Delta Farmers Seek Climate Change Mitigation Support
Delta's farming community, comprising over 100 multi-generational farmers contributing around $300 million annually to the agricultural sector, is facing increasing challenges due to climate change. In light of these issues, the Delta Farmers Institute (DFI) has sought a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Food and the Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship to discuss the need for drainage and irrigation infrastructure improvements to combat the adverse impacts of climate change.
DFI President Jack Bates emphasized the importance of infrastructure and mitigation planning to secure the sustainable livelihood of the next generation of farmers and bolster the resiliency of local food production. The Delta council has lent its support to the DFI's motion and is also forwarding the request to the provincial government.
While Delta boasts favorable conditions for agricultural production, climate change has emerged as a significant threat to the long-term viability of agriculture in the region. Farmers in Delta have expressed concerns about the potential loss of agricultural land to flooding, changes in spring freshet, challenges in maintaining drainage systems, excessive salinity in irrigation water due to extreme heat, and fluctuating water levels eroding ditches.
In the past summer, Delta farmers experienced the tangible impacts of climate change, with challenges arising from an early freshet that extended the Fraser River salt wedge further than expected. Drought conditions worsened the situation, affecting irrigation due to increased salinity and reduced water availability. Delta incurred substantial costs to implement temporary measures, including installing pumps and deploying engineering staff, to address the evolving climate conditions.
Delta South MLA Ian Paton acknowledged the difficulties faced by B.C. farmers in the legislature, highlighting severe weather and its persistent effects among the many challenges that agricultural communities are grappling with.
The farming community in Delta is actively seeking government support to address these pressing climate change-related issues and secure the future of local agriculture.
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