B.C. agrifoods exports grew 11% in 2014, reaching the highest total ever, just short of $3 billion.

The top three export markets for B.C. agriculture and seafood products in 2014 were:

• United States: $2.04 billion, up 12% from $1.8 billion.
• China:  $264 million, up 16% from $228 million. 
• Japan: $199 million, up 17% from $170 million.

B.C. exported about $453 million to the rest of the world, resulting in total B.C. agrifood exports of $2.96 billion to 150 countries. Seafood exports rose 10% to $981 million, with Atlantic salmon ($255 million), crabs ($102 million) and sockeye salmon ($90 million) as the top three products. Food preparations for manufacturing ($235 million), blueberries ($169 million) and baked goods ($122 million) led B.C.’s agriculture exports, which rose 12% to $2 billion.

The $264 million worth of exports to China set a record for the fifth year in a row, more than doubling the $118 million total in 2010. The B.C. government has focused on helping the province’s agrifood businesses reach new markets through a network of 13 international trade offices in the USA, China, Japan, Korea, India and Europe, as well as promoting B.C. products in trade shows and on trade missions.

In June 2014, Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick led the B.C. delegation on a trade mission with the theme “Building Markets for B.C. Foods”. That mission included several deals that could increase B.C.’s agrifood exports of cherries, blueberries, pork, beef and other products by about $100 million within a few years.

The B.C. government partners with the Government of Canada to deliver a $4.3-million B.C. Agrifoods Export Program. This program provides matching funds to support industry participation at international tradeshows, promotional events, incoming and outgoing trade missions, and to develop marketing materials for international audiences.

Quote:

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick -

“A $300-million increase in exports is 300 million more dollars circulating in B.C. agrifood businesses and the B.C. communities they are part of. The strong partnership and hard work of the B.C. government and the agrifood sector promoting B.C. products in new markets is paying off, resulting in a record $3 billion in exports in 2014.”

Media Contacts:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098
250 889-5945 (mobile)