Finally we know....

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

2008SBR0006-000269

Feb. 29, 2008


Ministry of Small Business and Revenue



FARM STATUS REVIEW PANEL MEMBERS APPOINTED



VICTORIA – Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for BC Assessment Rick Thorpe released the farm assessment review panel terms of reference and announced panel members today.



“With the terms of reference and the membership of the review panel confirmed, we are demonstrating our government’s commitment to sustainable farming communities,” said Thorpe. “The comprehensive review of farm assessment, in addition to our government’s recently announced Agriculture Plan, will ensure farming continues to be a healthy, vibrant sector.”



As part of the review provincewide, public consultations are expected to begin in early summer 2008. A dedicated website and toll free 1-800 number will be launched in advance of consultations, to accept public input. The review panel will provide government with a report and recommendations by July 31, 2009, for consideration for the 2010 Assessment Roll. The panel will also have the flexibility to provide government with interim recommendations.



Information on the Farm Assessment Review, including Terms of Reference and opportunities for public input is available at www.sbr.gov.bc.ca and clicking on Farm Assessment Review. Public input can also be submitted through email at: farmassessmentreview@gov.bc.ca.



“Panel members bring experience from all regions of British Columbia and represent a diverse cross-section of agricultural communities in British Columbia.” said Saanich Mayor and assessment review panel co-chair, Frank Leonard. “I’m looking forward to working with our new panel members and hearing ideas and suggestions from across British Columbia.”



“I know this has been an ongoing issue in the Peace as well as other parts of British Columbia and I look forward to working with the review panel toward a solution,” said panel co-chair Blair Lekstrom, Peace River South MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development. “These terms of reference will be an excellent guide for the panel as we work together with the farming community to keep our agriculture sector viable and strong.”



Thorpe announced the review of farm status assessment policy Dec. 17, 2007, and the review panel co-chairs were announced on Jan. 31, 2008. The review will be conducted by the newly announced panel, comprised of elected representatives from both local and provincial government, a cross-section of British Columbia’s agriculture community, and the board of BC Assessment.



-30-



1 backgrounder(s) attached.





Media

contact:


Dave Crebo

Communications Director

250 387-4193

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.