Justification and Significance of Agriculture Resource Centre
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JjJusthttp://www.ediblestrategies.com/fsd/gfb_2005_Canadian_Public_Health_and_Eatpdf
C
Justification / Significance of Agriculture Resource Centre
Investment Agriculture Foundation: ................................................................................... 2
Canadian Rural Partnership Rural Priorities ....................................................................... 2
Next Generation of Agriculture and Agri-Food Policy ...................................................... 3
Community Futures Proposal : ..........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
BC Agriculture Labour market And Skills Development Initiative ................................... 5
B.C.’s Food Self-Reliance .................................................................................................. 7
Focus On The Future: Developing The Agri-Food Industry In British Columbia ............. 7
Response to the Report: (Focus on the Future) ................................................................. 16
Vancouver Island Agri-Food Action Plan and Trust Strategy .......................................... 17
District of North Cowichan Strategic Agricultural Plan ................................................. 19
Economic and Community Impacts of Farmers’ Markets in BC ..................................... 20
Understanding the Forces That Influence Our Eating Habits ........................................... 20
Determinants of Healthy Eating in Aboriginal Peoples in Canada................................... 21
Vancouver Island Agri-Food Action Plan and Trust Strategy .......................................... 23
The purpose of the present project is to build upon previous and ongoing work, and to
identify mechanisms to best ensure implementation of the foregoing goals and ideas. ... 23
Island Agri-Food profile ................................................................................................... 23
1.1
Vancouver Island Meat Industry Development Study ...................................... 24
1.2
Agriculture Strategy for the Saanich Peninsula ................................................ 24
3.13 Island agricultural career and education ............................................................... 24
Agricultural Advisory Committee Workshop:.................................................................. 25
An Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System 2007......................... 26
Environmental Farm Plan and National Farm Stewardship Program. .............................. 29
Community Food Security Public Consultation Meeting - Cowichan ............................. 30
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands ................................................................................... 31
Service Plan 2008/09 - 2009/10 ........................................................................................ 31
Regional Economic Analysis: ........................................................................................... 32
Vancouver Island/Coast Economic Region ...................................................................... 32
VIEDA Strategic Plan ....................................................................................................... 33
The Salt Spring Island Area Farm Plan ............................................................................ 36
Slow Food Congress Mexico 2007 ................................................................................... 37
Small Potatoes Urban Delivery SPUD ............................................................................. 40
Bob Treadway, Futurist speaker ....................................................................................... 40
Don Low, Min of Agriculture Economist ......................................................................... 41
Island Wine Growers and Vintners Association ............................................................... 41
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Organic Dairy Production ................................................................................................. 41
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Investment Agriculture Foundation:
http://iafbc.ca/publications_and_resources/documents/2007-summer.pdf
In response to the increasing responsibilities of agriculture associations, IAF funding is
helping the BC Council of Marketing Boards (COMB) to provide professional
development training to directors and officers of industry organizations.
According to Jack Wessel, COMB’s secretary, the project (to which IAF is contributing
$55,000) has been a huge success. “The program has set high standards and achieved
results beyond our original expectations,” he said. “The original intent was to provide
training for 175 people over three years. The program has now been extended for a fourth
year but after three years we have already provided training for 350 people.” COMB’s
project aims to improve the skill level for directors and staff of agricultural associations
and marketing boards through training courses aimed specifically at association duties
and responsibilities. “Being a director or officer of an organization requires different
information and skills than operating a farm enterprise,” Wessel adds. “Agricultural
organizations have become increasingly complex. Many are now delivering services that
were formerly delivered by governments and their decisions can have a significant impact
on industries and individuals.” Focusing on organizational governance, financial
management and administrative justice, the training will help boards to understand and
deal effectively with decision making, expenditures and their responsibilities to members.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Canadian Rural Partnership
Rural Priorities
Date Modified: 2001-08-31
http://www.rural.gc.ca/priority_e.phtml
Rural Canadians have identified the following 11 areas for focused attention:

Access to federal government programs and services;

Access to financial resources for rural business and community development;

Programs and services for rural and Aboriginal youth;

Rural community capacity building, leadership and skills development;

Infrastructure for community development;
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
Skills and technology to participate in the knowledge-based economy;

Economic diversification in rural Canada through more targeted assistance;

Access to health care at reasonable cost;

Access to education at reasonable cost;

Strategic partnerships to facilitate rural community development; and

Promoting rural Canada as a place to live, work and raise a family.
Next Generation of Agriculture and Agri-Food Policy
Round Two Consultations
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
February 19, 2007
Sustainability
Many participants felt that, if farming is not sustainable and strengthened, then programs will
not help. A participant stated that there is no future in agriculture without a sustainable
industry, and said, “If things are sustainable, everything fixes itself.” The participant
described the great support he has received from Future Farmer Program, a PEI-grown
program which they said many provinces envy.
Some participants felt that the challenge is how to help low-income farm families increase
income. A participant suggested that peer evolution groups be implemented, which pair
producers for discussions on improvements, in order to put “expertise in the hands of
producers without producers bearing huge cost.
Business Planning
One participant spoke of the merits of business planning under the renewal pillar. The
participant found that doing a business plan on your own was “quite useful,” and felt it is a
mistake to use an accountant without providing direction, and that otherwise the proposal will
be “cookie cutter.” The participant undertook the business plan in order to execute a
“shareholder agreement in intergenerational farm transfer,” which was described as a
“strategic plan tantamount to time in prison!” The participant said the money was well spent,
and also that setting a deadline was important.
Comments on cross-cutting issues
Participants’ comments on cross-cutting issues were:
• Farmers are concerned with survival of their businesses and the agriculture industry.
• They are not meeting cost-of-production and are not receiving a fair share of profits.
• The playing field is not level in many areas, including domestic and international
marketplaces, the value chain, and regulatory guidelines.
• National policies do not reflect regional differences.
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• There is need for greater consumer awareness, government support, and partnership at
all levels.
Small farm businesses and industry or community organizations often lack the expertise
or personnel to manage short term, intensive commitments such as organizing a festival,
conference or training event, and an opportunity exists to provide such services on
contract.
For example, in southern Vancouver Island there is a burgeoning market for agriculturerelated tourism activities; “On Vancouver Island, agri-tourism efforts have been
attracting droves of locals and tourists alike to local farms and artisan food producers…
(www.gotohr.ca). As these new tourism-related industries evolve, so will the need for
coordination and communication services that are sensitive to small farm development
issues on Vancouver Island. There will be many opportunities arising for selfemployment, as “BC's opportunities in agri-tourism are significant and have only begun
to be realized…Diversification and community development will be key to the ongoing
sustainability of rural British Columbia…grouped into three broad categories: fixed
attractions, events and services.” Events could include conferences, fairs and festivals,
while services might entail tours, retail sales and recreational activities.
(http://www.agritourismbc.org/agritourism/emerging.php)
In addition, there is a need for rural specialists in the emerging fields of agriculture and
culinary tourism. Vancouver Island is a unique tourist and retirement destination that is
just now seeing its potential for growth; “with its irresistible mix of pristine wilderness
and top-ranked food and lodging (it), has also been voted one of the world's leading
island destinations” (http://www.tourismvi.ca/). At the same time, the Vancouver Island Real
Estate Board (Aug. 2007) reports that “The influx of buyers originating from outside our
market boundaries is fueled by baby boomers, and recreational/lifestyle seekers as well
our strong provincial economy... (and) appears to be a preferred destination for retirees”
(http://www.vireb.com ). Lifestyle seekers such as these often have the financial means
to support small farm producers, local markets, specialty product shops as well as
wineries and restaurants.
A related sector that is evolving locally is culinary tourism
(http://www.bcculinarytourism.com/), which involves “a passion for cuisine which extends
beyond the dining experience…to experiencing other cultures through food.”
(www.gotohr.ca). Examples of where a potential market exists in Central Vancouver Island
for Horn of Plenty services include the Feast of the Fields (www.feastoffields.com) , the
Culinary and Wine Festival (http://www.cowichan.bc.ca/wines/index.htm) , and the ongoing
activities of organizations such as Providence Farm (www.providence.ca) or the Wine
Islands Vintners Association (www.wineislnds.ca ).
Growth potential is also on the rise in Central Vancouver Island for agriculture-related
service areas such as agriculture education, agri-tourism or culinary-tourism. This
assumption is based on trends over the last decade that indicate a growing consumer base
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of permanent residents and tourists who are seeking healthy alternatives to supermarket
foods, and are seeking “experiential” opportunities to become more engaged with local
producers and farms, such as the growth in wineries, tasting rooms and accompanying
dining facilities.
________________________________________________________________________
BC Agriculture Labour market And Skills Development Initiative
Three Year Strategic Plan
2004 – 2006
http://www.bcac.bc.ca/documents/ALMSDI/
The primary changes sought in the agriculture labour market through implementation
of the strategic plan will be development of a vigorous industry stakeholder group
facilitating an adequate supply of workers with relevant skill sets; fostering recognition
among employers that quality of life incentives are important in addition to wages; and,
developing competitive ability through maintenance of a healthy demand for labour in
which supply and demand are easily matched.
Modern farming in the global marketplace involves a high degree of knowledge about
technology, world commodity prices, and production trends.
A combination of business management, human resource management and technical
skills are all required to successfully run British Columbia farms.
Partnerships will be approached as collaborations between individuals and organizations
whose contributions include cash, professional and technical expertise and other
resources.
Ag Advisory Committees, industry assoc’s & councils, Ag in Classroom
Provincial Universities and University-Colleges
2.1 Research project: Develop a skills map to identify the skills necessary for working
in the agriculture sector in BC. (Gap analysis.)
Identify core employability skills that are shared across all sectors.
Identify specialized skills required only in individual agriculture sectors, both
technical and non-technical.
2.2 Develop a skills assessment tool using the results of the research project on skills
mapping.
This skills assessment tool would build on the identification of skills unique to
agricultural occupations, and could be tested and distributed with career
development practitioners in school districts; post-secondary institutions and
community based training facilities as a tool to direct people into careers in
agriculture.
2.4 Develop and deliver training programs that build agriculture-specific skills.
Self-employment training focussed on building the capacity of smaller producers.
Workplace based training programs that focus on bridging workers between
different levels of the career path/ladder. (For example, moving workers from
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Finalized April 27, 2004 Page 14 entry level upwards through on-the-job training.) This
could include some kind of internal industry establishment of skills benchmarks.
Creation of supervisory skills training – operations management skills.
2.5 Create new apprenticeship programs in agriculture.
LINK TO THE PROJECT STEP UP
There are existing apprenticeship programs in the area of horticulture, but other
sectors may be candidates for establishing apprenticeships. (For example, dairy,
poultry, greenhouse vegetable, organic farming operations.)
A feasibility study should be conducted as part of this project.
3.3 Develop a series of employer workshops to build on the content of the toolkit.
For producers who wish to get more in-depth or who learn better from hands on
training, a series of workshops geared towards each of the toolkit components (best
practices, recruitment strategies) would be developed and delivered during the winter
months. For example,
employers who were interested in developing job descriptions for incoming
workers could attend a half day workshop, where some assistance would be
available.
Workshops could also be focussed on regulatory areas where similar questions
were being asked across the sector.
Materials could also be developed for delivery on-line.
4.2 Program development:
Creation of a leadership development program within the agriculture sector, focused
on
developing capacity within the sector to identify key challenges and create solutions for
those challenges.
Link with existing farm business management programs to develop distance
curriculum focused on building leadership skills.
Develop a web resource that can be used to recruit potential leaders, and serve
as a toolkit for existing leaders, and leaders “in training”.
Create a mentorship component, which builds on existing leadership within the
sector, transfer of knowledge and experience, and aims to create support
networks to manage stress and burnout issues.
Develop a youth leadership element, building on existing programs such as 4-H,
but also expanding the network to include other youth agencies and
organizations.
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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B.C.’s Food Self-Reliance
Can B.C.’s Farmers Feed Our Growing Population ?
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands in 2006.
It is estimated that B.C. farmers produce 48% of all foods consumed in B.C. and produce
56% of foods consumed that can be economically grown in B.C. To maintain the current
level of self-reliance through to the year 2025, farmers will need to increase production by
30% over 2001 levels.
___________________________________________________________________________
Focus On The Future: Developing The Agri-Food Industry In
British Columbia
Final Report
March 31, 2006
The agri-food industry is undergoing a period of unprecedented change. How well we
react to these changes will determine the future of the agri-food industry in BC.
strategize to assist industry to expand, diversify and enhance its competitive position
and build a stronger industry future.

Size of the Industry
The agriculture and the food & beverage processing sectors generate over $8 billion in
revenues annually and employ over 60,000 people. Both the agriculture and the food &
beverage processing sectors are, on a per capita basis, smaller than their
counterparts in other regions of Canada.
The agri-food industry is an important contributor to regional economies throughout BC.
Van Island/Coast region = 6% of BC's farm gate receipts, and 13% of food & beverage
processors.
BC has grown at a faster rate than the other jurisdictions over the past five years.
employment in food and beverage processing is greater than employment in the
agriculture sector

Access to Labour and Management Skills
BC has more farm operators with university educations than other Canadian provinces. BC also
has the largest proportion of farm operators engaged in off-farm employment.
• Labour productivity in the agri-food industry tends to be lower in BC which increases
requirements for labour.
• Unemployment rates have declined significantly in most regions, which has tightened the supply
of skilled and unskilled labour
Many segments of the BC agricultural sector indicate that they are unable to hire suitably
skilled workers and managers. Some of the factors that contribute to this are a lack of
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educational opportunities, a reluctance of producers and processors to invest in training,
strong competition from other sectors, and an unfavourable image of the industry which
can make it difficult to attract skilled people. Specific skill gaps have been identified in a
variety of areas including product development, marketing, quality systems, traceability,
language skills, business management skills, and entrepreneurial skills.
Agriculture related education and training is not a priority of the education sector.
The agri-food sector has generally not been a major focus for education and training
institutions even though there are more farm workers in BC than the combined number
of workers in primary forestry, fishing and mining and this workforce requires significant
skill enhancement.
Formal education in agricultural skills is somewhat limited.
There is a lack of obvious career tracks in the industry.
There is a shortage of apprenticeship opportunities in the agricultural industry.
The industry does not appear attractive to workers or managers.
Employee turnover rates are high, attributable in part to competition for skilled labour
from other sectors. Much of the agricultural working conditions are viewed as inferior to
other sectors. Also, the industry is not widely recognized by youth as an attractive career
option
Agriculture human resource issues do not appear to be a public policy priority.
Efforts to address human resource issues in the agri-food sector have been constrained
by an adhoc approach to the issues, limited resources applied to capacity building, and a
lack of proactive strategies including coordinated and consistent long-term strategies.
Agriculture lacks the public sector labour market development tools that have been
established in other industries to support employers and workers.
There are a number of factors that constrain the willingness of producers and
processors to provide worker training.
Factors such as tight profit margins, the small size of many operations, and high
employee turnover rates have limited the willingness of employers to invest in training for
their workers.
Producers and processors have limited human resource skills
Owners and operators need human resource training to improve their recruitment and
retention rates.
Develop and offer training to farmers and farm managers.
further education and training to improve the production process, processing possibilities
and marketing skills. Training areas could include technology, business management,
safety systems, human resources, risk management or crop/livestock issue specific
training. Training can be offered in a variety of ways including seminars, short courses,
videos, literature, and on line courses. Also possible are programs using job shadowing,
mentorships, and coop positions.
Develop and offer training to farm workers.
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Farm workers often have low levels of formal education and often lack basic English
language skills. One barrier to this type of training is that the agriculture operators often
are unable to finance such training.
Provide financial incentives to study agriculture related subjects.
Many industry groups use this strategy to attract bright students to their fields of work.
Government or industry can offer financial incentives to students to enter agriculture
related areas of study. The incentives can target production, processing or any other
part of the food value chain. Priority can be given to areas of greatest need for educated
workers, managers or researchers.
Establish Peer Networks.
Peer networks can be a valuable source of professional development. They can become
highly effective learning networks where individuals can obtain information, advice and
practical education from people in their own industry.
Establish structures and processes that facilitate peer group formation;
Foster the establishment of two types of peer groups - production forums and
business management forums;
Establish a dynamic resource network comprising of subject matter experts,
professionals and reference material to meet the ongoing needs of participants; and
Establish interregional linkages with other agricultural peer networks and learning
organizations and intra-sector linkages with other industries.

Strength of the Innovation Support Systems
investment in R&D across all of the jurisdictions tends to be
very low in comparison to the R&D expenditures of other economic sectors.
Available data indicates that Canada is falling further behind the US with respect
to investment in agri-food R&D.
Despite the importance of innovation, it appears that government expenditures on
agriculture R&D have not been increasing.
Establish or expand research institutes dedicated to agriculture issues.
There are many examples of agriculture research institutes focussing on basic R&D,
applied research and technology transfer activities.
Focus on improving technology transfer.
This can be accomplished through the provision of relevant information to producers and
processors, subsidizing the implementation of new technology, or providing wage
subsidies for science and technology professionals who will guide the technology
transfer process.
Another strategy would be to establish and fund technology centres and incubators on a
regional basis to facilitate technology transfer at the local level.
LINK TO THE IDC AND OTHER SERVICES
Increase industry/university collaboration on research.
Measures could be taken to increase the communication and collaboration between
agriculture industry sectors and the academic researchers. More efforts can be made to
identify industry R&D needs that could be met by university based research.
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Establish regional agriculture innovation centres
These centres would have an innovation expert to provide advice to the industry and an
innovation fund to finance innovation on a local level.
 Access to Financing
Access to venture capital is lower in BC, particularly for companies in the
agri-food industry.
 Access to Markets
BC enjoys a relatively strong local market, driven by the largest population
amongst the western provinces and higher average annual food expenditures
per household.
BC is comparable to most other Canadian jurisdictions in terms of reliance on
export sales. The BC ports provide ready access to developing Asian
markets
RECOMMENDED STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS AND ACTIONS

EXPAND OUR VALUE ADDING CAPABILITIES
The market for value-added products and niche market products has been growing
rapidly.
Organic foods are a major component of the value-added market.
Functional foods and nutraceuticals are another rapidly growing segment of the market.
The market for value-added or premium products is not limited to North America.
BC already manufactures a wide range of value-added and niche market products that
demand a premium… with a particular focus on products that support consumer demand
for health and lifestyle products.
Opportunities have been identified for a wide variety of products in BC.
Provide funding support to increase access to market research.
Market research will provide the basis for
identifying market opportunities, assessing market potential, preparing business plans and
marketing strategies, and determining research priorities.
Establish a strategic innovation program for the agri-food industry.
promote further development of the research infrastructure (with a particular focus on research
centres of excellence); facilitate technical analysis, feasibility studies, venture assessments,
adaptive research and technology adoption, and prototype development
Establish a virtual network of regional agri-food innovation clusters or centres,
incorporating a web portal and existing BC resources. The network can help businesses access
technical information, assistance, research funding, advice regarding research tax credits, and
other resources.
LINK HERE TO THE TRIP PROJECT
The objectives are to:
Synthesize and mobilize information and resources in tourism development
within rural communities by engaging in innovative, field-based activities;
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Develop an understanding of the realities of rural tourism development by
engaging in dialogue with community leaders and tourism entrepreneurs;
Enhance community based tourism development by documenting case
studies, innovative practices and sharing them throughout the province ;
Develop a cluster of expertise in rural tourism development in British
Columbia by linking academic and non-academic partners,
A wide variety of resources are already on-line that would be of interest to regional agrifood businesses. However, these resources tend to be scattered over a wide range of
sites and are generally not designed with the needs of producers and processors in
mind. A portal would work to improve access to, and provide a context for the use of, the
many programs, services, and resources (including Internet resources) available. The
portal would help users better define and understand their needs, create awareness of
existing resources, and facilitate initial contact and the collection of information.
Strengthen the ties between industry and research capabilities & resources already
existing in BC to facilitate technology transfer and greater industry input in the determination of
research priorities. Potential mechanisms to help strengthen ties include meetings, tours,
seminars and other events that will bring researchers and technology experts together with
industry stakeholders.

STRENGTHEN OUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN LOCAL MARKETS
C. ENHANCE MARKETING EXPERTISE, CAPABILITIES AND EFFORTS FOR
LOCAL AS WELL AS EXPORT MARKETS
Establish agencies dedicated to promoting value-added products.
networks, knowledge sharing, mentoring, technical support and financing to achieve its
aims.
Establish or expand facilities to develop and test new products.
These facilities can be stand alone or attached to academic institutions as part of an
agriculture and food program.
Provide information about market opportunities and procedures.
Information can be provided through industry associations, online or targeted individuals.
Local small-scale marketing organizations are lacking.
In BC, there are few formally organized regional or provincial marketing networks or cooperatives in place to facilitate the movement of local value-added products into the
marketplace.
Promote farm direct marketing systems.
The marketing of farm produce directly to the end buyer provides the producer with
higher returns, has import replacement potential, and satisfies the consumer demand for
traceability. Many jurisdictions encourage this practice. One approach is to support the
formation of farmers markets.
Another element would be the education of consumers about what is available locally.
Establish agri-food marketing education programs.
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Jurisdictions that have a large part of their economy based on agriculture have
incorporated agriculture specific marketing programs in a college or university. A part of
many education programs are industry-driven best practice demonstration projects.
Build capacity through training and information.
The need for capacity building is highly significant especially among small operators. A
highly useful skill that could be promoted is the use of e-commerce….. increase
information flows regarding things such as best practices and marketing opportunities.
These include forming networks, conferences and online information sources.
Promote local and direct marketing systems. One approach is to support the formation of
farmers markets
and regional brokerage services that will link producers and buyers. Another element is the
education of
consumers, retailers, and food services about what is available locally.
• Provide training, workshops and other support related to changes in the value chain.
Producers and
processors need to be aware of the changes that are coming and receive assistance that will help
them to
respond accordingly.
Encourage the development of strategic alliances and other cooperative efforts. Through
unified
marketing, producer and processing groups can better achieve the volumes required by current
distributors and
retailers.
• Implement initiatives to improve the image of the industry. Emphasis should be put on the
importance of the
industry to BC economically and socially as well as the sophistication of the industry, the
business opportunities,
and the potential for satisfying careers.

BUILD OUR ABILITY TO COMPETE IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
Canadian growth in agricultural exports is driven by value-added products.
Exports of consumer-orientated products have risen more than four-fold since 1990 and
now account for one half of agriculture exports. In that same period, our bulk exports
have declined in real dollar terms.
Provide training and advice regarding export marketing.
Promote and coordinate industry cooperation and participation in the planning and
implementation of key export market development strategies and programs.
Support can be provided by initiating market
studies; providing access to strategic and timely customized intelligence, market information and
knowledge;
working with industry to increase awareness of the opportunities for exporting as well as the
resources and
programs that are available to assist; encouraging the development of strategic marketing
alliances;

REDUCE COSTS AND IMPROVE OPERATIONS
Establish a form of extension services
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The British Columbia Government formally offered extension services to producers
through experts who provided advice on cost reduction and other technical areas.
Establish on-the-ground support to increase access to industry expertise. A major
constraint to development is limited access, particularly local access, to expertise and advice for
both technical and business related issues.
• Increase access of producers and processors to training & education. Training areas may
include technology, business management, e-commerce, agribusiness entrepreneurship,
marketing, finance, human resources, safety systems, risk management or crop/livestock issue
specific training. Training can be offered through seminars, workshops, college programs, short
courses, videos, literature, and online courses as well as through apprenticeships, scholarships,
job shadowing, mentorships, coop positions and peer networks.
Establish a senior level point person within the provincial government to champion key
regulatory issues and adjustment initiatives. Given the number of players in the private and
public sectors that deal with the agri-food industry, it is useful to have a single individual or
champion responsible for a given issue.
Increase communication and coordination between industry sectors and government. The
various sectors need to meet regularly with each other and with governments to plan strategic
activities that will benefit all stakeholders and deal with cross-sectoral concerns.
• Favour projects and initiatives that involved the development of strategic alliances.
Government can be an important broker that helps bring the groups together to begin the process
of co-operation on both a sector and regional basis
 BUILD OUR QUALITY AND SAFETY SYSTEMS
The food customer worldwide is becoming more knowledgeable and more demanding in
regards to the quality and safety of food products. The assurance of food safety
especially has become critical to entering new markets. Quality and safety are becoming
increasingly important purchase criteria and provide a clear basis for product
differentiation.
Consumers appear willing to pay a premium for such products, which presents an
opportunity for local producers and processors both with respect to import replacement
and in the export markets.
Investments in innovation are necessary to ensure quality and safety.
Research and development efforts are necessary for the development of innovative
technologies, techniques and practices that will improve safety and quality.
On farm food safety programs have many benefits to the industry.
Producers may remain unaware of the importance of opportunities in improving safety
and quality standards. Potential benefits to producers participating in an on-farm food
safety program include improved agri-food safety; maintained or enhanced market
access; increased consumer confidence, and decreased liability through demonstrated
due diligence.
Increase access to food safety information for producers and processors.
Ways to accomplish this objective include food safety information lines, web sites, food
safety workshops, and providing information to industry associations.
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Fund related research.
Funding could be provided to food safety research that would improve detection
methods, reduce the risk of food contamination and help design effective regulations and
policies.

INCREASE THE LEVEL OF INDUSTRY CO-OPERATION AND
COORDINATION
Strong industry associations are key to sector success.
Encourage and support the formation of industry associations
Support organizations that already exist.
Many industry groups are run by volunteers with little time or energy to commit to the
issues of the sector or the region.
Encourage other strategic alliances.
Strategic alliances can be fostered by promoting increased communication and
networking between individual firms both vertically and horizontally. Other networking
initiatives can be explored such as conferences, seminars, literature and interactive on
line sites.

ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
There is mounting pressure on farm operators to reduce the environmental impact of
their operations. There are concerns with waste disposal as well as water and air
contamination.
Consumers want assurances that farm practices are environmentally sustainable.
This concern is often related to the desire for organic product.
Help producers identify environmentally sustainable practices.
Alternative green technologies practices in other jurisdictions could be examined and
illustrated to producers to facilitate adoption. Environmental and cost benefits could be
emphasized.
Undertake green technology research
Such research would facilitate the application of suitable technologies. It would also
confirm that environmental concerns and regulations are science-based and sector
specific. The research could support applications of technologies such as integrated pest
management and such practices as the use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel.
HIGH PRIORITY ACTIONS FOR THE NEAR-TERM
help industry organizations build their capacity to play key roles in enhancing the long
term competitiveness of the sector, including funding of program management for
implementing strategic initiatives of the Foundation, consolidating and streamlining
services to their members, improving organizational effectiveness
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Provide enhanced funding support for the development and implementation of projects
that undertake strategic market research and trend analysis, disseminate market
information, facilitate marketing skills development and build marketing alliances.
• Bring key government and industry stakeholders together to prepare a formal human
resource gap analysis and launch an action plan that will enable the agri-food sector to
better meet its needs for management skills as well as for skilled, unskilled and seasonal
workers.
• Establish a comprehensive, forward looking Innovation Technology Hub for the BC
agri-food and bio-product sectors, building on and enhancing existing research and
development resources and infrastructure, and launch near term projects addressing
priority needs.
CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
Related skill levels are scarce. There is little training available for value-added
processors and access to information is limited by resources and logistics.
There is a lack of industry co-ordination in the sector. Niche product producers need to
come together to create a plan to overcome obstacles such as limited capital and
investment for start up, shifting product demand, incomplete technical skills and
resources, and access to volume based markets.
Farm owner succession is an issue in BC.
In the farm sector, skills have traditionally been passed from generation to generation.
However,
this system of skills transfer is breaking down as the percentage of children who follow
their parents
into farming continues to decline.
______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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VI Agricultural Profile (from Focus on the Future)
http://www.iafbc.ca/what_s_new_or_media/documents/Focus-on-the-future-finalreport.pdf
As indicated: (for British Columbia )
• The largest commodity groups in terms of farm gate receipts include floriculture &
nursery ($465 million), dairy products ($392 million), poultry & eggs ($276 million), cattle
($220 million), and potatoes & vegetables ($160 million).
• Over the past four years, the fastest growing groups included greenhouse vegetables
(grew by 84% between 2000 and 2004), berries and grapes (54%), tree fruits (36%), fur
(up 34% from a very small base) and floriculture & nursery (23%). In contrast, there were
significant declines in the farm gate receipts of potatoes and vegetables, cattle & calves,
and sheep & wool. It should be noted that over any particular period can be significantly
impacted by external factors such the avian flu (poultry and eggs) and BSE.
• Groups that, on a per capita basis, are significantly larger than the Canadian average
include berries & grapes (41% of Canadian farm gate receipts), tree fruits (39%),
greenhouse vegetables (35%), ginseng (31%), and floriculture & nursery (25%). On the
other hand, the size of other groups such as poultry & eggs (11%), dairy products (9%),
cattle (4%), and hogs (1%) are below the Canadian average.
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/publist/800Series/820110-29.pdf
Fall 2007, Vol. 8, No. 1 Growing Together – Ministry publication
According to 2006 census data, 81 per cent of British Columbians live in two small triangles accounting
for 2.7 per cent of B.C.’s land base. The first triangle stretches from Hope through the Fraser Valley to
Qualicum Beach to Victoria and Sooke. The second triangle encompasses the Thompson-Okanagan, from
Sicamous to Kamloops to Osoyoos.
B.C.’s two most densely populated regions also boast the province’s best farm land and growing
conditions. They generate much of the province’s food. In fact, those two tiny triangles generate
80 per cent of the province’s annual farm receipts.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Response to the Report: (Focus on the Future)
Selection of Initial Priorities
Prepared March 31, 2006
5 key priorities for action in the near-term were identified including:
• Provide project funding and other assistance needed to help industry organizations
build their capacity to play key roles in enhancing the long term competitiveness of the
sector, including funding of program management for implementing strategic initiatives of
the Foundation, consolidating and streamlining services to their members, improving
organizational effectiveness and developing sustainable funding options.
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• Provide enhanced funding support for the development and implementation of projects
that undertake strategic market research and trend analysis, disseminate market
information, facilitate marketing skills development and build marketing alliances.
• Bring key government and industry stakeholders together to prepare a formal human
resource gap analysis; launch an action plan that will enable the agri-food sector to
better meet its needs for management skills & for skilled, unskilled, & seasonal workers.
• Establish a comprehensive, forward looking Innovation Technology Hub for the BC
agri-food and bio-product sectors, building on and enhancing existing research and
development resources and infrastructure, and launch near term projects addressing
priority needs.
• Implement actions to coordinate Branding BC activities of the 2010 Opportunities
Strategy with the Partners in Healthy Eating initiative and other domestic and export
branding initiatives.
________________________________________________________________________
Vancouver Island Agri-Food Action Plan and Trust Strategy
Prepared for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries
Robin M. Junger, September 2000
contact Robin Junger at Tel. (250) 595-7030, Fax (250) 595-7029 or email
([email protected]) by October 15, 2000.
Duncan and Comox Agriculture Workshops / Premier’s Summit
Pre-Summit Workshops
In Fall 1998 two agricultural workshops were sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture
The pre-Summit workshops were held in Duncan and Comox and workshop participants
developed the following recommendations:
Establish an education and training centre for agriculture and food production plus
value added processing at the UBC Farm at Oyster River.
Develop an electronic database including a resource inventory, production and
marketing information, land use data, training programs, stakeholder lists and research
and development programs.
THEME - Improve Management of Resources Affecting Island Agriculture
WHY?


General lack of comprehensive information & skills relating to human,
educational, technological & natural resources available to Island agriculture.
Tunnel vision; ongoing attempts to maintain old, ineffective systems & approaches.
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
Lack of effective communication strategies in place to communicate information
that would enhance farming operations.
 Insufficient funding & support by government & industry.
VISION

A highly prosperous, knowledgeable & skilled Island agricultural community.
OPPORTUNITIES



Identify & assess all human, educational, technological & natural resources available
for Island agriculture.
Encourage innovation.
Develop a high degree of knowledge, understanding & technical expertise for people
interested in Island agriculture, through a wide range of communication networks.
OBSTACLES



Lack of significant funding.
Limited personnel available; volunteers are “burned out”; few paid staff.
Basic infrastructure required is not in place.
RECOMMENDATIONS
 Required tasks to include: complete a comprehensive inventory & resource
directory of Island agriculture & related resources; establish centralized
information source; create interactive systems for communicating information;
develop public education & awareness programs for Island agriculture;
encourage effective, innovative, cost effective, cooperative, sustainable
solutions to rising input costs & other challenges. Begin Fall 98
The Association of Vancouver Island Municipalities (now the Association of
Vancouver Island Coastal Communities) has taken considerable interest in the Island
Agri-Food sector and the challenges it faces. For example, in March 1998 the
association adopted the following resolution:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island
Municipalities inform the Province of the highest priority Island municipal
governments attach to safeguarding the future of farming and the farm
community, and urge the Province to demonstrate its commitment to a profitable
and competitive agricultural industry by actively providing legislative, policy and
resource support to the Island farm communities’ initiatives to develop and
implement the necessary strategies to address Vancouver Island’s increasingly
uncertain agricultural future
Similarly, in March 2000 the Association adopted the following resolution:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Vancouver Island
Municipalities, fully supporting the IFA representations, urges government to give
immediate consideration to introducing policies and regulations that will promote
the development of agriculture on the Island, both to address competitive
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disadvantages Island agricultural producers encounter under the current
provincial regulatory regime, and to prevent any further deterioration in the
significant contribution the agricultural sector makes to the economic health of
Vancouver island1
Each of these resolutions was in fact previously adopted by the District of North
Cowichan, which has taken considerable interest in agricultural issues.2 In February
2000 the District of North Cowichan wrote 23 Island municipalities and 7 Regional
Districts to request they demonstrate support at the local government
__________________________________________________
District of North Cowichan Strategic Agricultural Plan
May 2001
Weaknesses of Agriculture in the Cowichan Valley
 Lack of community awareness of agriculture

Marketing
Opportunties for Agriculture in the Cowichan Valley
 Added Value – inique niche market products, focus on high value end products
 Local marketing – Direct Farm Gate and Farmers’ Markets increase margins
 Agri-tourism and culinary tourism offer economic benefits sector and community
Goal 2: Support and Enhance Small Farm Sector
Action Step #15 Develop extension/ training programs:
Beginners guide
Business opportunities
Small business management
Home-base business management
Direct marketing
Goal 2: Expand Local marketing Opportunities
Action Step # 20 Offer extension programs in Direct Farm Marketing
Goal 4: Capitalize on available Agri-Tourism opportunities
Action Step # 29 Improve coordination and promotion of agricultural events/festivals in
Cowichan Valley
1
An amendment to the resolution was proposed to establish an AVIM Agriculture Committee “to
provide coordinated local government support for the objectives contained in this resolution”. It
was defeated, but the executive of the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities
subsequently appointed a local government official to represent the Association on the Board of
the Island Farmers’ Alliance.
2
At this time, the District of North Cowichan is in the process of developing a Strategic Agricultural Plan,
for inclusion in its Official Community Plan.
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Action Step # 32 Promote Cowichan Valley as culinary destination
Goal 5: Improve Land and Water Stewardship, Conservation and Mangement
Action Step # 54 Educate farmers about water conservation
Action Step # 55 Increase extension services
Action Step #56 Improve management of, and education about, farm waste management,
leachate collection, soil and water conservation, and water-nutrient balance.
___________________________________________________________________________
Economic and Community Impacts of Farmers’ Markets in BC
Nov. 2006
Annual economic impact of farmers markets in BC is $65.3 million
Spending by farmers market customers at neighbourhood businesses is $53.3 million
BC farmers markets have a healthy portion of “regular” (28.1%) and “frequent” (18.4%)
customers.
The average amount spent on market day was $20.52; spent at other businesses in area was
$26.80
Estimated annual economic impact of all BC Farmers Markets is $65.3 million to local economies,
which indicates the ripple effect – revenues to market vendors and monies vendors spend on
inputs to get to the market.
Annual economic impact and ripple effect in terms of additional spending at neighbouring
businesses is approx. $53.3 million
http://www.ediblestrategies.com/fsd/gfb_2005_Canadian_Public_Health_and_Eating.pdf
_____________________________________________________________
PUBLICHEALTH
CCVOLUME 96, SUPPLEMENT 3 _ JULY/AUGUST 2005
Volume 96 supplement 3
July / Aug 2005
Understanding the Forces That Influence Our Eating Habits
What We Know and Need to Know
C A N A D I A N J O U R N A L=====-----\\\\\888888
==============================
Determinants of Healthy Eating in Canada
An Overview and Synthesis
Kim D. Raine, PhD, RD
Personal food choices: Individual determinants of eating behaviour
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Summary of Individual Determinants of Healthy Eating
Individual determinants of personal food choice, including physiological state, food preferences, nutritional
knowledge, perceptions of healthy eating and psychological factors, are not sufficient to explain eating
behaviour, which is highly contextual. Collective determinants of eating behaviour include a wide range of
contextual factors, such as the interpersonal environment created by family and peers, the physical
environment, which determines food availability and accessibility, the economic environment, in which food is
a commodity to be marketed for profit, and the social environment.
Within the social environment, social status (income, education and gender) and cultural milieu are
determinants of healthy eating that may be working ‘‘invisibly’’ to structure food choice. Policy is a powerful
means of mediating multiple environments. This overview and synthesis of determinants of healthy eating
reveals basic information gaps, partially associated with limitations of food, nutrition and health surveillance,
that pose a barrier to understanding the determinants of healthy eating. Development of a comprehensive,
integrated food, nutrition and health surveillance system for Canada would create an information base for
understanding the determinants of healthy eating at all levels. In addition, ongoing surveillance would facilitate
tracking the impacts of interventions.
Applying a population health promotion lens to understanding the determinants of healthy eating provides
insight into identifying gaps for further research, which may help prioritize action strategies for the promotion
of healthy eating. Although there are some gaps in knowledge regarding individual determinants of healthy
eating, there are significant gaps in knowledge regarding collective determinants. Understanding the complex
interactions among multiple environments and policy contexts for individual food choice is essential to guide
efforts to promote and support healthy eating in Canada. In addition, there are huge gaps in our understanding
of the process of intervening in macro-level environments, including policy related initiatives, and the impact of
such interventions on the promotion of healthy eating. Environmental determinants of food choice and policy
contexts for promoting healthy eating, therefore, require significant investment in research.
http://www.ediblestrategies.com/fsd/gfb_2005_Canadian_Public_Health_and_Eating.pdf
________________________________________________________________________
Determinants of Healthy Eating in Aboriginal Peoples in Canada
The Current State of Knowledge and Research Gaps
Noreen D. Willows, PhD
many gaps in knowledge in determinants of food intake per se
The health of Aboriginal peoples is worse than that of Canadians, in general, for almost
every health status measure and condition. There is considerable evidence that many
health problems experienced by Aboriginal peoples are related to diet; they include
anemia, dental caries, obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Partly because of the substitution of traditional foods with market foods, the current diet of
Aboriginal peoples is often low in iron, folacin, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, fibre, fruit and
vegetables; high fat and sugar intakes are commonly reported.
In the 1998/1999 National Population Health Survey, the prevalence of food insecurity
among Aboriginal respondents living off reserve was 27.0%, and 24.1% had a
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compromised diet, meaning that they did not have enough food to eat or that they could
not eat the quality or variety of foods they wanted to because of lack of money.
Community freezers and other forms of community sharing enable food insecure
individuals living on reserves or in remote regions to consume traditional foods.
In small communities, it is not clear how much influence store policies or store managers
have in determining the types of food available for sale, or how food pricing influences
food choice.
The cultural worldview held by some Aboriginal peoples that traditional food by
its very nature is health-promoting makes it difficult for them to understand why
they must avoid certain store-bought foods to maintain health.
Body image
Considering that there are few studies about body image, weight concerns and
dieting practices in Aboriginal adults and children, community-based studies of body
image concepts would be valuable for developing dietary interventions.
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Vancouver Island Agri-Food Action Plan and Trust Strategy
Prepared for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries
Robin M. Junger
September 2000
contact Robin Junger at Tel. (250) 595-7030, Fax (250) 595-7029 or email
([email protected]) by October 15, 2000.
keywords: Agri-Food Action Plan 2000; Agri-Food profile
The purpose of the present project is to build upon previous and ongoing work, and to
identify mechanisms to best ensure implementation of the foregoing goals and ideas.
Island Agri-Food profile
The agri-food industry on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands is a significant
contributor to the local economy and the lifestyle of Island communities. According to a
1999 BC Assessment survey, there are nearly 3,900 farms operating on the Island. A
1996 StatsCan farm census determined that the Island generates gross farm receipts of
nearly $150 million per year. This provides direct jobs for over 3,100 people, including
paid labour in excess of $32 million per year.
Agricultural production and processing exists throughout the Island, with production
centred in the Cowichan Valley, the Comox Valley, Port Alberni and the Saanich
Peninsula. Most of the agricultural land is in the Agricultural Land Reserve, although
only about 1/2 of agricultural land is, according to the BC Assessment Authority, actually
being used for agricultural purposes.3
The Island produces a range of agri-food products. These include tree fruits, vegetables,
berries and grapes, specialty crops, dairy, chicken, egg, hogs, lamb, beef, other specialty
livestock, aquaculture, Christmas trees, honey and floricultural and nursery products.
Beyond the direct impact of agricultural production, the Island agri-food sector also
makes a significant contribution to various secondary industries such as food retailing,
inputs (e.g. feed, fertilizer), processing, tourism, restaurants and hotels. These industries
in turn contribute significantly to the economic well-being and lifestyle of Vancouver
Island and the Gulf Islands.
3
Information referenced in “Specialty Poultry Feasibility Study”, prepared by the Community
Futures Venture Centre, Cowichan, July 2000.
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1.1 Vancouver Island Meat Industry Development Study
Key challenges identified included:

Transportation costs for feed (including elimination of the federal Feed Freight
Assistance Program)

Limited production efficiencies relative to large prairie operations

Costs of farm land

Limited access to federally inspected slaughter facilities (i.e. only one plant in Port
Alberni following closure of the Island Meat Packers Plant in Victoria in 1993).
/ The report concluded that the most immediate requirement for development of the
Island hog industry was increased production..
1.2 Agriculture Strategy for the Saanich Peninsula
strategic objectives:
To secure an adequate supply of water to farms at a competitive cost;
To increase economic returns to farmers
To enhance the sustainability of the agricultural land base
To foster stewardship of farm land which embraces environmental and other community
values
To increase public awareness, education and support for a sustainable farm community
To establish a continuing focal point for farm issues and implementation of the
strategyummer.pdfAssociations Adapt
3.13 Island agricultural career and education
The Island Farmer’s Alliance, the Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and the
Agricultural Workforce Policy Board have joined together with LifeCycles4, to develop
an agricultural career and education program dedicated specifically to Vancouver
Island.
3.14 Local Government
Resolutions passed in 1998 & 2000 by Association of V.I. Municipalities (/Coastal
Communities) to urge provincial government to provide legislative, policy and resource
support for Island agriculture, and to address competitive disadvantages experienced
under provincial regulatory regime.
…letters (sent) to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries to express their support
for such initiatives and to urge the province to take action (District of Ucluelet, Town of
4
LifeCycles is an environmental nonprofit, non-governmental organization dedicated to cultivating
awareness of and initiating action around food, health, and urban sustainability in the Greater
Victoria community.
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Lake Cowichan, District of Metchosin, Town of Ladysmith, City of Duncan and the
Cowichan Valley Regional District). The minister replied by noting that, while the
province can indeed undertake some initiatives to help sustain the industry, local
governments themselves play an important role in economic development. In this regard,
he noted that many of the factors that affect the success of agriculture are within local
government control (e.g. property taxes, building application fees, water rates and bylaws
affecting farm and food processing operations).
Agricultural Advisory Committee Workshop: February 17, 2005
Pacific Agriculture Show, Tradex Centre, Abbotsford, BC
BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/sf/aac/list.htm
keywords: AAC; workshop 2005; summary of proceedings; Comox Valley; Agricultural
Plan; AAP; sustainable farming; agri-tour; SLA; small lot agriculture; Central Okanagan;
Kelowna; farm tour; Kent; Focus on Farming; Buds in Bloom; Ag in the Classroom;
Fraser Valley; Surrey; Fill Dumping; ALR exclusion; fill; drainage; bylaw; Soil Watch; soil
site; soil deposit; regional district
BC AACs: 4 presentations about achievements with analysis of what worked &
suggested improvements: Planning: Comox Valley Agricultural Area Plan; Awareness:
Central Okanagan RD Farm Tour; Economic Development: District of Kent Small Lot
Agriculture; Initiatives: City of Surrey on Illegal Fill Dumping on ALR.
Making AACs work: building relationships with Council or Board & real estate industry;
dealing with ALR exclusion applications; developing, implementing Ag Area Plan;
regional district and AACs working together.
New Strengthening Farming Program: contact regional agrologist to learn about Ministry
involvement.
Comox recommendations: set up committee structure, clarify roles and responsibilities
from outset; create ownership outside immediate group; think about implementation
when designing Plan, identify who will implement; allocate financial and human
resources to implement; review each 3 to 5 years. Achievements: The AAP was
completed and accepted by the RDCS Regional Board, which was helped by
involvement of 2 regional directors. Strong common language and understanding were
created between farmers and government. Planning and resource allocation tools were
created and brochures distributed to real estate, chamber of commerce, and economic
development offices to facilitate understanding of farming area life.
Kelowna Agri-Tour 2004: showcased primary agriculture: its magnitude, economic
impact, employment, export activity, value of crops. Budget $2100, volunteer/staff time
150 hours; 4 stops worked well. Need to advertise early to draw in more elected officials;
also include more about issues and strategies.
District of Kent 2004: SL Products identified: Herbs, crayfish, oyster mushrooms, coffee
roaster, wasabi, sprouts, cheese, farm stores, shitake mushrooms, farmed coho salmon,
organic vegetables, llamas.
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62% of 143 farms were less than 20 acres. 50 of 83 small lots (60%) had agricultural
products. 30% sell via direct marketing, 3% outside Canada. Farm gate receipts $365
million; multiplier spin-offs = $255 million (factor of 7). 15,864 acres (6420 ha) in ALR.
Many SL owners looking for ideas of what to do on land: shrub/flower horticulture,
market garden, agri-tourism, restaurant supply.
Suggestions: need database to extend knowledge; SLA can be resource for urban
people to learn about farming; large farms can combine 2 or more SLA ventures; joint
approach to potential purchasers of market ready producers or share delivery time
and/or vehicles; business mentorship needed for new operators; need value-added
infrastructure; consider agriculture as a main vehicle for economic development.
City of Surrey: John Sherstone, Manager of Bylaw and Licensing, has 22 officers to
enforce bylaws including property use. 300 - 400 trucks were dumping and levelling fill of
unknown origins each weekend in 2004. An investigation procedure for all soil violations
has been put in place. Education is the major approach. Soil Watch signs were designed
and posted. Engineering identified acceptable sites for dumping and posted to soil
information window on City website. Database of all excavating companies created.
Educational pamphlets, daily patrols, and ticketing are all used.
Key points on AAC workshop: work with real estate to build understanding; farm tours
are key tool for raising awareness; staff support and political rep on AAC important to
link to staff, Council or Board; AAC's = advisory, not advocate; possible tasks: review
other policies and plans, document issues, annual work plan and report card.
ALR applications considerations: field visit, meeting with applicant, air photos, maps
agricultural capability of soils, history of site and its uses, relationship to adjacent farm
uses, OCP compliance, and zoning.
Developing AAP: Council / Board must champion the plan; ag land inventory helpful; can
implement via farm bylaw; build in implementation steps, actors, funding.
RDs and Municipal AACs: periodic joint meetings, harmonize terms of reference; expand
info-sharing between AACs (links to AACs at Strengthening Farming website in "Links"
field).
________________________________________________________________________
An Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System
2007
Kittson, K., Bonti-Ankomah, S., & Zafiriou, M. (2007)
Publication 07-033-r, Queen's Printer: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pol/index_e.php
keywords: 2006 census; agri-food system; national trends; industrial use of agricultural
product; government support; cost control; program payments; land ownership
Information from the 2006 Census of Agriculture and on the new industrial uses of
agricultural products… Contribution of the system to the whole economy… from
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consumers to food distribution, food, beverage and tobacco (FBT) processing, primary
agriculture, to input supply. It concludes with a review of government expenditures in
support of agriculture.
Provides a snapshot of structural changes that are occurring throughout the system in
response to various factors: changing consumer demands, advancing technology,
increased demand for non-food and non-feed products, North American integration and
globalization.
A.1
Over the past 50 years, average farm size has tripled while the number of farms in
Canada has declined. In 2006, there were 229,373 farms, representing a 7% decline from
2001. This compares to a 11% decline between 1996 and 2001.
Total farmland in Canada remained relatively unchanged in 2006, with the largest
changes in the coastal provinces. Farmland area in British Columbia increased by 10%
between 2001 and 2006, nearly the highest growth rate across Canada. Newfoundland
farm acreage decreased the most, by 11% during the same time period.
The number of farms decreased in all provinces in 2006.
Larger farms, which make up a small share of all farms, now account for a greater share
of production. In 1996, farms with less than $100,000 in farm receipts represented 72%
of all farms and accounted for 8% of all farm receipts, while farms with more than
$250,000 in sales represented 10% of all farms and 56% of total farm receipts.
• In 2006, farms with less than $100,000 in farm receipts represented 66% of all farms
and accounted for 5% of all farm receipts, whereas farms with more than $250,000 in
farm receipts represented 17% of all farms but contributed almost 75% to total farm
receipts.
As farmers adopt environmentally friendly land management practices such as no-till
seeding and conservation tillage, summerfallow has declined.
More farmers report using soil conservation practices since the last census.
Crop rotation remains the most common soil conservation practice, followed by
windbreaks
and rotational grazing.
• No-till practices are becoming more popular as they reduce input costs and soil erosion
from wind and water. No-till practices increased by 52% between 2001 and 2006.
Conventional tillage decreased by 32%. In 2006, about 70% of cropland was cultivated
using no-till or conservation tillage.
As total area planted to wheat and other grains has declined, oilseed acreage has
increased. S Area planted to pulse crops such as dry f ield peas, lentils and f ield beans
increased by 190% between 1996 and 2001 but declined by 22% from 2001 to 2006. oi
Total fruit area in Canada increased by 5% between 2001 and 2006, largely due to
significant increases in the production of blueberries and grapes. A switch to greenhouse
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production of vegetables, rising imports and closedown domestic processing facilities
contributed to the decline in vegetable acreage. Between 2001 and 2006, the total area in
vegetables decreased by 7% in Canada. Sweet corn, which decreased by 15% between
2001 and 2006, is still the most common vegetable accounting for 24% of the total
vegetable area.
Between 2001 and 2006, greenhouse area in Canada increased by 21%. More than half
(53%) of the total greenhouse area was in Ontario, with over 126 million square feet
under cover in 2006 and a 29% increase between 2001 and 2006. British Columbia and
Quebec had the second and third largest greenhouse area with 57 and 30 million square
feet respectively.
Over 15,000 farm operations (6.8%) reported at least one type of organic product in
2006. Non-certified organic production was by far the most common type reported.
Farms that reported non-certified organic production were more likely to produce animal
products. British Columbia led the way followed by Ontario. The number of certified
organic farms increased by 59% between 2001 and 2006.
Between 1966 and 2006, 22% of owned land moved to rented, leased or crop-shared
land. Newfoundland, British Columbia and Alberta had the lowest rates of ownership of
land in Canada in 2006 at 33%, 55% and 59% of their total land respectively.
The share of operators over the age of 54 has climbed, and now accounts for 40% of all
operators in 2006.
The Canadian bioeconomy has several biomass sources. Agriculture and forestry biomass
are the most common inputs to bioproduct manufacturing. Over 40% of bioproduct firms
made use of agricultural biomass while over 30% used forestry biomass.
A.2
Bioproduct and FFN firms, like most innovative firms, face impediments to
development and production. .. Bioproduct firms identified lack of financial capital and
high costs and timeliness of regulations as major impediments to bioproduct development
in Canada.
B.1
Growth in the agriculture and agri-food sector impacts the rest of the Canadian
economy as well. For example, for every $1 of direct GDP created
in primary agriculture, an additional $1.8 of GDP is indirectly created, and for every job
created another 0.91 indirect jobs are created in the economy.
C.1
Since 1981 the increase in farm product prices has not kept pace with the increase
in farm input prices.
C.4
Farm operating income of large farms has increased with program
payments making up for short falls in market revenue. Net cash income for primary
agriculture declined in 2006 for the second straight year. Farm financial performance
depends on the management skills of farmers, and varies even within a revenue class.
Cost control is particularly important to farm financial performance and varies even
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within a revenue class. High performance farms maximize revenues and at the same time
control costs.
In 2005, a small percent of farms (7.9%) were under significant financial stress while
1.9% of farms were under moderate financial stress.
D.1
Government expenditures in support of the agriculture and agri-food
sector have grown over time but have declined as a share of GDP. The agricultural sector
in Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec received the most
government support, while British Columbia and New Brunswick received the lowest
sector support in relation to sector GDP.
-________________________________________________________________
Environmental Farm Plan and National Farm Stewardship
Program.
BCAC receives $1.0 million grant to support
Steve Thomson, BC Agriculture Council
May 12, 2008
keywords: announcement of funding; BCAC; environmental stewardship;
beneficial management practice
"This month, the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands provided a one million
dollar grant to the British Columbia Agriculture Council (BCAC) to fund the
continuation of the Beneficial Management Practice program adoption on B.C.
farms." (Bell, Pat, Minister of Ag and Lands).
The BCAC is pleased to receive this funding-it will be of great assistance in
supporting the program and providing additional funding for Best
Management Practice applications under the National Farm Stewardship
Program. As you may know the BCAC signed a continuity grant agreement
with IAF and AAFC of $3.288 million for the extension (continuity) year of the
EFP Program.
British Columbia Agriculture Council
http://www.bcac.bc.ca/who_we_are.htm
Its mission is to provide leadership and to take initiative in representing, promoting
and advocating the collective interests of all agricultural producers in the Province
of BC.
To accomplish this, the Council will:
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Assist in developing an economic environment that provides for strengthened
competitiveness; long term growth; employment, and economic viability in the BC
agriculture and agri-food industry;

Foster cooperation and a collective response to matters affecting the future of
agriculture in the province; and

Provide services to members that assist in achieving the purposes of the
Council.
Community Food Security Public Consultation Meeting Cowichan
MARCH 9th and 22nd, COWICHAN COMMUNITY CENTRE
organized by
COWICHAN GREEN COMMUNITY
Facilitated by Sandra Goth, Sandra Goth Communications
Purpose:
Community Capacity Building - to enable participants to consider what their community
food security issues are and start to work toward a Community Food Action Plan.
Ultimate Goal: A Healthy Food Security System for the Cowichan Valley
1. The Vision for Five Years from Today for:
a. Producers:
 Farm products generate sufficient income so young farmers want to farm.
 Future generations ‘choose’ to become farmers.
 There is a grain grower’s co-op that is seed based.
 There is increased area for farming with healthier soil.
 There is a supply of organic non-genetically modified locally grown food.
 There is more good quality agricultural land in the Agricultural Land Reserve
(ALR).
 There is a Farmers’ Market that is seven days a week and centrally accessible.
e. Education:
 There is a plant education centre that teaches the public about whole foods, wild
foods, European plants, edible garden weeds and more.
 Schools are educating children about growing, harvesting, and preserving food.
 There are childrens’ garden clubs.
 People are inspired to take responsibility for their own health and food.
 Cowichan Valley residents know and understand what food security is.
5. Action in the Next Few Months:
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Plant seeds – attend Seedy Saturday.

Create a letter to local governments.

Create a letter to local church groups and service clubs to encourage food security.

Mention that you attended a meeting of people dedicated to creating a healthy
regional
food system.

Create a better marketing scheme for local food security.

Focus on the realities of being self-sustaining for environmental and economic
benefits.

Make Food Security ‘cool’ from young to grade 12.

Connect Farmers and children.

Have Food Security conversations – raise awareness.

Have seniors share stories of when the Valley was a sustainable growth area.

6. Next Month:
 News article
 Create letters
 Access and acknowledge local food security knowledge
 Encourage natural pesticides in the Cowichan Valley
______________________________________________________________________
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Service Plan 2008/09 - 2009/10
Vision: World-leading stewardship of land, farm and food systems for the health &
prosperity of British Colombians.
Mission: to promote sustainable agricultural food systems & provide a balanced
approach that promotes sustainable use of Crown land resources.
Goals: 1) competitive world-class agriculture, aquaculture and food sectors; 2) above
systems are environmentally sustainable and enhance human, plant and animal health;
3) Administration of Crown lands that promotes sustainability and greatest benefit for
British Columbians.
Baseline, targets and performance measures given for each, e.g. dollar value of
investment, net cash incomes, level of coverage under Production insurance, number of
Ag Advisory Committees, etc.
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Regional Economic Analysis:
Vancouver Island/Coast Economic Region
FINAL REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
September 2003
Prepared for Vancouver Island Economic Developers Association (VIEDA)
By: VANN STRUTH Consulting Group Inc. and Eric Vance & Associates
Planning and Management Consultants
provides a comprehensive
review of economic trends and changes in the regional economy since the mid-1980s,
including an analysis of the key factors driving economic change in the region and an
examination of opportunities for economic growth.
From 1986 to 2002 the population’s median age increased by a full seven years. This
has contributed to a steady downward trend in the labour force participation rate, which
may hamper future growth prospects in industries that cannot acquire sufficient quality
labour.
Opportunities
Industries with the best prospects for growth in the next five years in the region include
tourism, high technology (although limited mostly to Greater Victoria and other larger
centres), agriculture, and aquaculture and fish processing.
Aquaculture
As outlined in studies conducted through VIEDA’s New Marine Frontier initiative,
shellfish aquaculture has significant growth potential. The industry’s vision is to
grow from $20 million in 2002 to $70 million in 2007, driven by growth in the existing
oyster and clam industry and the development of new species (geoduck clams,
mussels, scallops, etc.). The growth could also be accomplished without significant
new aquaculture tenures. There is a wide range of potential new products that can
be developed by both shellfish and finfish aquaculture producers. With growth in the
production side of the industry, demand will be generated for additional goods and
services to supply the industry. Research and development activities funded by the
federal government and/or universities are also a potential growth area for some
parts of the region.
Agriculture and Food
Market prices for many agricultural products are determined outside the region. Rules
and regulations associated with marketing boards and quota systems for many
agricultural products can be particularly troublesome for Vancouver Island
producers. They may have difficulty becoming a member or acquiring quota from
mainland or Okanagan based organizations. Value added production is subject to
the economics of the industry. Island production may be hampered by distance from
markets, higher transportation costs, and insufficient locally produced raw material.
Internal factors for growth include access to a sufficient land base for agricultural
production and improving transportation alternatives.
♦ For the parts of the region that already have agricultural activity, it is viewed as a
potential source of further growth. The growth is expected to come through the
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exploitation of niche markets, increased value-added processing and manufacturing,
and potentially some import replacement.
Tourism
♦ Tourism is widely regarded as one of the industries with the greatest potential for
economic growth in the Vancouver Island/Coast region.
The condition of the world economy is an important external growth factor for the
tourism industry.
internal growth factors include the development of tourism infrastructure such as
sufficient quantity and quality of accommodations, sufficient basic
infrastructure like electricity and water supplies for expanding tourist areas in more
remote parts of the region. The issue of skilled labour
availability will be increasingly important in the future as tourists become more
sophisticated and demand a higher level of service.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
VIEDA Strategic Plan: based upon the 2003 Regional Economic
Analysis
Vancouver Island Economic Alliance is a nonprofit society; members include approx. 70
businesses and organizations that represent diverse interests.
Strategy A: develop brand for VI
- promote VI at international events
- research opportunities to work with BC Min of Economic Development
- research dev't of Island Profile with a marketing strategy
Strategy B: expand the Alliance
- host VI Economic Summit
- represent members thru advocacy: VI Strategies for Energy, Transportation, Water
Management
- VI Developers Dialogue
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4. - facilitate sectoral surveys which identify needs of businsses
- networking & summit opportunities
Strategy C: assist in building capacity in Rural and Remote Regions
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36
– Jan. 2008
The Area Farm Plan Steering Committee
Anne Macey, project administrator
Keywords: agricultural alliance; community farmland trust; agricultural infrastructure;
We have to work together:
the three key recommendations of the Salt Spring Island Area Farm Plan all speak to the
need to
collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate.
First recommendation: establish a Salt Spring Island Agricultural Alliance, a
small, community-based and farmer-directed office to represent agricultural interests.
first - implement the recommendations of this plan.
In time - become the place to go for information and resources, to help with marketing
and promotion, and to locate funding and other assistance to support agriculture.
Second recommendation: establish a community farmland trust, to acquire
and manage land, to arrange leasehold agreements, and to ensure that farmland held by
the trust would be actively farmed in an environmentally and socially sustainable
manner.
help protect land from speculation and development,
- provide a variety of tenure agreements to suit different needs,
- ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Individual farmers, burdened with increasing rules and regulations, find it
difficult to provide, on their own, all the facilities they need to run a successful farm
operation.
Community needs must be met with community facilities.
Third key recommendation: establish key community facilities that support the
expansion of agricultural activities. These include the operation of an abattoir, and
the establishment of facilities for cold storage, local food processing, and composting.
Additional Strategies for a Sustainable Agricultural Future:
-
-
-
-
Pursue strategies that protect agricultural land and that make more land available
for farming. Work with local government, the Agricultural Land Commission, and
private landowners to see that more suitable land is brought into production.
Address the farm housing issue. Local government and the Agricultural Land
Commission need to become allies in the provision of housing for legitimate farm
workers.
Develop a coordinated approach to the production and sale of locally-grown
products. Establish a voluntary Salt Spring Island agricultural code of practice
and encourage the implementation of beneficial farm management practices.
Increase local understanding and appreciation of agriculture.
Local government planning should reflect the priority of agriculture.
Develop local agri-tourism guidelines.
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Slow Food Congress Mexico 2007
The Presidium Tehuacán Amaranth
Alternativas y Procesos de Participación Social (Alternatives and Projects for Civil
Society), an NGO which has been working since 1980 to recover traditional cultivation
and irrigation knowledge, leads a program focused on reestablishing amaranth as a local
crop. Cooperatives have been founded in sixty villages; cooperatives have joined forces
through establishing a larger cooperative with resources to produce a variety of
amaranth products under a common brand name: Quali or good
three main areas: promoting a traditional sweet food based on amaranth (alegría);
setting up a center for exhibiting and selling amaranth; and research and
development of new amaranth-based products. “The Rediscovery of Amaranth” project
was developed with support from the Cariplo Foundation, the University of Milan and the
Slow Food Foundation. This project focuses on increasing production and improving
product quality as well as research into gluten-free products and the development of new
retail outlets.
Presidium Coordinator: Raúl Hernandez Garciadiego, Tel. +52 238 3712295
[email protected]
The “New Gastronomy” and the food quality we want
In his last book Good, Clean and Fair: Principles of a New Gastronomy
(Published as Slow Food Nation in USA and UK), Carlo Petrini cites a UN report
published in March 2005, called Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Eating is
an agricultural act, and choosing good quality food, produced respecting the
environment and local traditions, can protect biodiversity and a fair and
sustainable agriculture. All of Slow Food’s activity in the world is guided by this
simple slogan – good, clean and fair…
Local economies and food communities
The primary way to direct the food system towards being Good, clean and fair is
the relocalization of consumption and agricultural production.
It is necessary to push as much as possible for the relocalization of production
and consumption, social life and traditions without renouncing the commerce or
exchange that makes the network possible and by strengthening local
communities and the ways in which they work.
Building the network
Convivium, Presidia, food communities, restaurateurs, small-scale producers,
shopkeepers, merchants and contractors: whoever becomes part of Slow Food
or allies him or herself in some way to the association’s objectives becomes a
part of the network.
The Congress is the official launch of this network, a virtuous multinational
powerful and able to counter the negative tendencies. This network will be the
catalyst for realizing our goals and will always include more people, institutions
and associations who are willing to collaborate.
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Education
Courses- the association organizes through Convivium in Italy and
collaborations with schools and hospitals put Slow Food at the forefront in this
sector. Food education, education on taste, the senses, technical aspects of
production and various products themselves…
the consumer has to think of himself as coproducer. Educating himself, knowing
products, the producers themselves, methods for better feeding himself and
polluting less, the co-producer, from within his community, becomes concretely
and individually the engine of true change.
Co-producers
Another activity which Convivium should engage in is to organize producers’
markets or alternative forms of food distribution that privilege the local as a
guarantee of quality. Some Convivium are already involved in farmers’ markets,
community-supported agriculture, AMAP or co-ops, while others are not. And
ultimately, it’s the Convivium that should research and establish these new
distribution systems in their own areas within their actual communities.
The co-producer is the companion the producer lacks in order to make a true
local economy that is community based and good, clean and fair.
Knowledge dialogue
Another duty of the Convivium is the saving = cataloguing and archiving of “slow
knowledge” - knowledge of farmers and popular knowledge. Official science and
Slow knowledge should establish some kind of fruitful dialogue.
Seeds
The Manifest on the Future of Seeds underwritten also by Slow Food and
created by the International Commission on the Future of Food, Local
communities have to make themselves responsible for their own biodiversity
Microfinance
Slow Food’s aim in supporting the activities of poor countries, Presidia and food
communities, is to identify types of credit, microfinance and ethical banking
systems that allow real community development. Projects have to point to
community self-sufficiency and look for means to provide financial help that do
not take the shape of neo-colonialism. Activating alternative financial systems
within our network could be a revolutionary solution.
Communication
Slow Food works for a democracy of means for transmitting knowledge, for
technological literacy, for the creation of multimedia archives.
Knock down the digital divide. Top-down & ground-up
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there have been two fruitful meetings of Terra Madre, enabling thousands of
small farmers, cooks and academics from around the world to meet
each other. Membership would no longer focus on the traditional gastronomic
interests but welcomed small farmers from all parts of the world.
Funded by the European Union, in March 2007 the NGO CEFA the Seed of
Solidarity, the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity and Fairtrade Italia gave the
go-ahead to start a three-year European project to make the public aware of the
theme of sustainable development and the problems of low income countries,
thereby facilitating interrelationships between poor and developed countries.
The project envisages the setting up of a permanent European ‘observatory’ for
the defense of biodiversity, the support of forms of sustainable agriculture, and
the promotion and the certification of fair trade products with a special website,
as well as the promotion of information and sensitization activities in the course
of international events: Ifoam “Cultivate the Future” Congress (Modena, Italy,
June 16-20, 2008), Terra Madre (Turin, Italy, October 23-27, 2008), Aux Origines
du Goût (Montpellier, France, 2009) and others in Cyprus (June 2008) and
Tanzania (September 2009).
The project will thus seek to make the European public aware of models of
sustainable agriculture, encourage rural development models that respond to the
cultural characteristics of local and indigenous communities and boost effective
interaction between European and low income countries based on fair trade. The
objective is to ensure principles of commercial justice, concrete support and
better opportunities for agribusiness production.
Presidium from Seri fire roasted mesquite
The Presidium for Seri fire roasted mesquite, formally established in the summer 2007,
aims to defend the use of mesquite flour by the Seri and to promote the use of this
traditional product on the local market. Community-based production protocols will guide
gathering and processing work, and a cooperative structure is being developed. A brand
name, cookbook, special packaging, offering to restaurants in cities & the U.S.
Presidium contact person: Gary Nabhan, [email protected]
Producer coordinators:
Erika Molina, [email protected]
Angel Romero, [email protected]
Traditional Seri products sold at:
NATIVE SEEDS/SEARCH, 526 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ - Phone: + 1 520 6225561
http://www.nativeseeds.org
MITSITAM CAFE', Smithsonian Institution/ National Museum of the American Indian
Fourth Street & Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20560
Phone: +1 202 6331000, http://www.nmai.si.edu/
The Presidium Chinantla Vanilla
This presidium began in Rancho Grande, a small agricultural network that includes
around 200 farmers coordinated by agronomist Raúl Manuel Antonio. Antonio has
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developed various small agricultural development systems that produce high-quality
foods such as coffee and vanilla. Antonio received the Slow Food Award in 2000,
Rancho Grande has become a model for many groups of farmers. The presidium is also
working to identify the various varieties of vanilla with the help of the Veracruz Center for
Tropical Studies (CITRO), led by biologist Arturo Gómez-Pompa. For techinical
assistance, the presidium is collaborating with the Agropecuario No.3 Technical Institute
in Tuxtepec.
Presidium Coordinator: Elías García Martínez, Tel. +52 2878753681 [email protected]
Technical Partner: Baiocco A. & Figlio (Italy)
Producers: 65 families of producers united in three communities: Rancho Grande,
Cerro Verde, and Flor Batavia
Small Potatoes Urban Delivery SPUD
Information session given at Cowichan Community Centre
VI $2 million in restaurant purchases of food (HFSCoop)
VI $10 million in institutional purchases
VI has 750,000 consumers (Wayne Haddow)
$4 billion in food purchasing power (2006) SPUD
2008 Islands Farm Seminar
January 18, 2008
Bob Treadway, Futurist speaker
Trendtalk.com
2004 – 65% Canadians and Americans agreed that food was an important source of
pleasure in their lives
Canadian Consumers – 2006 AAFC Consumer Perception
Nutrition was top issue
Quality next – would pay 50% more for quality ie Elasticity
Put a face to the product produces trust
Vancouver Island in 2020 – 60 plus age
Increasingly developed taste and preference for quality food
Not dependant on their pensions to survive
Expectations will escalate
Turn Coastline to your advantage
Blue Ocean strategy – no competition – novelty
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Track the global, profit at the local
Highest profit is on the highest ground – gourmet products
Don Low, Min of Agriculture Economist
Local Food production – 100 Mile diet
Rural community is enhanced
Decrease dependence on multinationals
Decrease carbon footprint
Increase health of individuals
Decrease obesity
Differentiate to create a story – tell it and capture the value
Island Wine Growers and Vintners Association
Ken Winchester –
33 licensed wineries on Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands
Fastest growing wine district
Now three distilleries developing on the Island – Artisan Distillery
Organic Dairy Production
Ben Brantsome
New standards for organic milk production = Dec 15, 2008
10 – 11 organic farms in the Fraser Valley
2 in the Okanagan
Small Scale Food Processors – HACCP training
Food processing – highest rate of injury within manufacturing
Supervisory training lacking in industry
More small scale food processors than any other province
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