Grains and oilseeds

Grain and oilseed crops have been an economic mainstay of the Peace River region since the early 1900s.

There are approximately 1,000 B.C. producers in the field crop sector, with 250 of them located in B.C.'s Peace region. This Peace River region is responsible for over 80 percent of the acreage and production for export in the province.

British Columbia has around 380,000 acres of land dedicated to annual field crop production. Just under 80% of this area is located in the Peace region, with the remaining land distributed among the Nechako, Cariboo, and Kootenay Regional Districts.

The area allocated to B.C.’s main field crops are:

• Canola, 29 percent
• Oats, 25 percent
• Wheat, 23 percent
• Barley, 20 percent
• Peas, 3 percent

In the Peace region, these crops are produced on a large scale and mostly for export. The Nechako, Cariboo and Kootenay regions use many of these crops, particularly barley and oats, for local uses such as livestock feed.  Very little is harvested as grain and shipped for export. The majority of corn grown in B.C. is used for livestock forage rather than as a grain crop.

Production

In recent years, volatile market prices and seasonal conditions have affected the B.C. grain and oilseed industry. The resources provided in this section are intended to assist crop growers with the management and adaptation of their agricultural business.

Annual research reports detail trial results completed by BC Grain Producers Association.

Barley variety descriptions and central B.C. recommendations (PDF, 113KB) describe growing barley varieties and types that produce well in central B.C.

Information on the management of plant pests and diseases, and current pesticide and crop protection updates for grains and oilseed crops:

• Plant pests and diseases
• Crop protection (Government of Alberta)  'Blue Book'

The custom rates survey summary contains custom rate estimates for certain farm operations. (Government of Alberta)

Regulation

Read more on the Grain Industry Development Fund Regulation under the Farming and Fishing Industries Development Act.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has a mandate to ensure a safe food supply for everyone in Canada. Other local, provincial and federal legislation and regulations apply.