Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick issued the following statement recognizing the important contribution of British Columbia’s agriculture sector during Agricultural Safety Week:

“From March 15 to 21, the B.C. government is joining farm safety organizations and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in celebrating Canadian Agricultural Safety Week. This year’s theme is ‘Be the Difference!’ and provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of farm safety and to encourage safe farm practices throughout the year.

“Farming and agriculture has a long and proud heritage in British Columbia. There are 20,000 family farms and more than 60,000 British Columbians working in our provincial agrifoods sector providing fresh, healthy, and local foods to our families.

“These hardworking people go to work each day and contribute greatly to our province. The safety of these individuals at their workplace is paramount - and we want to ensure they return home each day to their loved ones.

“We join with our federal and provincial colleagues and agriculture organizations in recognizing this important week and highlighting worker safety - a responsibility for us all.”

Learn More:

Information on Canadian Agricultural Safety Week 2015: http://www.agsafetyweek.ca/

Worksafe BC agriculture industry resources: http://www2.worksafebc.com/Portals/Agriculture/Home.asp

Media Contacts:

Robert Boelens
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-1674