BC boosts agriculture spending

BC is budgeting a 10% boost to spending on agricultural programs and services in the coming fiscal year.

The provincial budget, released March 4, earmarks $143 million for BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food operations, programs and services, up from $130 million last year. The additional funding targets the disruptive effects of extreme weather and trade policies on BC farmers, ranchers and food producers.

Production Insurance, which has seen record payouts over the past two years, particularly to grape and tree fruit growers hit by extreme cold events, is receiving $55.2 million, a 32.5% boost over last year.

The ministry’s service plan also flags the expansion of programs related to local purchasing, with the Buy BC logo targeted to label 10,500 products this year, up from 9,000 last year.

Funding for the Agricultural Land Commission is unchanged at $5.5 million, despite growing demand for compliance and enforcement against unauthorized activities, including dumping, on protected farmland.

The budget also noted the new premier’s task force on agriculture and food economy is working on “short- and long-term solutions to help farmers find new markets in the face of tariff uncertainty.”

The BC Agriculture Council, whose executive director Danielle Synotte co-chairs the task force that includes council president Jennifer Woike, says it is focused on ensuring provincial supports for the sector go beyond existing budget proposals, such as $95 million for highway and bridge maintenance to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

“With the sudden implementation of new tariffs, there is significant uncertainty about the potential impact on BC farmers and ranchers,” says Woike. “We will continue advocating for measures that directly support B.C. farmers, including access to tariff relief programs and reinvestment of counter-tariff funds into affected sectors.”

While pledging greater support for marketing, ministry estimates did not call out programs such as Buy BC for fresh investment. There were also no figures attached to initiatives such as new trade missions aimed at building international partnerships and reduced dependence on US markets.