do to assist the agriculture industry.

From wildfires to heat domes to floods, producers have seen losses in many areas of farming.

“The first step is to identify where the gaps are locally. What types of processing do we need? We have the producers, but they can’t get their product to processing facilities,” says Mayor Christine Fraser. “That’s why we sought out funding to perform this study. We need to hear from agricultural producers and partners to know where to focus our efforts.”

Spallumcheen was awarded funding in 2021 from the provincial and federal governments via the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC to complete a feasibility study.

The study aims to determine if agri-processing can be supported in the area and what type of processing is needed.

The township needs the input of the agricultural industry and partners to learn what farmers would like to see for processing options.

The municipality is also reaching out to the Minister of Agriculture, Agricultural Land Commission, producers and retailers to see what needs and challenges the industry is experiencing locally, as well as what opportunities exist for the future of the industry in the North Okanagan.

To gather as much input as possible, the survey has been extended until March 8.

Hard copies of the survey are also available at the township office, 4144 Spallumcheen Way.

Questions or comments may be directed to [email protected] or 250-546-3013.

“Agriculture is a key part of Spallumcheen’s history, and we need your input to help council ensure it is a key part of our future,” Fraser said.