Agriculture and Food
British Columbia’s agrifood and seafood leaders joined Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick today for the launch of a comprehensive plan to increase overall sector revenues to $15 billion per year by 2020. The goal is to build on the $12.3 billion in sales of B.C. food and beverage products in 2014, the highest ever.
The B.C. Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan focuses on continued sector growth and it builds on the success of the 2012 BC Agrifoods Strategy. The 55,000 British Columbians directly employed in the provincial agrifoods sector form a key economic driver in B.C. and contribute to the second largest manufacturing sector in the province.
(flickr.com) The B.C. Agrifood and Seafood Action Plan will provide a clear direction to 2020 for the sector in:
- Achieving economic growth;
- Adapting to climate change; and,
- Maintaining food supply security.
Minister Letnick made the announcement at Commissary Connect, a Vancouver business that provides vital commercial kitchen space for British Columbia’s local agrifood producers and processors, and food-based start-ups.
The strategy announced today has 20 new actions including policies that will drive the future of the sector by:
- Increasing production;
- Driving competitiveness; and,
- Building markets.
The strategic growth plan was developed in collaboration with the Minister’s Agrifood Advisory Committee comprised of leaders from the agrifood and seafood sector, business community, local food movement, and agriculture post-secondary institutions.
Through the BC Jobs Plan, British Columbia is growing its agrifoods sector by providing stable jobs and revenue, and supports strong and diversified communities. The BC Jobs Plan builds on the strengths of our key sectors and our educated and skilled workforce, keeping our province diverse, strong and growing.
(flickr.com) Quotes:
Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick –
“The B.C. government has great respect for B.C.’s agrifoods community and the food supply security they provide us. The B.C. Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan is about ensuring a strong future for our sector, so the next generation can continue to succeed and build on the record $12.3 billion in sales, while contributing their own legacy to B.C.’s agrifoods industry.”
B.C. Agriculture Council director and participant on the Minister’s Agrifood Advisory Committee Rhonda Driediger –
“Agriculture is a critical component of the ongoing success of British Columbia. The B.C. Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan highlights the importance of farming and offers a plan to drive our agriculture sector to new levels of growth and sustainability.
“Following a thorough review by the B.C. Agriculture Council, I look forward to the implementation phase which will support farmers’ goal to continue producing agricultural products that are among the safest and highest quality worldwide.”
Seafood Producers Association of British Columbia executive director and participant on the Minister's Agrifood Advisory Committee Chris Sporer –
"Seafood is B.C.’s largest food export commodity, at almost $1 billion annually. This action plan creates a new secretariat within the Ministry of Agriculture to integrate provincial seafood and oceans policy and lead provincial discussions with the federal government on seafood issues.
“A strong, united provincial voice will help our industry take advantage of growing world seafood markets and reach our full potential."
BC Food Processors Association chair Rick Gagner –
“We believe that the food and beverage processing industry in B.C. has tremendous growth potential, and it’s exciting to see that potential reflected in the ambitious goals set out in the B.C. Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan.
“The three priorities outlined in the growth plan of increasing production, driving competitiveness, and building markets will lead to the development of resources and programs that will support the industry in the achievement of these goals.
Commissary Connect owner Sarb Mund –
“Connecting local food producers has always been Commissary Connect’s core competency. Whether that be connecting local food producers to each other through shared use cooking facilities, to their suppliers through a network of farmer organizations or to their markets through relationship building with wholesalers and retailers.
“We are pleased that we are on the same path as the strategic growth plan by using innovation and efficiency to make our member’s products more accessible and more affordable to a wider market.”
Quick Facts:
- More than 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 is comprised of more than 1,800 firms and is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the province.
- In 2014, total sales of B.C. Agrifood & Seafood was $12.3 billion, up 5.9% from the previous year.
- 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 B.C. government has been building the market for B.C. agrifoods abroad, reaching a record $3 billion in exports in 2014 to more than 150 countries.
- 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:
The B.C. Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/strategic-growth-plan.pdf
