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12 To p : M a r t i n D e e ; illu s t r a t i o n : i S t o c k / S a k o r n S u k k a s e m s a k o r n B C B U S I N E S S . C A M AY 2 0 24 " Much of our water resource sits below the ground, so the more we can slow that rainfall, capture it in our moun- tains and get it to trickle back into the ground, the more we can store it for later on." farmers and ranchers cover extraordinary costs incurred by last year's drought. At the same time, more growers are investing in irriga tion. But what happens when the water for irrigation systems starts to dry up? "That's the question on everybody's mind right now," he says. "And we're going to need to work together to be more efficient in our wa ter use across the province." Sean Smukler, director of the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm, says the shifting climate has put drought on the agriculture sector's radar in a way it's never been before— to the point where even Fraser Valley farmers, who used to be able to count on snowpack and rain, are having to invest in pricey irrigation systems. But the real infusion, he argues, needs to come from governments—and fast. Water storage and conveyance sys tems are critical, says Smukler, as are the preservation and res toration of forests, wetlands, grasslands and other natural systems that recharge the province's aquifers. "Much of our water resource sits below the ground, so the more we can slow that rainfall, capture it in our mountains and get it to trickle back into the ground, the more we can store it for later on." On the demand side, Smuk ler says the province needs to continue educating growers on reducing water use through practices like precision irriga tion, water sensor technology and a better understanding of crops' moisture needs. "My biggest concern is the mobilization needed to hap pen, like, 10 years ago," says Smukler, who points to the fact that, during the pandemic and the Fraser Valley floods of 2021, B.C. consumers got their first taste of empty grocery shelves. "If we're really seri ous about building local food systems, and building our food sovereignty, we need to deal with the water supply and demand situation." Brian Thomas agrees. The longtime rancher has been encouraged by the govern ment's drought response, but he wants to see more invest ment in small dams and water storage infrastructure, as well as the preservation of Agricul tural Land Reserve ( ALR) land. "One of the things I'd like to see is like a land reserve, but an agricultural water reserve," he says. If we don't do a better job of managing our water, he warns, B.C. ranchers and other farmers may be forced to rethink what they grow—and consumers may bear the brunt. "Some people think, 'Why do we need an agricultural industry in British Columbia? Why don't we just get our food from Mexico, or wherever?' But man, that is a great way to be held hostage," says Thomas, who inherited his ranch from his grandfather and father, and hopes to pass it down to his kids and grandkids. "We have to get to where we are more selfsufficient." year's drought, "are creating significantly elevated drought hazards for this upcoming spring and summer." Mark Raymond, executive director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food's Exten sion and Support Services Branch, says that because of last year's drought, perennials were already weakened head ing into winter and, for many, another dry season could mean a knockout punch. Growers who have irrigation are managing, but those who don't—mostly in central and northern B.C.—are facing a tor rent of tough choices. The B.C. government has launched several initiatives, including a $20million water infrastructure program and a workshop series focused on efficient irrigation and other farming practices that help retain soil moisture. Raymond also points to the AgriRecov ery program, which helped MAKING HAY UBC Farm's Sean Smukler says the climate crisis is having a huge impact on agriculture

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