Input from a major economic player will be allowed to hatch.
The Regional District of North Okanagan will increase the agricultural advisory committee from seven to eight members to include a poultry farmer.
“The poultry industry is quite large in the North Okanagan and we don’t have anyone right now,” said director Mike Macnabb.
In 2011, there were 79 farms that produced poultry and eggs in the North Okanagan – resulting in the production of 16,512,336 kilograms of broilers, roaster and Cornish hens, 9,362 kilograms of turkeys and 579,386-dozen eggs.
Other commodities, such as dairy and tree fruits, are represented at the advisory committee.
Macnabb believes it would be valuable to have the viewpoint of a poultry farmer during discussions on a range of issues.
“We’re looking at barriers to agriculture and how to break them down so it’s important for them to be at the table,” he said.
Paul Wendt has been appointed as the poultry industry representative. He operates a poultry farm in Spallumcheen and is also a sales representative for a dairy equipment company.
