$100,000 collected to date to support farmers and ranchers after severe weather events.

Abbotsford, B.C. – November 19th, 2021: BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is accepting donations on behalf of our province’s farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by the recent severe weather events. The organization has already received $100,000 in donations, including $30,000 from Scotiabank, $25,000 each from CIBC and Envision Financial, and $20,000 from Mertin Auto Group in Chilliwack.

BCAC is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization and the lead industry advocate for key sector-wide priorities in British Columbia (B.C.). The Council proudly represents a membership of 27 farm associations who in turn represent approximately 20,000 farm families and over 90% of farm gate sales in B.C.

“These are tough times and farmers are working incredibly hard right now,” says BCAC President Stan Vander Waal. “Whether they are relocating animals or trying to get feed and water to the ones that had to stay behind, they’re also wondering how they will get back on their feet. This is a very stressful time for our sector, but we are encouraged by the overwhelming support from everyone – so on behalf of B.C. farmers and ranchers – we thank you.”

Anyone looking to directly support B.C. farmers and ranchers who have been impacted can make a donation on BCAC’s website at www.bcac.ca.

BCAC has also established a list of useful resources available to assist farmers during this time. The list is available on our website and if you would like to contribute services to the list of resources, please contact us.

With over 200 primary commodities grown, harvested and raised in the province, the sector is one of the most diverse in Canada. In 2019, the B.C. agriculture sector generated total farm cash receipts of $3.8 billion, exported approximately $3.2 billion worth of agriculture and agri-food products, and generated an estimated 35,100 direct jobs within the province.

Please note: BCAC is not a registered charity and cannot issue charitable donation receipts

-30-

Media Contact:
Amy Dhanjal Manager of Communications and Public Relations
BC Agriculture Council
604-854-4454 | communications@bcac.ca