Part B: Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

Strategic Context

Over the past several years, B.C.'s agricultural industry has faced significant challenges affecting overall competitiveness and profitability. Events such as avian influenza outbreaks, BSE, drought, hail, a stronger Canadian dollar and the rising costs of energy and other inputs have all placed downward pressure on farm income. During this time, the focus of the Ministry has been to respond to these issues and help the sector maintain stability.

To help position the industry for success in the future, government is leading the development of a long-term Agriculture Plan for B.C. and a study of sustainable options for aquaculture. Industry specific strategic plans for the tree fruit, cattle and grain sectors as well as a science and innovation strategy are also underway to support these planning initiatives. Increasingly, it is expected that Ministry programs and services will reflect a greater emphasis on:

• industry self reliance and profitability from the marketplace;
• societal and environmental values;
• promoting innovation throughout the full value chain; and
• collaboration across government.

The focus for Crown land administration is also on developing longer-term solutions to how British Columbia's Crown lands can be used to sustain a flow of economic, environmental and social benefits. The Ministry is adopting a client-focused approach to the administration of Crown land to ensure that communities, First Nations, other government agencies and businesses can more easily and quickly navigate their way through government. This client focus is accompanied by a broader review of policy and our approach to the administration of Crown land that is expected to more clearly define the government objectives and the public interest and provide communities, First Nations and others secure access to Crown land under fair terms.

Key opportunities and challenges related to the strategic shifts are identified below.

Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Sectors

Opportunities

Strategic Growth: More than 200 commodities are produced on the land and some 30 species of fish, shellfish and marine plants from B.C. waters. There are strong opportunities for growth and there is industry-government commitment to diversify into higher-value products and new niche markets, improve market access and strengthen the agri-food value chain.

A Focus on Health: Awareness regarding the benefits of healthier lifestyles is growing and this is leading to changes in eating habits and consumer demands. B.C. can respond to these opportunities by producing specialty, higher valued products to meet consumer interest in making healthy food choices.

Development and Adoption of Technologies: Advancements in science and technologies provide opportunities to expand into new markets, improve productivity and reduce costs. Given the competitive nature of the industry, the extent to which businesses can develop or adopt new products and technologies will affect overall industry profitability and long-term sustainability.

A Sustainable Environment: In general, farms contribute to environmental values. The use of buffers and protection of stream sides and other practices can preserve and create habitat for the plants and animals that we value on our natural landscape. New growth opportunities into products such as bio-fuels can also support environmental objectives.

A Good Neighbour and Net Contributor: The implementation of farm practices that minimize conflicts with other interests and the use of proactive Agricultural Advisory Committees helps to maintain a strong positive relationship with communities.

Quality and Safety Control Systems: The implementation of quality and safety food systems is well underway in B.C. This contributes to environmental and human health and provides new marketing opportunities. Identifying the country of origin, labeling and providing assurance that products are created through sustainable and safe practices are in the public interest and they contribute to market promotion of farm products.

Challenges

Strong Global Competition: B.C.'s agriculture and seafood industries compete in international markets where competitors with similar or lower cost structure enjoy greater economies of scale and create downward pressures on food commodity prices.

Competition for Inputs: Intense competition for key inputs, that is, labour, land and energy is driving up costs affecting producers' ability to remain profitable and compete globally. This is compounded by the growing economy and changing demographics which have created farm worker shortages at critical harvest times.

Regulatory Requirements: In areas where government regulations are necessary, that is, public health and safety, the Ministry continues to work on streamlining these processes and assist industry in adapting to new outcome-based frameworks.

Urbanization and Growing Development Pressures: As populations grow, urbanization in many B.C. cities and towns is encroaching upon areas that were once predominantly rural and agricultural in nature. This places greater pressure on the agricultural land base.

Disease Outbreaks and Extreme Weather: The agriculture and food industries are challenged by significant and unpredictable weather conditions and disease crises. These conditions can lead to instability for farmers and overall industry performance in the long run.

Crown Land Sector

Opportunities

Strategic Investment and Contributor to Societal Values: Informed citizens, diverse landscapes and ecosystems and resource wealth provide the province with an opportunity to approach the administration and allocation of Crown land in a manner that ensures strategic investment and sustainable use for the greatest benefit of all citizens. These benefits encompass a whole range of economic, environmental and societal values that contribute to health and prosperity for communities, First Nations and the province.

Growing Interest and Demand for Crown Land: Demand for access to Crown land continues to be high. With strong demand, the Province has an opportunity to maximize the value it receives from the Crown land base, resulting in higher revenues and greater flexibility in meeting environmental and societal objectives.

Challenges

Complexity of Crown Land Issues: Advancing the public interest in Crown land management and allocation necessitates a balance of environmental, societal and economic values. This balancing act is always challenging and made more complex as new technologies, market demands, and societal interests create changing economic opportunities and demands.

Maintaining a Client-focus and Timely Access: While there are opportunities to streamline and improve our client focus, the diversity of clients groups (over 20 different sectors currently have an interest in Crown land access) and the complexity of Crown land issues affects the speed at which improvements can be made.

The Ministry relies on partnerships with the federal government, First Nations, industry and other government agencies, in terms of funding, collaboration and service delivery to implement the Ministry's strategies. One of the most significant partnerships is represented by the federal/provincial/territorial Agricultural Policy Framework and accompanying implementation agreement. The agreement, which expires in March 2008, contributes about $60 million annually to Ministry programming. At present, most of B.C.'s agricultural programs and services are delivered with some federal funding provided through the agreement. The Ministry is currently working with federal-provincial-territorial partners to identify opportunities to improve future arrangements with the federal government.

In addition, the Ministry relies on maintaining effective relationships with First Nations to achieve the goals of government. The Province has made a commitment to strengthen its relationship with First Nations based on respect, recognition and accommodation of Aboriginal title and rights. The Ministry is committed to supporting the government in fulfilling its goals.

Other Ministry partners include the British Columbia Investment Agriculture Foundation and the BC Agriculture Council, which deliver a broad range of industry development and environmental programs.