Prince George, B.C. – Ranchers and farmers  impacted by the  wildfires will be getting some relief    as the Provincial and Federal Governments  examine ways to best support recovery.Following a meeting between  Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and B.C.’s Agriculture Minister Lana Popham,  an announcement has been made  that the two levels of government are  working to  determine what  kind of  help may be needed to help the sector recover from the devastating  wildfires.

Government officials are working together to quickly assess the extraordinary costs farmers are incurring and what additional assistance may be required to recover and return to production following the wildfires. While no dollar figure has been mentioned, the types of costs under consideration include:

* Costs related to ensuring animal health and safety;

* Feed, shelter and transportation costs;

* Costs to re-establish perennial crop and pasture production damaged by fire.

The General Manager of the BC Cattlemen’s Association, Kevin Boob, says  ranchers are happy to hear the two senior governments are  working  to  help ranchers get back in business “These fires have caused unprecedented impacts for not only the cattle industry but for all of the rural communities. We urge the governments to do everything possible in their assessment, including looking at the parameters of the program, to get as much financial support as possible into these businesses.”

Boon says while funds may  go towards helping ranchers,  the dollars  will be spent in the  communities  where those ranchers live “Those funds will be every bit as important to rebuilding the communities as they are to rebuilding the ranches and helping the B.C. cattle industry to survive.”