2003/04 – 2005/06 SERVICE PLAN Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries

Ministry Goals and Core Business Areas

Through its six core business areas, the ministry will contribute directly to the government’s goals of:

1. A strong and vibrant provincial economy.
2. A supportive social infrastructure.
3. Safe, healthy communities and a sustainable environment.

Within this planning context, the ministry has organized its services into six “core business areas”.

Core Business Areas

1. Industry competitiveness

Goal: An agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and food sector that is competitive in a global economy and provides economic benefit and stability to British Columbia’s rural and coastal communities.

Key strategies: Advocacy role to ensure that BC farm and fisheries interests are considered in government programs, services, regulations and international and interprovincial trade negotiations and disputes; receive a fair share of federal funding; facilitate industry-led research and market development.

2. Fisheries and aquaculture management

Goal: Optimum economic benefit to BC from fisheries and aquaculture while protecting the environment.

Key strategies: Sustainable production practices, more BC influence over federal fisheries policies, facilitate industry development and diversification.

3. Food safety and quality (including animal, fish and plant health)

Goal: A food system that provides consumers and customers with greater confidence in the safety and quality of BC food, agriculture and seafood products while protecting the provincial economy from risks.

Key strategies: Effective tracking systems to protect against major disease or pest outbreaks that compromise BC’s food systems, food safety programs, performance-based regulations (regulations that focus on what is required, not how to do it).

4. Environmental sustainability and resource development

Goal: Sustainable development of the agri-food and seafood sectors.

Key strategies: Farm environmental plans and facilitation of industry development of best management practices, facilitate implementation of supportive local government agriculture bylaws, access to land and water, and resource stewardship.

5. Risk management

Goal: Stable farm incomes for British Columbia farmers.

Key strategy: Basic protection to farmers from uncontrollable market and weather risks.

6. Executive and support services

Goal: Policy, administrative and financial systems in place, complemented by a human resource strategy that allows the ministry to operate efficiently and effectively.

Key strategies: Implement an effective policy framework, a human resource plan and cost-efficient financial management processes.