Demand for farmers grow in B.C. due to report of record sales of farm foods in 2019

#BC; #BCFoodSystem; #EconomicRecovery; #Covid19Pandemic

British Columbia, Jul 14 (Canadian-Media): While this year has created challenges to the  farmers due to COVID-19 pandemic, the 2019 British Columbia's (B.C.)'s strong, resilient food system resulted in its farm cash receipts with a record $3.9 billion in sales proving the sector is growing, media reports said.

 Lana Popham. Image credit: Twitter handle

“COVID-19 has opened our eyes to the importance of our province’s self-sufficiency. I urge everyone to continue to show their appreciation for our farmers and support our local food system by making a special effort to Buy BC,” said Lana Popham, B.C.'s Minister of Agriculture in a news release.

There was an increase in cannabis sales close to $300-million, a $47-million increase in dairy sales, increase in beef sales amounted to $25-million, and a $17.5-million increase in field vegetable sales.

With the start of economy in B.C. and with the realization that farmers in every region play a crucial role in contributing to both the local economy and the overall provincial economy, there is a growing demand for more British Columbian farm workers to ensure B.C.’s agriculture sector remains strong and well positioned to provide the fresh, local food that people need, through a healthy food system.

The BC Farm, Fish and Food Job Connector was launched by B.C. government in May, as well as a digital campaign is underway to further promote these job opportunities for the summer.

The Province is continuing to look at ways to unlock the prosperity of the agriculture, food and fish sector throughout B.C. with initiatives like Feed BC and the B.C. Food Hub Network.