B.C.’s agrifoods sector is growing. We’ve seen more than $1.8 billion dollars in sector growth in the last four years, setting a record with $12.3 billion in revenue in 2014.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s annual operating budget has grown as well, up by 20 per cent since 2012-13 to about $80 million, and focuses on B.C. producing high-quality, high-value products, building domestic and international markets and providing a sustainable land base for food production.
The ministry was fortunate to have an excellent agrologist based in Vernon for more than 25 years, the latter years as our Interior regional manager. Following his retirement at the end of January, the ministry anticipates a successful replacement to be hired this spring.
The ministry is also in the process of recruiting a full time agrologist to be based in Vernon.
These new ministry employees will join a team of more than 350 staff that include more than 30 agrologists, as well as industry specialists, food safety specialists, environmental engineers, and Strengthening Farming Program specialists in our 14 offices around the province.
These professionals play a key role in the ministry`s efforts to help build the domestic and export markets for B.C. foods. The $8 million Buy Local program has helped B.C. companies find new customers locally, while a network of 13 international trade offices, B.C. trade missions, and innovation and market development funding have all played roles in growing B.C.’s exports, which at $3 billion in 2014 set a record of their own.
There is no end point when it comes to growing B.C.’s economy. We are always going to be looking for ideas on how the government can make things better, and help B.C. companies succeed. That’s why, in addition to face-to face support at the ministry`s 14 offices, the ministry recently launched AgriService B.C., a toll-free phone and e-service to connect farmers, and agri-businesses with the people and information they need to help their businesses succeed and grow
The B.C. government has focussed on creating an economic climate that supports success with among the lowest income tax rates in Canada, and strategic investments in innovation, and infrastructure that facilitates trade, opportunities and sales for B.C. businesses.
I’m focused on continuing that growth. I’m going to work with B.C.’s farmers, ranchers and food processors to make sure we get there.
Norm Letnick, agriculture minister
