Many farms and ranches in the northern region have now reached the 100 year plateau. In McBride, an even deeper historical milestone has been reached. The Robson Valley's primary agricultural association is now a century old, connoting not only farming in that region going on that long duration, but farming in an organized and politically active way.
"For the past 100 years, the McBride Farmers' Institute has proudly represented area farmers and it is this century of commitment that is being celebrated," said Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount.
"It was late winter in 1915 when the McBride-area settlers signed a Declaration of Association to become a Farmers' Institute. A Certificate of Incorporation was issued shortly after and the McBride Farmers' Institute started their work promoting agriculture in the area. It was busy times as the institute lobbied for roads, schools, trails, tourism and farming needs."
In 1940, a boys and girls poultry club was established, and in the 1980s, the institute acquired the use of a reclaimed garbage dump and built a yard for gathering livestock for weighing and shipping. Today, the McBride Farmers' Institute meets monthly and its 30 members continue to provide agriculture leadership for McBride and the Robson Valley. For this achievement, the group was presented with the provincial government's Century Farm Award.
"Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in B.C.," said Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick, who noted the program was created in 1994 to mark the centennial of the Ministry of Agriculture itself. "Congratulations to the McBride Farmers' Institute on 100 years of promoting agriculture excellence. Thanks to your organization, we are ensuring the legacy of farming and agriculture in British Columbia continues with the next generation."
"Our organization is honoured to receive the Century Farm Award," said Marion Cousineau, secretary-treasurer of the organization.
"We appreciate the dedication of our early settlers who established the McBride Farmers' Institute and we look forward to continuing the legacy of representing farmers in the Robson Valley."
"Very few organizations can boast about this kind of accomplishment and I am proud to present them with this special recognition," said Bond.
