BC has created a task force bringing food producers together to boost locally-grown food and beverages, in light of looming US tariffs.
During a press conference today hosted by agriculture minister Lana Popham, BC Agriculture Council executive director Danielle Synotte said agriculture creates jobs and economic opportunities all around the province, including the Island.
“Agriculture in British Columbia, including ocean-based farming, is a vibrant part of our province’s economy, and critical for provincial labour and food security,” she said. “All the unique industries that make up the sector act as pillars for sustainable and diverse rural communities, where the revenue generated is re-invested in the community.”
Popham announced a new task force on agriculture and food economy has been created by the premier. Its goal will be to increase the growth and competitiveness of BC products.
“Whether it’s BC farmers, processors, retailers, or distributors, or British Columbians the in general, we are all on high alert to potential tariffs and economic threats posed by the Trump administration,” she said. “It has never been more important to buy BC and to support our food economy.”
The task force will also recommend ways to ensure people have continued access to health and affordable food, regardless of what happens with US tariffs or a trade war.
The group will hold its first meeting next week, virtually, and is expected to meet in person on a quarterly basis over the next 12 to 18 months.
Task Force Members
Co-chairs:
- Danielle Synotte, executive director, BC Agriculture Council
- James Donaldson, CEO, BC Food & Beverage
- Michelle Koski, deputy minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Primary producers:
- Jennifer Woike, president, BC Agriculture; president/owner, Farmer Ben’s Eggs
- Annelise Grube-Cavers, co-owner, Fresh Valley Farms
- Nav Bains, vice-president of operations, marketing and procurement, Westberry Farms
- Chris Bodnar, assistant professor at University of the Fraser Valley; co-owner, Close to Home Organic
Processors:
- Angela Doro, president, Freybe Gourmet Foods
- Jasmine Byrne, COO, Big Mountain Foods
- James Pratt, CEO, Rhema Health Products
Seafood:
- Larry Johnson, president, Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood
- Steve Pocock, owner, Sawmill Bay Oysters
Retail:
- Jamie Nelson, president, Pattison Food Group (effective March 1, 2025)
Distribution:
- Cameron Bowles, vice-president of national sales, Sysco
Thought leadership:
- Rory McAlpine, chair, Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute; retired as senior vice-president, Maple Leaf Foods
