Produce drives BC exports

Canada’s ambitions of achieving $75 billion in agri-food exports by 2025 were set back by COVID-19, but the prospects remain bright as Marie-Claude Bibeau once more takes the reins of the department following September’s election.

Farm Credit Canada released its annual review of trade shortly before Bibeau was sworn into cabinet this week, highlighting Canada’s rank as the world’s 11th largest food exporter.

“Compared to ag’s overall contraction of 9%, total food exports weren’t as badly hit by COVID slowdowns, declining 3.7%,” states the report authored by economic editor Martha Roberts. “Nonetheless, growth in total food exports over the last 10 years has been sluggish.”

The top drivers of exports were meat and beverages, which together accounted for 26% of total food exports over the past decade. The two categories saw average annual growth of just over 1% during the past decade

But in BC, the horticulture sector drives exports. Peppers, mushrooms and berries are among the top sectors, with peppers and mushrooms posting strong growth last year. According to federal trade statistics, exports of peppers approached $676 million last year, up from $583 million in 2019, while mushroom exports increased to $347 million from $303 million over the same period.

Blueberries, cranberries and related species saw exports decline to $180 million from $207 million the previous year.

Demand from the US and currency fluctuations are key factors in the value of these exports. Peppers and mushrooms are shipped as far south as California, while the BC and Washington blueberry industries enjoy close enough ties that a report earlier this year suggest they essentially function as a single sector.

“The importance of Canada’s trade with the US can barely be overstated, and the CAD-USD is a key driver of our global competitiveness,” says Roberts. “Looking ahead to 2022, we expect higher energy prices to support the Canadian dollar and keep it slightly above its current value of US$0.80 for the rest of 2021.”

17 hours ago

Government support for farmers affected by November’s extreme weather will come in phases, says federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, who met with representatives of BC farm organizations last night. “There will be many phases, actually, because we have to start by feeding the animals, and then there will be the cleaning phase, then rebuilding. We will have to structure all of this,” she told Country Life in BC. While military support and transportation workarounds are a first response, she noted the “really fast” delivery of $100 million in August in response to drought and wildfires in Western Canada. “We will make things happen. We really want to be there to support our farmers.” Bibeau expects to visit Abbotsford next week to further assess the situation. [Photo: Julia Smith] ... See MoreSee Less

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2 days ago

The fifth round of grants from the Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund has awarded $517,000 to 19 projects, with the grain sector receiving significant support for development and infrastructure. The single largest grant of $100,000 went to the BC Grain Producers Association for field research to improve the sustainability of farms in the region. Three farms received a total of $147,000 for grain dryers, much-needed equipment that has also been a target of federal funding. In addition, Venator Ranches in Hudson’s Hope is receiving $50,000 for a slaughter, cut and wrap facility to process beef and bison. The two packing plants in the Peace currently run at full capacity and have limited ability to do custom work for small producers. Northern Development Initiative Trust administers the funding program, established with $20 million from BC Hydro to offset the agricultural impacts of the Site C dam. A subscription to Country Life in BC makes a great Christmas gift. Order online at buff.ly/2ReiFur ... See MoreSee Less

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3 days ago

Comprehensive financial compensation for growers displaced by the ongoing extreme weather across southwestern BC has yet to be announced, but the province has been quick to highlight mental health support for growers. The province’s agriculture ministry even went so far as to say the province would curtail its reporting of flood losses out of respect for the impacts the updates could have on the outlook and well-being of farmers. Read more in today's FARM NEWS UPDATE from Country Life in BC.

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4 days ago

The Kootenay Livestock Association was among just four respondents to a public consultation this past summer on the Columbia River Treaty’s impact on BC agriculture. Its detailed submission gives a full picture of the impacts and specific recommendations on how to address them from the point of view of ranchers. “The land that was flooded was a key to ranching in our area,” says Fort Steele rancher Lonnie Jones. As Canada and the US get ready to meet virtually next week to discuss the future of the treaty which expires in 2024, Jones says agriculture remains overlooked and that the province must do more to represent the sector at the negotiating table. Tom Walker’s story, Producers silent on Columbia River Treaty impacts, is on our website this month. buff.ly/3d48Dp6 ... See MoreSee Less

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John Michael Thorne

1 week ago

Claims are starting to roll in following last week’s extreme weather in southwestern BC. Co-operators Group and CapriCMW report that approximately 550 claims have been opened related to wind and flood damage over the past two weeks, many from dairy and poultry operations on Sumas Prairie. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the industry is well-capitalized to absorb the losses. It notes that 95% of properties in BC are eligible for overland flood coverage, but just 50% of policies include it. The province is offering disaster financial assistance to farmers without other forms of insurance. The program covers 80% of the amount of total eligible damage that exceeds $1,000, to a maximum claim of $300,000. 206 farms remain under evacuation orders or alerts, including 63 dairy farms, 60 regulated poultry operations and three hog farms. Country Life in BC is the agricultural news source for BC's farmers and ranchers. [Photo: Chelsea Meier] ... See MoreSee Less

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