As British Columbians track their spending, one of the most expensive bills continues to be groceries.
On Thursday, the B.C. government announced it is setting up a task force to grow the province’s agriculture and food processing economy to improve production, profitability and competitiveness.
This announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on goods imported from Canada early next month.
“We want to make sure our agriculture and food sector continues to grow and continues to be competitive,” Minister of Agriculture and Food, Lana Popham said at a press conference.
“Farmers and food and beverage processors have faced many challenges over the recent years, like high costs, climate impacts, more global competition, and access to labour. They’ve demonstrated time and time again how strongly they work together and join forces in the time of need. Right now is one of those moments in time.”
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Popham said the group, with stakeholders across the food supply chain, will provide the government with targeted recommendations on topics such as access to water, land, labour, competitiveness and investment.
She added that the goal is to provide food supply and security to British Columbians.
Danielle Synotte, executive director of the BC Agriculture Council, will be part of the task force.
“Agriculture in British Columbia, including ocean-based farming, is a vibrant part of our province’s economy and critical for provincial labour and food security,” she said.
“All of the unique industries that make up the sector act as pillars for sustainable and diverse rural communities, where the revenue generated is reinvested in the community.”
Popham said the task force is expected to come back with recommendations within 10 months.
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