Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of Thompson Country’s region as reflected in the North Thompson Economic Development Plan. CFTC has worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land over the years to support agriculture diversification initiatives.
In 2000 CFTC commissioned a study – Back to the Land – Agriculture Opportunities that examined alternative crops that could be produced on small acreages to diversify the income of these producers. The Back to the Land report was reproduced into a small version of the report – Hard Times or Good Times?
In 2004, CFTC undertook a massive fence removal and replacement program for local ranchers who lost their fences to the McLure, Strawberry and McGilvray Wildfires of 2003. Through Job Creation Partnerships with Service Canada 50.8 kilometers of 5-strand barbed wire fences were removed and replaced for local area ranchers.
In 2005 CFTC partnered with Western Economic Diversification Canada, Ministry of Agriculture and Land, Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia to host the Interior Livestock Marketing Seminar in 2005 which provided insight into the realities of the implementation of the meat inspection regulations that have become common place for abattoirs throughout the region.
In 2008 CFTC partnered with Heartland Quality Foods and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia and Kamloops Food Policy Council to conduct An Agriculture Feasibility Analysis to determine the marketing and distribution challenges facing the local food producers. The purpose was also to determine the level of demand and price sensitivities for local foods among the different consumer groups.
Farm Fresh is a local guide to discover Agriculture, Fresh Food and Agri-Tourism operators and features in the Thompson Nicola Regional District. Farm Fresh also promotes agri-tourism in the region.
