BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is advancing its plans to establish a Farmland Trust model aimed at keeping British Columbia farmland in agricultural production for generations to come, while urging the federal government to modernize tax and charitable policy tools needed to help make the model viable at scale. The announcement was made at the inaugural BC Agriculture Forum in Penticton yesterday evening.

BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) has launched a standardized, digitally enabled Temporary Access Pass system designed to help local authorities and First Nations manage timely access to areas under evacuation order during emergencies.

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.

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.