Agriculture and Food
B.C. farmers and food producers joined Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick to celebrate B.C. Agrifoods Day at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, and $12.3 billion in sales of B.C. food products in 2014, the highest ever.
Letnick congratulated representatives from the BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) and the BC Food Processors Association (BCFPA) on the record sales, which grew by $700 million from the year before, and a full $1.8-billion increase since 2010. B.C.’s agrifoods industry includes primary production in agriculture, aquaculture and commercial fisheries, and processing of food and beverages.
B.C. Agrifoods Day was declared to increase awareness and appreciation for the high quality and diverse range of foods produced in B.C., and included a proclamation declaring Nov. 3 as Agrifoods Day in B.C., farm machinery and tractors on display on the grounds of the Parliament Buildings, and meetings between BCAC and BCFPA leaders, Letnick and MLAs on how to grow sector sustainability and sales.
The B.C. government has focused on creating an economic climate that supports success with among the lowest income tax rates in Canada, and strategic investments in innovation, and infrastructure that facilitates trade, opportunities and sales for B.C. businesses.
The B.C. government is helping build the domestic and export markets for B.C. foods. The $6-million Buy Local program has helped B.C. companies find new customers locally, while a network of 13 international trade offices, B.C. trade missions, and innovation and market development funding have all played roles in growing B.C.’s exports, which at $3 billion in 2014 set a record of their own.
(flickr.com) Quotes:
Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick –
“With $12.3 billion in sales, it is clear that the B.C. government’s Agrifoods Strategy is working. The B.C. government is committed to providing B.C. farm families with the chance to earn a higher income while ensuring our province has a growing agrifoods economy and a reliable food source for years to come.”
BC Agriculture Council chair Stan Vander Waal –
“Food security and economic growth are of vital importance not only to B.C.’s agricultural businesses, but also to the citizens of British Columbia. By securing growth in agriculture B.C. is ensuring the production of a wide variety of high-quality local food for generations to come.”
BC Food Processors Association chair Rick Gagner –
“The entrepreneurs and family businesses that make up the food and beverage processing sector in B.C. work incredibly hard to put innovative, high-quality products into the market. The growth of our industry is a reflection of their passion and commitment. We appreciate the continued support of the Ministry of Agriculture to help food and beverage processors achieve success.”
Quick Facts:
- Over 200 primary agriculture products and about 100 species of fish, shellfish and marine plants are produced in B.C.
- The food and beverage processing industry consists of more than 1,800 firms and is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the province.
- Total sales of B.C. Agrifood and Seafood at $12.3 billion are up 5.9% over 2013.
- Total sales include $2.9 billion agriculture, $0.8 billion seafood, and $8.5 billion in manufacturers’ shipments.
- Growth in sales occurred in the food and beverage manufacturing sector (up 7.2%) and the primary agriculture sector (up 4.6%).
- The Canadian Federation of Agriculture estimates Canadians spent 10% of their disposable income on food in 2014, and that processors purchase 38% of Canadian farm production.
Learn More:
2014 Sector Snapshots with more details about products and markets: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/about-agriculture-and-seafood-in-bc/statistics/industry-and-sector-profiles
April 2015 record export news release: http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2013-2017/2015agri0013-000465.htm
