Message from the former provincial and federal ministers

B.C. Minister of Agriculture, 2017 to 2022

Honourable Lana Popham

One  of the most amazing things about agriculture in British Columbia is the diversity of the products that our province is able to grow, produce, raise, harvest and create. 

Thanks to our hardworking farmers, fishers, growers and processors, the products that are produced in every corner of our province are unique! From the fresh seafood harvested from our pristine coastline to high quality meats and fresh fruits and vegetables, B.C. has so much to offer and we are pleased to be able to share it with the world!

From our locally produced wines and cheeses, to savoury smoked salmon and sweet jams and jellies, B.C.’s agriculture sector works to create quality products that are safe and delicious. Producers and Processors develop new products year after year to feed growing local and international demand. 

Looking ahead, the future is bright! We have programs such as Grow BC, Feed BC and Buy BC in place to keep encouraging demand for B.C. products and supporting new and young farmers interested in joining the agricultural way of life. 

I truly believe in B.C. agriculture, seafood and the processors who craft wonderful things from a breadth of ingredients. I am proud to continue working for, and with those in the sector, as well as our international partners as we continue to grow this vibrant agricultural community!
 

Honourable Lana Popham
Minister of Agriculture

Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2019 to 2023

Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau

I’m proud to join Minister Popham in supporting the 2019 British Columbia Agrifood and Seafood Export Catalogue showcasing B.C.’s tremendous array of innovative, top-quality products.

Customers across Canada and around the world know they are getting the very best, thanks to B.C.’s state-of-the-art greenhouses, pristine waters, favourable climate, and of course, world-class fisheries, farmers and food processors. That quality and sustainability translates into increased sales each year, creating good jobs and boosting the economy in communities throughout the province.

B.C. agri-food and seafood trade is a high priority for the Government of Canada, to help us reach our national target of $75 billion in agri-food exports by 2025. Our shared funding of  $115 million over the next five years under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership is helping B.C. farmers and food processors drive market growth and innovation through projects such as this catalogue, as well as the B.C. Agrifood and Seafood Market Development Program.

Our Government made sure Canada is among the first six countries to benefit from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is expected to grow Canadian agri-food exports by an estimated $2 billion to key Asian markets for B.C. growers and processors. And to help industry get their products to market, we are investing over $10 billion in trade and transportation corridors, including $222 million investment in the Port of Vancouver. As well, we continue to make smart investments in innovation to keep the sector on the cutting edge, sustainably – for instance, research clusters in grape and wine as well as organics, and our world-class research centres in Summerland and Agassiz.

Thank you for your continued commitment to quality. Let’s continue to aim high.

I wish you every success in 2019, and enjoy this new edition!

Marie-Claude Bibeau PC, MP,
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food