Ministry Overview

The primary focus of the ministry is to help the agriculture, food and fisheries sectors prosper and contribute to the B.C. economy while delivering high-quality and safe products to consumers within a context of environmental sustainability.

The ministry administers programs related to the production, marketing, processing and merchandising of agricultural and seafood products. Its stakeholders include B.C. producers (agriculture, aquaculture and fish) and the entire food system from farm to retail, consumers and citizens.

The ministry administers 37 statutes that deal with a wide range of topics including food safety/quality, the environment, pest and disease management, use of normal farm practices, licensing, risk management and marketing. Many of these statutes are administered in partnership with other agencies, including municipal, provincial and federal governments.

The ministry has 318 staff positions located in communities across the province. It is organized into 15 branches within three divisions:

1) Resource Development and Sustainability,

2) Risk Management and Competitiveness, and

3) Executive and Support Services (including policy and legislation).

All branches deliver programs within one or more of the core business areas described earlier in this service plan.