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Purple Fuel Update: In February, the directors discussed the issue of the government enforcing the use of purple gas on all farm vehicles, including snowmobiles and ATV's on the farm. Farmers and ranchers must use these vehicles on their farms/ranches to check on cattle, repair fences and other related farm/ranch duties. At that time, farms/ranches were exempt from this enforcement. We decided to write a letter to the government opposing the purple gas enforcement. Karen Greenwood submitted this letter on February 11, 2005. In March, we received a reply from the Ministry of Provincial Revenue stating that effective February 16, 2005, farmers may use coloured fuel in any unlicensed motor vehicle that: " Is operated on land classified as a farm under the Assessment Act, and " Is operated by, or on behalf of, a farmer for the purposes of that farmer's farm. This authorization applies to ATV's and snowmobiles, when the above criteria are met. Coloured fuel may also be used while qualifying vehicles are travelling on public roads between tracts of land classified as farm land, for farm use. BCFWN is proud to have been a force in the decision making by the government. In this case we were a strong voice on behalf of farmers and ranchers. Submitted by: Lorraine Jerema |