Features Production Research
B.C. government working toward agriculture plan

A study is currently underway to
determine a sustainable, long-term plan for B.C.’s agriculture sector.
Six members of the province’s legislature are now part of a committee
formed to conduct focused discussions with British Columbians aimed at
enhancing the agriculture industry.

A study is currently underway to determine a sustainable, long-term plan for B.C.’s agriculture sector. Six members of the province’s legislature are now part of a committee formed to conduct focused discussions with British Columbians aimed at enhancing the agriculture industry.

The new agriculture plan will encourage B.C. farmers to come forward with proposals to put more of their produce and products in B.C. schools. It will also:

• Increase public awareness, understanding and support of the food production system in British Columbia.
• Establish a long-term vision for agriculture that will sustain and facilitate the growth and diversification of the agriculture sector.
• Encourage the active participation of First Nations in the agriculture sector.
• Enhance the contributions agriculture provides to British Columbia’s vibrant economy, environment and quality of life.

In addition to MLA Roddick, the committee is made up of: Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom; Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Al Horning; Burquitlam MLA Harry Bloy; Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon; and West Vancouver-Garibaldi MLA Joan McIntyre.

In developing the agriculture plan, the committee will initially review the work that was undertaken by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.’s (IAF) Focus on the Future initiative, which will be released this spring.

The MLAs are holding meetings with agriculture leaders and the general public. The provincial agriculture plan is expected to be finalized in the spring of 2007