…About ranching in the East Kootenay

By Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett

1. Changes to the Agriculture Land Commission are being criticized, mostly by those from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Recently, fourth generation rancher Randy Reay explained why the changes help agriculture in the East Kootenay.

2. “Unless changes are made to the ALR there will be no agriculture industry in the future simply because very few young people are willing to put in the hours and capital necessary to operate a farm or ranch under the economic and operation pressures we are facing.”

3.  “The current ALR legislation is too restrictive in terms of supplemental activities that can be conducted on ALR land which could add needed revenue to support the ranching operation.  The real truth is that the vast majority of farms and ranches are being supported or sustained by off-farm income.  The absolute best way to ensure we will have a successful agriculture industry in the future is to make it profitable.”

Article Share