International Year of Fruits & Veggies

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 2021 the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables with an appeal to improve healthy and sustainable food production through innovation and technology.

BC Agritech is Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Agriculture

Agritech is the art and science of producing more with less – more nutritious, affordable and abundant food with less space, water, soil, energy, fertilizer, chemicals and waste. The technology is not always new, but the applications are, and it’s a digital transformation that is improving agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture yields around the world.

Every country faces unique challenges growing healthy and nutritious food to feed its population. British Columbia is fortunate to have one of the most diverse and delicious selections of agriculture, seafood and food processing industries in Canada. Thanks to our temperate climate, pristine water sources and varied terrain, B.C. exports more than 500 agriculture, food and beverage products and 180 different seafood products.

B.C. farms and food processors supply everything from fruits, vegetables and herbal preparations to seafood, top-grade meats, dairy, fruit and vegetable beverages. Also, B.C. is home to award-winning wines and alcoholic beverages. It produces specialty items such as nutraceuticals and foods enhanced for greater health benefits, floral products, pet foods, and more.

British Columbia has an international reputation for high food quality, exceptional safety standards and sustainable practices. So much so that global food importers are exploring our commodities. Our modern agriculture and transportation infrastructure ensure that customers receive exceptionally fresh and nutritious products quickly and efficiently.

British Columbia’s high-quality agriculture, seafood, and processed food products are in demand globally. Over 500 products are sent worldwide through an extensive and efficient network of ship, air, rail, and road connections.

British Columbia is proud of its reputation for food safety and is recognized for producing high-quality and great-tasting foods supported by internationally renowned food traceability, safety and sustainability standards. B.C.’s food producers and processors work together to supply domestic and international export markets with a vast array of safe, high-quality seafood products. Cooperation between industry and government put the British Columbia agriculture, seafood and food processing sector at the forefront of conservation and regenerative initiatives, ensuring a sustainable industry for the future.

British Columbia’s Agricultural Regions

Vancouver Island/Coast:  Is home to British Columbia’s capital city Victoria and other ocean-side communities, mid-sized cities and the Gulf Islands. Vancouver Island/Coast’s seafood, vegetables, fruit (grapes and wine) and crop production businesses include farms, orchards, groves, greenhouses and nurseries, dairy, vegetables, seafood harvesting and aquaculture.

Mainland/Southwest: Is a vibrant metropolitan region and one of the most multicultural areas in Canada. Mainland/Southwest is home to the City of Vancouver and benefits from all the infrastructure of a dynamic urban center, including Canada’s largest port, the Port of Vancouver. The Fraser Valley and Sunshine Coast produce vegetables and berries, such as blueberries and cranberries, poultry, dairy, floriculture, seafood, and aquaculture.

Kootenay: Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia, the Kootenay region is one of Canada’s leading destinations for outdoor adventure. The region balances a vibrant tourism industry with a strong natural resources sector. The area produces some tree fruit, vegetables, cattle and grains.

Thompson/Okanagan: Located in British Columbia’s interior, this popular tourist region is famous for lakes, outdoor recreation and its wineries and orchards. Widespread agriculture in Thompson/Okanagan includes tree fruits (such as cherries and apples), beef, poultry, grapes and wine.

Cariboo: A key ranching and cattle producing area. The Cariboo region covers much of the province’s northern interior, and ranges from the Cariboo plateau in the west to the valleys of the Cariboo and Rocky Mountain ranges. The region is an important logistical hub for northern British Columbia. Vegetables and crop production businesses include farms, orchards, groves, greenhouses and nurseries, animal production ranches, and farms involved in raising a variety of livestock.

North Coast and Nechako: Is rich with forests, mountains and rugged coastlines and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Port of Prince Rupert offers some of the fastest North American shipping times to Asia. North Coast and Nechako regions include ranching and cattle production and some crops.

Northeast: This region is east of the Rocky Mountains, a remote area of mountains, foothills, forests, lakes, rural communities and picturesque landscapes. The Northeast is a key ranching, grain crops and grain oil producing region for export markets. The fertile Peace River valley offers crop production, including grains, cattle and honey.

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