2002/03 Annual Service Plan Report Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries

Year-at-a-Glance Highlights

Introduction

B.C.'s agri-food and fisheries sectors make a significant contribution to the provincial economy. During the last decade, employment and production in the sectors has remained steady or continued to grow. B.C. producers are adapting to meet new market demand and the challenges of global trade by producing new farm products, new technology and exploring new ways of doing business to sustain growth in this industry.

British Columbia has more than 20,000 farms, 1,100 food processors, 9,400 food service establishments and 2,800 retail stores. B.C.'s agriculture and food industry generated about $20.7 billion in total consumer sales in 2001. The industry collectively employed more than 270,000 people — about one in seven British Columbians — in producing, processing, packaging, transporting, distributing, selling, preparing and serving food and beverages.

The ministry focuses on five core business areas to achieve its vision for a competitive and profitable industry providing safe, high-quality food for consumers and export markets.

Ministry key achievements 2002/03

Agriculture at a glance