Minister of Agriculture and MLA Lajeunesse visit farms in Juan de Fuca-Malahat
SOOKE – On Tuesday, BC NDP MLA Dana Lajeunesse and Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham toured several farms in Metchosin and Sooke. The visit aimed to engage directly with local agricultural producers, understand their challenges, and discuss opportunities for growth within the sector.
The tour included visits to Sea Bluff Farm (Metchosin), ALM Organic Farm (Sooke), and Woodside Farm (Sooke) where the Minister and MLA engaged with farmers to gain insights into their operations and the unique challenges faced in the region.
“This corner of the Island is full of incredible farms and thriving agriculture, and it was a pleasure to visit alongside Minister Popham,” said MLA Dana Lajeunesse. “Supporting local agriculture is essential to ensuring a sustainable, thriving economy and a healthy future for all British Columbians. Now more than ever, in the light of the current challenges, it’s crucial that we come together to support our farmers and prioritize buying local.”
Following the tour, a roundtable discussion was held with local farmers at Woodside Farm to address topics such as barriers to agricultural production and market access, land reserve and farmland development, challenges faced by local food producers, advancing agricultural technology and innovation, education and workforce development in agriculture, and strategies for creating and sustaining productive farmland.
“The discussion at the roundtable highlighted the resilience, innovation, and determination of our local farmers,” said Minister Lana Popham. “It’s critical we strengthen our agricultural sector and ensure its continued success, and I’m so glad we got to hear from such important voices on the issues that matter most to them.”
MLA Lajeunesse and Minister Popham at ALM Organic with Mary Alice
Minister Popham at roundtable with 25 people from local governments (Sooke & Metchosin), young farmers, food security organizations, people from farmers market, and local restaurant owners.