Today, British Columbia’s Finance Minister, the Honourable Brenda Bailey, announced the government’s 2025 Provincial Budget. Positioned as a plan to prepare B.C. for global trade challenges, the budget maintains a steady course with targeted investments while navigating uncertainty caused by recently announced tariffs.

“Today’s tariffs introduce new challenges for B.C.’s farmers and ranchers, adding to the pressures they already face. Our sector has always been resilient, and we will continue to adapt and push forward. BC Agriculture Council is actively engaging with our members to understand the real-time impacts and ensure their voices are heard where it matters most. In the coming weeks, we will be working closely with industry and government to find solutions that strengthen B.C. agriculture, protect local businesses, and support the communities that rely on a thriving sector. We remain committed to ensuring farmers and ranchers have the tools and support they need to remain competitive, drive innovation, and build a strong future for B.C. agriculture.” – Jennifer Woike, President, BC Agriculture Council

“B.C.’s agriculture sector has been a significant economic contributor and an important piece of our province’s identity for more than a century, but the long-term viability of farming faces several challenges,” said Danielle Synotte, executive director, BC Agriculture Council (BCAC). “If the economic growth potential of the sector is to be realized, we need to re-evaluate the way we see and value agriculture. The Premier’s task force is an opportunity to build a shared vision for the sector that involves innovative ideas and a shift in perspective, focusing on solutions, and BCAC is thrilled to be a partner on this very important work.”

As leaders in British Columbia’s business and resource sector, we welcome Premier Eby’s commitment to strengthening B.C.’s economy through responsible resource development. His remarks at the BC Natural Resources Forum underscore the vital role resources play in our
province’s prosperity—from the contributions they make to family-supporting jobs, to the revenue they generate for public services such as healthcare, to their support of reconciliation.

Today, BC Agriculture Council is hosting an urgent and timely panel discussion with industry leaders from across the country, “The Loss of Agricultural Land and the Ever-Growing Pressures – What Will Be Left for Ag Production?” This critical conversation will take place during BC Young Farmers’ event, Farm Fest 2024.

Today, BC Agriculture Council is hosting an urgent and timely panel discussion with industry leaders from across the country, “The Loss of Agricultural Land and the Ever-Growing Pressures – What Will Be Left for Ag Production?” This critical conversation will take place during BC Young Farmers’ event, Farm Fest 2024.

Today, on behalf of farmers and ranchers across the province, BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) and BC Dairy jointly announced a new campaign calling on all political parties to endorse Agricultural Water Reserves (AWRs) in BC. As a part of the campaign, the organizations have released a new website, No Food Without Water, where British Columbians can send a letter to their local candidates, asking them to support the creation of AWRs to help permanently protect food production and support farmers and ranchers here in BC.

Today, the Government of British Columbia released From Flood Risk to Resilience: a B.C. Flood Strategy to 2035. This is a significant development for farmers and ranchers, many having experienced severe impacts from flood events over recent years. In 2021, flooding in B.C. affected over 1,100 farms, including 15,000 hectares of farmland and 2.5 million livestock.