If he didn’t already know it, North Okanagan-Shuswap MP Mel Arnold had it reiterated how diverse his riding is when it comes to agriculture.
Arnold hosted a public town hall forum on agriculture Tuesday at Centennial Hall in Armstrong.
“One of the things that struck me was the diversity of agriculture in the North Okanagan-Shuswap,” said Arnold Wednesday morning. “There’s really very little grown in Canada that isn’t grown in the North Okanagan-Shuswap.”
More than 50 people attended the meeting, with Arnold noting that representation came from tree fruit, dairy and small farms through to local government representatives.
“It was a really good mix,” he said.
One topic that came up several times was the expansion of cannabis greenhouses, and the debate on whether they should be considered agricultural or industrial, and whether they should be on good, arable land or based on properties that are less productive agriculturally.
Some in attendance shared concern for the ongoing North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations, and other trade talks affecting Canada’s agriculture industry. Supply management was also discussed with attendees speaking both in opposition and in favour.
One attendee, a local dairy farmer, expressed the need for greater education around supply management to address misconceptions and increase public awareness. Arnold said he is open to considering all information surrounding the effects of supply management, and related to growing up on his family’s dairy farm in Notch Hill where he witnessed the positive change the system provided.
One person suggested that all food served at hospitals, health institutions and extended care facilities should be locally sourced to save on fuel and transportation costs, and to help the local economy.
“I’ll wrap up all of the suggestions and take these back to present to my party, certainly, and possibly to the government as well,” said Arnold. “These are things that can help grow our agricultural community.
“It was great to connect with farmers and other concerned citizens to discuss our agriculture sector that not only produces world-class food, but drives our local economies. The gathering was very productive and informative, and I look forward to hosting more public forums in the near future to discuss matters of importance to the constituents of the North Okanagan-Shuswap.”
Arnold said he will likely hold another general-themed public forum before the end of summer in Vernon.