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BC  

Agricultural sector booms

The provincial government says agricultural sales in the province have grown for the second consecutive year.

According to the province, sales of B.C. agrifood products topped $13 billion for the first time in 2015, growing by more than $700 million for the second-consecutive year, and contributing to a $2.5 billion (24 per cent) rise in revenues since 2010.

“The B.C. government has been partnering with growers and trading partners to increase markets for B.C. farmers and food producers, and the benefits of working together are showing results,” reads a provincial press release.

The Ministry of Agriculture says the primary agriculture sector (farmers, ranchers and producers) is up 4.5 per cent to $3.1 billion.

The seafood sector is reportedly up 4.7 per cent to $867 million and the food and beverage manufacturing sector is up 9.1 per cent to $9.1 billion.

"The B.C. Government has a plan to grow the sector to $15 billion by  2020 and it is clearly working,” said agriculture minister Norm Letnick.

“Through our partnerships with B.C.'s food producers, we've seen new markets develop and new successes for our farmers and food producers, with annual sector revenues growing by $2.5 billion in five short years as a result."

The province reports that the $8-million Buy Local program increases the sales of B.C. products within the province, while a network of 13 international trade offices, B.C. trade missions, and innovation and market development funding have all played roles in growing B.C.'s sales across the country and around the world.

“To see the sector surpass the $13 billion mark - with food and beverage processing industry representing over $9 billion with 9 per cent growth in 2015 - is very exciting,” said BC Food Processors Association CEO James Donaldson.

“The agrifoods sector has a major impact on B.C.'s economy and has been demonstrating growth year after year, so this is a success story that everyone can celebrate."

The ministry adds that increasing production, driving competitiveness and building markets are three key priorities of the B.C. Agrifood and Seafood Strategic  Growth Plan that has an overall goal of growing the B.C. agrifoods  sector to a $15-billion-a-year industry by 2020.

"Hard working B.C. farm families are proud to grow and raise some of the best and highest quality products in the world. In today's very competitive business environment, B.C. farmers utilize a blend of modern technology and proven farming practices to expand and contribute to the economic success of the province and quality of life we enjoy in B.C,” added Stan Vanderwaal, BC Agriculture Council chair.



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