British Columbia's Ministry of Agriculture is partnering with the BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) and industry leaders to find ways to improve competitiveness in the B.C. agrifoods and seafood sectors.

The new B.C. Agrifoods and Seafood Competitiveness Committee, which held its inaugural meeting on April 27, was first announced as part of the recently released B.C. Agrifoods Strategy. The committee is comprised of representatives from both the ministry and industry, with a mandate to enhance competitiveness.

During the committee's initial five-year term, it will gauge overall industry competitiveness by first establishing performance measures for competitiveness and profitability. Members will meet quarterly before reporting to the Minister of Agriculture within one year.

The committee's recommendations will be considered as part of future government policy.

The committee is co-chaired by BCAC president Rhonda Driediger, and assistant deputy minister, Ministry of Agriculture Melanie J. Stewart, PhD.

Other committee members include:

• Dave Eto, director corporate affairs, Premium Brands
• Garnet Etsell, owner, Coligny Hill Farms
• Donald McLeod, executive vice president, Canadian Fishing Company
• Stan Vander Waal, president, Rainbow Greenhouses Inc.

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Media Contact:

Sharon Dean
Communications
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-1674