British Columbia launches task force to strengthen food sector amid tariff threats

To ensure B.C.’s food supply and food economy continues to grow in the face of U.S. tariff uncertainty, and to help companies find new markets, the government forms a new Premier’s task force on agriculture and food economy.

“All British Columbians want reliable access to healthy and affordable food,” said Premier David Eby. “We must protect our food sources and our agricultural sector in the face of the threat of unfair and damaging tariffs. The respected industry leaders in our task force will provide the government with first-hand knowledge of how to prepare and respond to these threats, as we continue to grow our agricultural sector.”

The task force will have 15 representatives from across the agriculture and food sector. It will be co-chaired by leadership from the BC Agriculture Council, which advocates on behalf of 29 member associations, and BC Food and Beverage (BCFB), which represents a diverse range of processors throughout the province, along with the deputy minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

The group will hold its first meeting next week, virtually, and is expected to meet in person on a quarterly basis over the next 12 to 18 months.

“There has never been a more important time for our industry to work collaboratively with key stakeholders and government to ensure the continued growth and competitiveness of the agriculture, processing and seafood sectors in this province,” said James Donaldson, CEO, BCFB, and co-chair of the task force. “I look forward to working with the members of this task force who represent a great cross-section of leaders representing the food system in B.C.”

The task force will also provide targeted recommendations to government about key topics such as water, land, labour, competitiveness and investment.

The Premier’s task force on agriculture and food economy is made up of three co-chairs and 12 members representing a broad range of regional, commodity and market perspectives. Angela Doro, president, Freybe Gourmet Foods; Jasmine Byrne, COO, Big Mountain Foods; and James Pratt, CEO, Rhema Health Products will represent the food processing sector.

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