Agrifood
Businesses in British Columbia’s agrifood sector serve the global marketplace. With B.C.’s diverse and growing selection of agrifood products including wine and seafood, an international reputation for high food safety standards and a favorable location for international shipping, British Columbia’s agrifood sector is well-positioned for growth and investment in both existing and new markets.
KEY ADVANTAGES
Innovative growers and producers are breaking new ground, focusing on high-quality, value-added products and exploring niche markets at home and abroad.
Rich production potential– Fertile growing conditions and diverse geography and climate support a variety of commodities, from marine and range products to soft fruits and flowers.
High food standards– British Columbia is recognized globally for our high-quality food products and safety standards.
Innovation – British Columbia’s agri-food sector is flexible and resilient. We utilize the modern infrastructure and the latest research and technologies developed in collaboration across industry, government, and academia.
Global markets– Markets for British Columbia food products are growing rapidly in South Korea, Philippines, and Hong Kong.
Transportation advantages– Proximity to Asia result in lower shipping costs and shorter travel times than from competing suppliers. Duty-free access to the United States and Mexico, seamlessly connect to North American economic centres by secure, reliable transportation networks.
Skilled workforce– A skilled and experienced local workforce is supported by job training, recruitment and temporary foreign worker programs.
Positive business climate – Business advantages include tax credits, funding programs and low cost of doing business.
AGRIFOOD & SEAFOOD SNAPSHOT
British Columbia’s geography and climate allow producers to cultivate a wide array of agri-food and seafood products.
Steady growth– In 2017, total farm cash receipts generated by British Columbia’s agriculture sector rose 4.1 percent to $3.2 billion.
Varied agricultural production – A wide variety of farm products are produced, including dairy, cattle, poultry, tree fruits, vegetables, berries, grapes, mushrooms, bulbs, ornamental flowers, and shrubs.
Value from the sea– British Columbia companies exported $1.3 billion worth of seafood products to 73 different markets in 2017. Commercial fisheries and aquaculture – British Columbia is known worldwide for its wild and farmed salmon. Other seafood products include groundfish, shellfish, and herring.
Alcoholic beverages– British Columbia has long been recognized for its award winning wines. More recently, the province is attracting international interest in craft-brewed ciders, beers, and spirits.
Diverse food processing industry– A wide range of agricultural and seafood products support a varied food processing industry. While fish, dairy, poultry, meat, and beverages dominate production, value-added specialty food products are increasing. Consumer interest in safe, high-quality and sustainably produced food drives growth and innovation in this industry.
Global access– British Columbia’s highly integrated transportation system makes it easy to access high-quality agricultural products and to ship fresh, value-added products worldwide.
SECTOR SUPPORTS
Support Programs for the Agrifoods Industry In addition to general business programs, British Columbia offers specific programs for the agrifood sector the Canadian Agricultural Partnership program includes:
Buy BC Partnership Program – provides up to $2M in funding per year over the next
three years to increase the competitiveness of British Columbia’s agri-food and seafood industry in the domestic market.
B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program – Enables British Columbia producers and processors to make more informed decisions and strengthen their business.
B.C. Agrifood & Seafood Market Development Program – Provides funding to support businesses to develop marketing skills, purchase market research, create marketing plans and expand export sales.
Beneficial Management Practices Program -Supports producers to implement practices, identified through an Environmental Farm Plan, to increase agricultural sustainability, address climate change and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program – The Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program is designed to accelerate the pace of agrifood related innovation to enhance the sector’s competitiveness, sustainability, productivity, and resiliency
Environmental Farm Plan Program – Farm operations can apply for assistance to complete agri-environmental risk assessments.
B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program – Provides support for the development of agriculture and agrifood opportunities within Indigenous Communities.
BC Food Safety & Traceability – helps ensure food safety and quality, with financial incentives to implement food safety management and tracing systems.
Premises ID – Livestock and poultry premises can register for the BC Premises Identification Program in support of the National Agriculture and Food Traceability System.
Traceability Knowledge Transfer – Supports agrifood and seafood industry organizations to educate their membership about tractability systems, practices, infrastructure and technologies.
Environmental Farm Plan – Supports producers to complete environmental and climate change risk assessments related to agriculture.
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership program:
Agri Marketing- will make investments that help promote Canadian products in international markets.
British Columbia Incorporation Service in 24 Hours
Business Corporations are incorporated in British Columbia, according to the provisions of the British Columbia Business Corporation Act with the British Columbia Corporations Division. Company Formations Canada provides fast and easy British Columbia Incorporation Service and provides all the documents your new British Columbia corporation will need to stay up-to-date and in compliance with the British Columbia Business Corporation Act.
