British Columbia’s agrifood and seafood sector has accepted the invitation and the challenge. How can we bolster the province’s food supply security and continue to encourage innovation for the sector?

These important topics will be discussed as part of the Growing the Future Together: BC Agrifood and Seafood Conference, Nov. 14-15 in Kelowna. The full program has now been released, Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick announced today.

The conference will begin with a keynote address from B.C. restaurateur and celebrity chef Vikram Vij. His much-anticipated presentation will touch on the importance of sourcing local food, how to build a successful B.C. agrifood business and a discussion on local food trends.

Other speakers will include experts from the food and beverage industry, entrepreneurs, planners, purchasers and suppliers. A variety of topics will be covered in sessions including: new sector development, agritech, climate change, export readiness, e-commerce, succession planning and urban agriculture.

Throughout the day conference participants will also be able to interact with the exhibitors showcase, meeting and engaging with B.C. companies that are on the leading edge of new production practices, or pursuing an emerging trend or technology. Overall, all of the presentations will align with the theme of the conference: food supply security, building markets and promoting competiveness and productivity.

British Columbia has one of the most-diverse agrifoods industries in Canada, producing more than 200 agriculture commodities on the land and 100 in the water. Sales of B.C. agrifood products topped $13 billion for the first time in 2015 as the momentum builds toward the B.C. government’s goal of growing the sector to a $15-billion-a-year industry by 2020.

Quotes:

Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture –

“The goal of this conference is to look at ways how we can develop, strengthen and build relationships with both the sector and consumers in supporting B.C. food supply security. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Kelowna and growing the future of our agrifood and seafood sector, together.”

Vikram Vij, conference keynote speaker –

“Canada is one of the greatest culinary destinations because of our farmers, purveyors and chefs, who have a great relationship with nature.”

Dr. Sean Smukler, assistant professor, University of British Columbia –

“Climate change will inevitably mean challenges for British Columbia producers. However, with this challenge there is opportunity, and I look forward to talking more about this at the BC Agrifood and Seafood Conference.”

Learn More:

Growing the Future Together: BC Agrifood and Seafood Conference program:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/agrifood-seafood-conf-2016/conference-home/conference-program