The flooding of 2021 in Abbotsford damaged one of the governmentB次元官网网址檚 important agricultural centres, at a time when it was most needed.
The Plant and Animal Health Centre suffered severe damage, as it is located in the Sumas Prairie. And while itB次元官网网址檚 back up and running for the most part, itB次元官网网址檚 at risk of future flooding.
So, the province has announced that they will be building a new centre somewhere in the Fraser Valley. TheyB次元官网网址檒l be bringing forward a business plan by the end of this year, highlighting some possible locations.
The centre is important for B.C.B次元官网网址檚 agriculture, as it provides diagnostic services that support agricultural producers, food safety and the growth of a resilient food system in the province.
A press release from the ministry of agriculture said that the new facility will be designed to offer laboratory services to B.C.B次元官网网址檚 agricultural and veterinary sectors, including disease and virus diagnosis in wild and domestic birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians, as well as hundreds of plant pests and diseases.
More than 40 scientists work in the current facility, which handles more than 6,000 case submissions annually.
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B次元官网网址淲e know how crucial it is for farmers to have access to prompt plant and animal health diagnosis locally,B次元官网网址� said Pam Alexis, Abbotsford-Mission MLA who is now also minister of agriculture and food. B次元官网网址淎 new Plant and Animal Health Centre is part of our governmentB次元官网网址檚 commitment to help our agriculture sector succeed through challenging times.B次元官网网址�
The new centre will provide enhanced animal and plant health services to B.C. producers in a more secure setting, the province said.
B次元官网网址淗ealthy plants and animals are critical to B.C.B次元官网网址檚 agriculture sector and to the farmers and ranchers whose livelihoods depend on them,B次元官网网址� said Stan Vander Waal, president of the BC Agriculture Council. B次元官网网址淭he investment made by the province demonstrates that agriculture is valued in British Columbia and working to ensure our communitiesB次元官网网址� food security.B次元官网网址�
In addition to a new location, the plan at the end of 2023 will include opportunities for additional supporting locations with specialized services in other parts of the province. The new centre will work to involve partnerships with academic institutions and public health agencies, as well as building on the current operational model, which is regarded as Western CanadaB次元官网网址檚 leading full-service veterinary laboratory.
B次元官网网址淭he loss of the lab during the 2021 flooding was devastating to the agricultural community. We are excited to hear that a new higher-capacity lab will be located in a safer area of the Fraser Valley,B次元官网网址� said Katie Lowe, executive director of BC Egg. B次元官网网址淭he lab staff have worked tirelessly to support poultry farmers during the avian influenza outbreak and we thank them for their dedication. A new lab will only improve the already excellent work being done there.B次元官网网址�
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