Food - Can we grow enough and keep it affordable?

On November 15 we are bringing together a diverse group of people in the know to peel back the layers on food in BC. 

Heat domes, floods, fires, and rising costs of inputs such as fuel and fertilizer are putting unprecedented pressure on BC’s farmers and disrupting local food production. Factors as diverse as weather crisis, the war in Ukraine, and supply chain challenges are driving food prices up, making a trip to the grocery store more expensive than it has ever been. 

 

Jurisdictions from which we import food are facing even more significant challenges – California and Arizona are facing severe water shortages, but currently produce much of the lettuce, tomatoes, and nuts we eat. California alone produces $5 billion worth of almonds annually, another $2 billion of lettuce. According to a recent Metro Vancouver report only 34% of the food British Columbians consume is grown in the province. We are self-sufficient in dairy, poultry, and eggs and supply about half of our own seafood, but rely on the US and other countries for much of our fruit and vegetables, other provinces for meat and grain. We are net exporters of blueberries, cranberries, and cherries. 

 

Are supply chain challenges revealed by the pandemic and recent weather crisis putting our ability to import the food we need at risk? What about vulnerable British Columbians, who are increasingly relying on food banks as prices rise? 

And yet, there are signs of great hope as farmers, chefs, and food processors continue to get creative and do interesting things with local & craft products across a gamut of culinary sectors. Often, with government support. 

 

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