B.C. Farmers and Ranchers Connect with Government for Ag Day

Victoria, B.C. – October 25, 2022: B.C. farmers and ranchers have travelled from across the province for the first time in three years for BC Agriculture Council’s (BCAC) annual Ag Day in Victoria to emphasize their commitment to bringing healthy and quality food and plants to the homes of British Columbians.
 
BCAC is the lead industry advocate for key sector-wide priorities in British Columbia. BCAC is comprised of 28 member associations which in turn represent 96% of farm gate sales in the province.
 
Organized by BCAC as the sector’s key advocacy event of the year, Ag Day is a series of scheduled meetings between B.C. farmers and ranchers, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, senior government officials, and other key stakeholders such as the Agricultural Land Commission. This year’s discussions will focus on producer-led solutions to address rising input costs, farm classification, environment and climate change, and farm trespass.
 
“BCAC and its members look forward to a productive day of meetings at the legislature,” says BCAC President Stan Vander Waal. “We believe there is strong alignment between industry and government priorities that would bring innovation, and rejuvenation to the next generation while creating jobs for resilient rural communities and enhancing provincial food security and economic growth.”
 
British Columbia’s agriculture sector has been an important piece of B.C.’s identity for more than a century. With over 200 primary commodities grown, harvested, and raised in the province, the sector is one of the most diverse in Canada. In 2020, the B.C. agriculture sector contributed approximately $4.8 billion in farm operating revenue and generated an estimated 33,000 jobs within the province.
 
“B.C.’s agriculture sector continues to be resilient in the face of many challenges, such as climate-related weather events, supply chain interruptions and the pandemic,” said B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food, Lana Popham. “The sector works hard to put food on British Columbians’ tables while also stimulating local economies, and their dedication is inspiring. Thank you to the BCAC for their leadership and for organizing Ag Day, and to all BCAC members who play such an integral role in providing British Columbians with high-quality flowers, plants, and food products and who grow and represent the very best of our province.”
 
The sector is a significant economic driver and is poised for opportunity as the public’s interest in food security and sovereignty is on the rise. Whether it be climate change, labour, environment, or land use, together the agriculture sector and government have an important role to play in supporting our food system.
 

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