FORT ST. JOHN -- The B.C government has announced a series of workshops to help farmers across the province prepare for drought amid record-high levels.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food alongside the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship are seeking to help advise food producers on water management, and the supports available should they encounter drought situations this summer.
The sessions are also aimed at helping farmers better understand the decision making processes made by the province under the Water Sustainability Act.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food says they will assist farmers in preparing their land for drought and extreme-weather conditions, while providing crop insurance and income protection services should they face losses or revenue declines.
In the Peace Region, the first workshop will take place in Dawson Creek on March 21st and the following day in Fort St. John.
The announcement comes as the BC Energy Regulator suspends water diversions to oil and gas operators after watersheds across the region continued to track towards record-high drought levels.
In an update today, the province also announced that snowpack across B.C. is 39 per cent lower than previous averages, raising concerns that drought patterns look to remain persistent.
“Knowing that farmers didn't have enough water to grow feed for their cattle last summer, knowing the forest fire impacts we've seen, I am really worried about the summer that's coming up,” said David Eby, while speaking to reporters at an unrelated event Thursday.
Registration details for information sessions in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John are yet to be announced, but will be held both in-person and online.
