Field vegetables

Farmers can grow a wide variety of field vegetables in British Columbia, thanks to a moderate climate, fertile soils and access to good water.

Crops produced in relatively large volumes include potatoes, sweet corn, cole crops (such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage), beans, cucurbits (such as pumpkins, squash and zucchini), lettuce, carrots and peas. Other crops include asparagus, beets, Chinese vegetables, onions, radishes, rutabaga and spinach. 

While the bulk of production takes place in the Lower Mainland, other production areas include Vancouver Island and B.C.’s southern Interior.  Relatively small amounts of production occur in the Kootenay, Cariboo and northern regions of B.C.

Production

Field vegetables are produced primarily for the fresh market, exceptions are peas, beans, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts. Production depends on well-drained soils, adequate irrigation and good fertilization. See field vegetable production (PDF, 256KB).

Production insurance

Some field vegetable crops are eligible for production-insurance coverage, which helps producers manage their risk of crop losses caused by hail, spring frost, excessive rain, flooding, drought etc. View the vegetable production insurance page.

Use the vegetable production guides for commercial growers to find the latest recommendations on varieties, pest management and cultivation for a diversity of field vegetable crops. 

Growers can manage plant pests and diseases to avoid damage to field vegetables.

New entrants

Learn how to start a new farm, prepare a business plan, or access funding for your agricultural business with farm business management.

Food safety

Learn about food safety, including good agricultural practices, on-farm programs and risk assessment.

The CanadaGAP is a national program to help producers maintain effective food safety procedures.

Regulation

The BC Vegetable Marketing Commission regulates several varieties of vegetable intended for processing, including broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, peas and beans. These crops are grown under contract with B.C. processors. Other storage crops, such as table potatoes, rutabagas, carrots, cabbage and beets also fall under BC Vegetable Marketing Commission regulation.

Growing these high-volume storage crops requires quota, which is allocated based on a combination of the five-year average of growers and additional annual demand in the marketplace. Unless the grower has been exempted, regulated crops are marketed through a designated agency of the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission.

Fresh-market vegetables are mostly unregulated in B.C. This includes sweet corn, cole crops (e.g., broccoli), cucurbits (e.g., squash) and leafy vegetables. 

TheCanadian Food Inspection Agency's mandate is to ensure a safe food supply for everyone.  Other local, provincial and federal legislation and regulations apply.