Challenges Facing BC Farms in 2018
Most people have a romanticized idea of farm life, and our only interaction with BC agriculture are the farmer’s markets and the occasional berry picking outing with the family. However, there are many challenges facing BC farms in 2018, many have been a problem for years already, but are now compounding with the current world economy.
Labour
Finding quality, cost-effective labour has always been a challenge for BC farmers. Good help is hard to find, and you have to be willing to pay for luxury of a quality workforce. BC farms have a variety of needs from skilled to un-skilled labour, resulting in many farms looking to newer technology to cut down on labour costs.
In addition, many farms rely on cheap labour supplied by temporary immigrants on work visas. Some rely on labour from a less than legal source, but that isn’t the focus of this article. The next challenge illustrates the need for these sources of labour.
Globalized Farming
Gone are the days when 100% of the food you eat is grown within 100 miles of your house. Competition in other countries can harvest, chill and ship to Canada overnight and offer produce at a fraction of local produce costs. Labour is cheap in countries like Peru and Mexico, big operations can produce high volumes faster and cheaper than local Canadian farmers. When labour costs $1-$2 per hour in some countries, how else do Canadians compete except source cheap labour themselves?
In Canada we believe in a fair working wage in most industries. But we can’t fault farmers looking to keep up with the growing demand for faster, cheaper produce.
Changing Climate
Handlers has written extensively on How Climate Change is Affecting BC Farms. This is a global problem that faces every person in every country. BC farmers are preparing for higher temperatures, more violent storms and rising sea levels. This is one of the biggest challenges facing BC farms in 2018. One day we will likely see parts of Delta, Richmond and Vancouver reclaimed by the ocean, and there isn’t much we can do about it.
New Farmer Challenges
If aren’t fortunate enough to have a family farm passed down through the generations, just starting out can be an almost impossible task. Access to quality land is limited and incredibly expensive. The majority of Canadian farmers are over the age of 55 and looking to retire. If they don’t have sons or daughters to take over the family business, they have no choice but to sell to hungry investors looking to gain a chunk of BC’s lucrative agriculture business. This keeps prices high and inaccessible to young people starting out.
Handlers Equipment understands the variety of challenges facing BC farms in 2018. This is why we are constantly researching and sourcing new agriculture equipment designed to keep BC farms competitive and productive. Cutting edge technology such as the RMH Feed Mixer enables BC farmers to cut down on labour costs and create a sustainable future for their farm.
Contact Handlers Equipment today to learn more about how our equipment leading the industry with new technology designed to keep BC agriculture a competitive force in the world market.