B.C. farmers and ranchers are being supported with a new round of funding to help prepare and protect their farms and animals from extreme-weather emergencies, ensuring people will continue to have access to local food in a changing climate.

More people will be discovering and enjoying local food and beverages as the Buy BC Partnership Program continues to support B.C. farms and businesses to get the word out about their products.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed 52 farms have been infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in B.C. since Oct. 20, 2023.

B.C. food-processing companies looking to scale up and feed more people are benefiting from a program that is helping them increase their businesses’ productivity and competitiveness by improving their facilities and equipment.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that birds at eight commercial poultry farms in the Fraser Valley and two small flocks in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the Regional District of Mount Waddington have tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus bringing the total to 16 confirmed cases since Oct. 20, 2023.

New and small-scale farmers will be able to grow their businesses and help strengthen food security in their communities with the launch of the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program.

Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food, has issued the following statement in support of B.C. Agriculture Day:

After an intense summer of wildfires and drought, B.C.’s farmers and ranchers are receiving additional support to repair or replace damaged infrastructure and to help with the expenses they incurred to keep their animals fed, sheltered and safe during these emergencies.

As the risk of avian influenza increases this fall with the migration of waterfowl and other birds, B.C. poultry farmers are being supported with new planning and preparedness strategies and stronger biosecurity measures on their farms.   

To help B.C. food and beverage businesses learn about export opportunities and showcase their high-quality products, Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food, is leading a three-day trade mission to Washington state.