DELTA – Kale was the fastest-growing vegetable in BC by acreage in 2022, according to Statistics Canada data that shows field vegetable acreage in the province is on the decline. BC growers tended 13,146 acres of vegetables in 2022, according to Statscan’s annual report on fruit and vegetable acreage, released February 16 (potatoes and greenhouse …
Statistics Canada
Food prices outpace income
The average BC family’s food bill has increased more than 9% this year, according to the annual Canada Food Price Report, and a further increase of up to 7% is possible in 2023. The effects of inflation and declining disposable incomes among consumers will make it not just more expensive but harder for consumers to …
Building boom ahead
Statistics Canada is forecasting a building boom on BC farms this year, as capital investments in construction projects get ready to surge. Construction spending will total $394.6 million this year, according to the annual survey of business investment intentions that took place in late 2020. This is up nearly 24% from $318.7 million last year …
Census of Agriculture launches
Census forms have been landing in mailboxes across the country this week, and for farmers, that means the Census of Agriculture. The census provides valuable data to all levels of government for tracking the growth and development of the farm sector across the country. Following consultations with industry in 2017, several questions were developed and …
BC organic growers flourish
BC is the leader in Western Canada when it comes to organic fruit and vegetable production, with more than 3,974 acres (not including potatoes), according to Statistics Canada. This is approximately 9.3% of the national total of 42,430 acres. Revenues from organically grown fruits and vegetables (excluding potatoes) from BC farms totalled $39.8 million last …