“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.

Today, British Columbia’s Finance Minister, the Honourable Katrine Conroy, unveiled the government’s budget for the 2024 fiscal year that included an historic investment of $83 million in water storage for B.C. farmers and ranchers.

As part of Farm Fest 2023, young farmers from across British Columbia are gathering in Abbotsford today to discuss critical issues facing the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

A delegation of B.C. farmers and ranchers are in Victoria today to bring forward solutions to the challenges faced by the sector in providing the food security and agricultural products British Columbians seek.