Farming and access to food are becoming priorities for elected officials.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is moving towards an agricultural plan and establishing an advisory committee for agricultural matters.
“Agriculture is important to all of us,” said director Jackie Pearase of residents living in both urban and rural areas.
“In Vernon, just look at the farmers markets and people want a local aspect to their food supply.”
While the plan’s firm details haven’t been worked out, it could consider land use activities, how solid waste programs can benefit farmers and the regional district lobbying senior government for support for farmers.
For Pearase, the goal is to ensure agriculture remains part of communities and the economy.
“We don’t want to lose what we have and we want to ensure the ones operating are successful,” she said.
“There is a place in the world for smaller agricultural operations and I want to see them be viable.”
RDNO directors have been invited by the Kamloops-Okanagan Dairymen’s Association to tour local farms and to discuss an agricultural plan and an agricultural advisory committee.
“It is our firm belief that agriculture is a very important economic engine for our region and has the ability to continue to strengthen this region’s economic health,” said Henry Bremer, KODA president.
Many of KODA’s members are located in Pearase’s jurisdiction of rural Enderby.
“The better I understand what they are doing, the better I can represent them,” said Pearase of the association.
