Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Steve Thomson, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Lands, made the announcement in Winfield as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) will deliver AgriStability for B.C. farmers on behalf of the federal and provincial governments starting with the 2009 program year. The federal administration will complete the processing of B.C. files for the 2008 and prior program years. 

BCMAL program experts will be located in four regional offices across the province to serve producers in-person or by telephone. Federal and provincial governments are working together to ensure a smooth transfer with no disruption to producers. 

“Farmers in different parts of the country have different needs so we’re proud to partner with the Government of B.C. to give farmers the local service they deserve,” said Minister Ritz. “This move will bring 25 jobs to B.C. and will boost the local economy as we continue to move forward with our Economic Action Plan.”