A Pitt Meadows cranberry producer wants farmers in his community to speak with a united voice when they deal with the province on water use, the current drought, and future issues brought by climate change.
Steve Robinson is hosting a meeting on Sept. 9 at his family business, Pitt Meadows Plumbing (20142 113B Ave.) at 9:30 a.m.
“A large number of us here are trying to get in front of this problem,” said Robinson.
He has received letters from the province telling him to reduce or stop irrigating his crops, as the Lower Mainland region enters a level 5 drought – the most severe drought conditions. About two-thirds of the province is at either level four or five – conditions where adverse impacts are considered “likely,” and “almost certain,” according to the online BC Drought Information Portal.
On July 26 he received a letter “requesting all water users to voluntarily conserve water and reduce withdrawals from surface water and groundwater sources for the remainder of the season…”
It said minimizing water use will help maintain healthy stream flows, and benefit fish and aquatic habitats.
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On Aug. 29, he received a second letter as the South Coast Region reached drought level 5, requesting he reduce water use by 50 per cent or more. It warns falling levels in waterways could result in temporary protection orders, even stopping water diversion.
Robinson said BC Farmers in the Interior got similar letters, just before their water fight with the province began. The province brought fines and enforcement, and farmers have spoken against the restrictions and government action. Drought in the North Okanagan resulted in a fish protection order on the Salmon River, and that has farmers in Westwold predicting they will be losing crops.
Watching their Youtube video this week, Robinson fears Pitt Meadows farmers could be in the same situation.
He’s also looking at the current drought with a broader view.
“From my perspective, farming here in Pitt Meadows, we’re in the middle of a climate crisis, and things are going to change,” he said.
He doesn’t believe farmers should be “growing alfalfa in the desert,” as in Arizona, and acknowledges “there are multiple interests that need these (water) resources.”
Robinson said Pitt Meadows farmers might find themselves transitioning to new crops that suit a changing climate.
“But this is a fantastic farming area here,” he added. “We just need access to fresh water.”
He wants to work with the province, rather than having “arbitrary” changes to water licences that have served family farms for generations.
“The government needs to have conversations with the farm community.”
The province predicts drought conditions to continue. Forests Minister Bruce Ralston said this week that recent rains were not significant enough to end the drought.
“At this point, we need several inches or more of rainfall over an extended period to help alleviate our drought conditions,” he said.
For information about the upcoming meeting, email sara@pittmeadows.net
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