YOUR PERSPECTIVE: B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation is an important development for the Fraser Valley

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

Local food production is important for B.C and our economy – our agricultural sector, combined with the seafood and food and beverage processing industry employs over 68,000 British Columbians and contributes more than $16 billion annually to our economy. Advances in agricultural technology can help make sure these industries thrive, despite unpredictable challenges like the weather.

Backcountry patrols

B.C. conservation officers issue minimal tickets in Mission backcountry over Easter long weekend

5h ago

Driving bans

Public urination leads to two driving bans in Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs

6h ago

Attempted robbery

Masked males deploy pepper spray during attempted robbery at Maple Ridge mall: RCMP

10h ago

My friend, Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation says it best, “We have new home-grown Agritech companies helping to fundamentally change the way we grow food to meet the challenges of our time from climate change to food security. Through the fusion of innovation, technology, and food production they are enhancing productivity, increasing sustainability, and lowering emissions.”

The B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation will be a wonderful addition to the province, fulfilling a key action of the StrongerBC Economic Plan. The centre, located at SFU’s Surrey Campus, will bring together academia, government, industry, and First Nations to create more productive, diverse, local, and resilient food supply chains.

The aim of the centre is to drive growth and support new opportunities in Agritech, while giving our food producers the tools they need to succeed in our ever-changing word. Projections show that by as early as 2025 B.C. could have 30 new industry projects, creating high-paying jobs and developing newly trained and skilled workers – attracting a new generation of workers to our agriculture sector.

In addition to the opening of the Agritech Centre of Innovation, our historic agreement signed in May with the government of the Netherlands provides a partnership to further advance and share technology in Agritech and to secure our food supply.

Our commitment to advancing Agritech is not only a win for the Fraser Valley, but for our entire province, our economy, our climate, and our future. British Columbia is establishing itself as a global leader in Agritech and is positioned to sustainably produce the food we need to feed ourselves, and the world.

——

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.