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B.C. launches regenerative ag project in Fraser River estuary

The B.C. government is partnering with the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust on a new project that will help local food producers improve soil health and mitigate the effects of climate change in the Fraser River estuary.

“The rich soil of farmland surrounding the Fraser River estuary is what made a lot of farmers choose Richmond or Delta as their home,” said Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough, in a press release. “By working with local organization like the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust to implement regenerative agriculture practices, we can maintain this area’s legacy of food production and its bird and wildlife habitats for generations to come.”

The $150,000 project will provide educational support and offer funding for specific programs that promote the sustainable use of agricultural land in Metro Vancouver, including:

• grassland set-aside program promoting the incorporation of perennials in annual crop rotations to improve soil health;
• winter cover crop program in which participants plant cover crops after the summer harvest to improve soil fertility and protect soils from erosion over the wet, winter months;
• blueberry rest program, which will offer financial assistance to blueberry growers who remove blueberry fields that have become unproductive due to scorch virus and plant soil-regenerating cover crops; and
• climate-focused soil health educational materials featuring annual field tours, printed resources and online content.

The project will contribute to healthier soils, increased food production and stronger local food security over the long term.

“Healthy soils are vital for growing food on B.C. farmland, and our government is committed to supporting producers move toward regenerative agriculture practices that will improve soil health,” said Lana Popham, minister of agriculture and food, in a press release. “Regenerative agriculture is a strong defence against the effects of climate change and implementing these practices will help ensure we have a resilient ecosystem, while strengthening local food security.”