B.C. working with farmers to prepare for summer drought conditions

The B.C. government says it is proactively working with farmers to prepare for drought conditions this coming summer.

The province says it is hosting a series of in-person workshops in more than 30 communities to help farmers, from assisting producers in optimizing irrigation systems, exploring options for on-farm water storage, and getting tips for using and managing water farms.

The Drought Management Engagement Sessions will also provide an overview of the financial support available to producers to prepare for and reduce the impacts of drought.

Last summer, B.C. experienced its worst wildfire season on record with endless hot, dry weather, making drought conditions worse.

Speaking Wednesday, B.C. Premier David Eby explained that supporting farmers and protecting the province’s food security is a top priority.

“Farmers depend on perennial plants that grow every year have been badly affected by this recent cold snap. There was no snow to protect the plants, the temperature swing was massive and has devastated their crops. The inventory of the extent of the damage is still being taken,” he said.

Eby said the province is also supporting orchardists and grape growers facing challenges due to extreme weather.

“We’ll be supporting those farmers as they rebuild we understand the importance of the industry and the challenges that they face due to the extreme weather we’ve seen as a result of climate change problems.”