BC Agrifoods

BC’s agrifoods strategy – called B.C. agrifoods: A strategy for growth – is a five-year plan for increasing local food production and processing. The strategy is based upon three priorities:

• Promoting B.C.’s high-quality and high-value products;
• Expanding both domestic and international markets; and
• Enhancing industry competitiveness.

Over the five-year timeframe of the agrifoods strategy, there are actions to support industry innovation, address the sector’s labour-market needs, and ensure a sustainable land base for production. The strategy builds on the success of the 2008-11 BC Agriculture Plan, guiding the further development of B.C.’s agrifoods sector with a goal of increasing industry revenues from the current $10.5 billion a year to $14 billion annually by 2017.

The agrifoods sector has great potential for economic growth. BC has a competitive advantage over many other jurisdictions because of its worldwide reputation for producing safe, high-quality and high-value food products. As Canada’s gateway to the Pacific, BC can leverage this advantage to access existing markets in the U.S. and Europe, as well as developing markets in Asia.

Agrifoods – fruit, cattle, grain

With fertile land and abundant water, BC is set to increase local food production and processing, expand domestic and foreign markets and enhance industry competitiveness. Our knowledgeable growers produce food with significant health benefits and a low environmental footprint. Emerging markets, particularly on the Pacific Rim, will drive demand for our trusted and high-quality foods.

Agrifoods – vegetables, floriculture

The BC greenhouse sector is made up of vegetable and floriculture industries and is known for producing high-value vegetables (predominantly peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers) and a wide range of ornamental plants including both flowering potted plants and cut flowers.

	Agrifoods Sector Strategy
	Agrifoods Greenhouse Sector Report
	Discussion Question: What action can you take to inspire people to buy BC food?

Agrifoods Career Profile

Vineyard manager Sam is responsible for all aspects of the cultivation of grapes, including preparing the ground, irrigation, care of the plants, and planning for the next year. It’s a blend of art, science and business.

BC vineyards are world renowned for good reason. With expertise and award-winning product, BC wine is produced in Vancouver Island/Coast, Thompson-Okanagan, and the Mainland/Southwest.

« Back to BC’s Industry Sectors