New emergency access tool aims to get B.C. producers back on the land faster

Farmers and ranchers forced to leave their operations during an emergency could soon face fewer hurdles getting back to care for livestock and protect their property. The BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) has launched a standardized, digitally enabled Temporary Access Pass system to help local authorities and First Nations manage requests from producers who need access to areas under evacuation orders during emergencies. The new system builds on temporary access pass processes that have existed across B.C. for years but have often varied from one jurisdiction to another, creating confusion for both emergency officials and those seeking access.