B.C. fruit and wine sectors launch agricultural election campaign

British Columbia’s tree fruit and wine grape sectors have launched the ‘Get Ag on the Agenda’ campaign to prioritize agricultural issues in this fall’s local municipal elections. The initiative, led by the BC Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA), aims to clarify how candidates intend to support farmers over the next four years.

The campaign includes a series of in-person candidate forums across the Okanagan, with scheduled events in Kelowna on September 25 and Vernon on September 28. A third forum location is yet to be announced. These discussions will focus on critical local government decisions affecting farming, such as water management, land use, emergency preparedness, and the interface between agricultural and urban areas.

Additionally, the BCFGA is distributing a questionnaire to all mayoral, council, and electoral area director candidates in the province’s tree fruit growing regions. Candidates are asked to address specific actions for supporting agriculture, methods for engaging with the farming community, and strategies for managing climate-related challenges like drought and wildfires. Responses are limited to 50 words and will be published on the BCFGA website.