Drought Management and Agriculture in British Columbia

The past few years have seen some of the driest and hottest years on record in British Columiba, a scenario that is likely going to repeat itself as the 21st century progresses.

We often think about how drought may impact community water supplies, recreation and other activities.

What about the security of our food supply ?

Drought can have a major impact on agricultural production. Impacts are not only felt for the current drought year, but can have lingering impacts that last several years.

Producers that are forced to sell their herds because of a shortage of feed supply cannot just replenish the herd numbers quickly in subsequent years. Similarly, if perennial plants die due to a lack of water, it takes years to establish anew plant that will achieve the same level of production.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has developed a series of factsheets that provide producers with useful information on how to manage droughts and reduce the effects of droughts.

View these factsheets

The province has also developed a drought response plan. The components of the plan and other relevant information are explained in the following powerpoint presentation link:

Dealing with Drought