Dear BCFGA Members,
As we approach the election on October 19th, it is crucial for us to stay informed about the agriculture platforms of the major parties. Below is a summary of the key points from both the BCNDP and BC Conservative agriculture platforms.
BCNDP Agriculture Platform:
- Establish a Premier’s Task Force to develop a Provincial Agri-Food Competitiveness and Growth Strategy.
- Inventory and protect agricultural land for future generations.
- Support young farmers by matching them with available farmland for purchase or lease.
- Expand the agricultural Extreme Weather Preparedness fund.
- Increase the amount of food processed in BC to avoid exchange rate pressures and transportation costs.
- Ensure secure sources of clean water for BC communities by funding local water use planning.
Please see the full platform here, with agriculture on page 26.
BC Conservative Agriculture Platform:
- Double food production and strengthen the economic base through the “Grown In BC” plan.
- Cut input costs and build water security infrastructure.
- Invest in agricultural R&D and improve crop productivity.
- Expand access to advanced agricultural technologies and provide financial incentives for yield-increasing measures.
- Support tree fruit farmers and enhance pollinator populations.
- Expand the Buy BC program and increase local food processing.
- Improve rural transportation infrastructure and reduce the cost of goods by scrapping the carbon tax.
- Secure BC’s water supply for agriculture by investing in large-scale water storage and infrastructure.
Please see the full agriculture plan here.
We encourage all members to review the full platforms of both parties, ask your local candidates questions, and make sure to vote on October 19th. Your participation is vital in shaping the future of agriculture in BC.