The changes we want to see

"British Columbia, unlike other provinces in Canada, has ceased to support or encourage or assist in any way the business of farming, and thus, the programs that are available elsewhere in Canada...are not available in British Columbia. Year after year, BC is dead last in Canada in support for farming. We have abandoned the sector...which, by the way, spans both governments (political parties) in BC." --Corky Evans, MLA Nelson-Creston, from his 2008 BC Tour of Agriculture Final Report.

In the past decades, provincial programs supporting agriculture in BC have steadily declined under the watch of both of BC's major political parties. BC now sits dead last in provincial support as a percentage of Agriculture GDP. That's why we are demanding that at a minimum, BC's provincial support for agriculture as a percentage of agriculture GDP be raised from 4% to the national average of 14%.

What could be done with this increase in funding for the agriculture industry? Below are just a few suggestions:

• Reinstate local agriculture extension agents across BC. These people used to know the soils, people, and resources of each region better than anyone. They were familiar with every farm. Today, with so many people new to farming moving back to the land, extension agents would be an invaluable asset to the industry.
• Create more funding for farming and food security non-profit organizations in BC.
• Create programs that encourage young people to enter the industry, such as an accredited apprenticeship program, and a website to help young people find affordable farming opportunities
• Bring back the Buy-BC marketing program
• Support, through a combination of grants and legislation, viable, local processing facilities

None of these changes can happen before our political parties start recognizing the desire among British Columbians for agriculture policy reform. To date, neither the BC Liberals nor the NDP have articulated a vision for the future of BC agriculture in their policy documents or platforms.

In staging the 2009 Farms, Farmers and Food Security Rally at the BC Legislature, we hope to demonstrate to all of BC’s political parties that these issues matter to British Columbians, and that many people intend to vote for the party that best articulates a vision for a prosperous food system in British Columbia.