LANGLEY FARM RECOGNIZED FOR 137 YEARS OF OPERATION LANGLEY – The Smith Farm in Langley has been honoured with a Century Farm Award to recognize more than a century in operation, Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman announced on behalf of Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson.
Century Farm Awards honour pioneers whose farms or ranches have been in families for 100 years or more, and agricultural organizations that have been active for a century or longer. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in B.C.
"The Fraser Valley has a long, proud history of farming," said Coleman. "Our region is one of the most intensively farmed areas in all of Canada. Family farms like the Smiths' are continuing the legacy of food production and agriculture that began in communities across British Columbia more than 200 years ago."
B.C. has the most diverse agriculture industry in Canada. The agri-food industry is an important contributor to the provincial economy with more than 225 food commodities produced in B.C., totalling over $22 billion annually in consumer sales and supporting over 305,000 jobs.
"Century Farm Awards pay tribute to our past and recognize the efforts of farmers who are contributing to the future of agriculture in B.C.," said Thomson. "My own family farm in the Okanagan is a proud recipient of a Century Farm Award. I can say for B.C.'s farming families, it's an honour to be recognized in this way."
The Smith family has a long history in Langley. Their relatives have been farming in the Fraser Valley since 1873 when John Smith, a descendent from California, bought a piece of the Hudson's Bay Farm. In 1885, he married and built the property's original farmhouse. After 137 years in operation, the farm remains in the family and is operated today by Sylvia, Glen and Kevin Smith. The Smith family grows a variety of food crops and raises goats and sheep on 20.2 hectares (50 acres).
Farm businesses, ranch businesses, organizations and institutions that may qualify for the Century Farm program can apply for an award on the Century Farm Award website. For more information, please visit www.agf.gov.bc.ca/regional/CenturyFarmAwards/CenturyFarms.htm.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
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