British Columbia’s Finance Minister, the Honourable Brenda Bailey, released the province’s 2026 Budget yesterday, outlining a fiscally restrained plan with limited new investments across government. Funding for the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF) will rise by just 0.6% in non-insurance spending over the next year, with few agriculture-specific measures announced. The modest increase represents a missed opportunity to strengthen investment in a sector that plays a critical role in B.C.’s food security and economic resilience.

BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) has launched a new BC Young Farmers Scholarship, an initiative developed through the BC Young Farmers (BCYF) Committee to support young people pursuing education and training in agriculture and related fields.

Nearly 70 farmers, ranchers and industry leaders from across British Columbia are in Victoria today, bringing forward practical solutions to priorities on topics such as safeguarding the sector’s need for the temporary foreign worker program, securing access to water, and the mounting pressures on farmland and competing jurisdictions.

Today, BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is proud to announce its upcoming BC Agriculture Forum. The event will bring together industry leaders, government decision-makers, and key partners to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the competitiveness and future of B.C.’s agricultural sector.