BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) welcomes the release of the Legislative Assembly's Report on the Budget 2027 Consultation, which reflects many of the priorities advanced by B.C.'s agriculture sector through coordinated advocacy. 

 

Among the issues highlighted by the Committee were the need to modernize outdated farm classification thresholds that no longer reflect today's farming realities, increase provincial investment in agriculture to better align with other Canadian jurisdictions, strengthen business risk management and disaster resilience, invest in agricultural water infrastructure, provide stable operating funding for the Agriculture Wildlife Program, and improve regulatory and permitting processes that support economic growth.

 

The report also underscores the importance of long-term investment in agriculture to strengthen food security, increase agricultural production, enhance economic competitiveness, and build resilience in the face of growing challenges.

 

"This report demonstrates the value of coordinated, sector-wide advocacy," said Danielle Synotte, executive director of BC Agriculture Council. 

 

Among the report's 81 recommendations are calls to:

•  Significantly increase funding for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to better align with other Canadian jurisdictions and ensure sufficient capacity to respond to the sector's needs;

•  Invest annually in agricultural water storage infrastructure, including engineering inspections, maintenance and upgrades;

•  Expedite regulatory and permitting processes across B.C.'s natural resource sectors to support economic growth;

•  Provide stable operating funding for the Agriculture Wildlife Program; and

•  Reinstate fuel tax exemptions for seafood harvesters and commercial fishers.

BCAC was joined in presenting to the Committee by several member associations, including the BC Cattlemen's Association, BC Dairy Association, BC Fruit Growers' Association, BC Grain Producers Association, BC Poultry Association, and BC Salmon Farmers Association. Together, these presentations brought forward both commodity-specific perspectives and shared priorities affecting agriculture across British Columbia. The resulting report demonstrates the value of a coordinated approach to advocacy - one that elevates both individual commodity issues and broader sector priorities.

 

While the Committee's report does not constitute government policy, it provides important advice to the BC government as it develops Budget 2027. 

Source:  BC Agriculture Council August 13, 2026 news release