Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Results

Overview

The ministry’s plan is organized around four goals:

1. Competitive, world class agriculture and food sectors;
2. Agriculture and food systems that are environmentally sustainable and promote human, plant and animal health;
3. Coordinated Crown land administration and allocation that optimizes the flow of sustainable benefits for British Columbia; and
4. A centre of excellence promoting sustainability through the management and remediation of contaminated sites that are the responsibility of the Province.

Each goal, supporting objectives, strategies, performance measures and targets further describe the commitments and priorities of the ministry over the next three years.

Linkage to the Five Great Goals

The following section sets out ministry activities that contribute to Government’s Five Great Goals for a Golden Decade. The work of the ministry significantly contributes to Goals 4 and 5, focusing on sustainable environmental management and job creation, and also contributes to the achievement of Goals 1 and 2, committed to improving literacy and public health.

Maintaining a vibrant and prosperous agricultural sector depends on its ability to respond, adapt and innovate. Knowledge and information is increasingly viewed as a driver of productivity and economic growth.

Key Activities:

• lead all resource ministries in the development of the Grade 11 agriculture curriculum and course materials for all schools in British Columbia, including providing in-school nutritional information through the B.C. School Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program;
• work with industry to establish a “Provincial Agricultural Fair” in British Columbia; and
• encourage research and development and partnerships between industry, research facilities and universities.

The ministry supports healthy living and is keenly focused on ensuring food production systems deliver safe and healthy food.

Key Activities:

• support the B.C. School Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program targeting elementary school students;
• improve biosecurity measures on poultry farms to prevent the introduction or spread of the Avian Influenza virus;
• support Avian Influenza and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) strategic recovery initiatives; and
• in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and industry, implement a comprehensive food strategy for the farm and processing sectors for managing and responding to infectious and disease agents.

A clean, sustainable environment is the foundation for long-term prosperity. The ministry is committed to leading-edge, sustainable environmental practices in the agriculture and food sectors, and a balanced approach to Crown land use.

Key Activities:

• develop a Crown Land Allocation Framework for pricing and allocating Crown land that supports environmental stewardship;
• lead the inter-ministry strategy, through an inter-ministerial committee for mitigating the negative impacts associated with spread of invasive plants;
• inventory and remediate contaminated sites using a risk-based approach;
• provide leadership in coordinating government’s response for managing the West Nile virus on Crown land;
• facilitate transition to new provincial and federal regulations related to waste disposal in the meat industry;
• ensure the use of best practices in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors through research extension and industry communications;
• support development of a Provincial Water Strategy and lead the Okanagan Basin Agriculture Water Use Project;
• collaborate with Ministry of Health on the Meat Industry Enhancement Strategy which enhances B.C.’s meat processing capacity and supports development of new markets; and
• strengthen links between the farm community, municipal governments and the Province through the Strengthening Farming Program, and by providing planning and bylaw development support to local governments.

The ministry balances environmental objectives with job creation by strengthening the competitiveness and profitability of the agriculture and food sectors locally and globally, and by implementing a Crown land use system that promotes a balanced approach to achieving economic objectives.

Key Activities:

• develop and implement an agriculture plan to increase profitability, investment, research and development and access to Crown land for expansion of the agriculture sector;
• build on existing and new economic diversification through the First Nations Agriculture Development program which promotes crop and livestock enterprise development;
• reduce regulatory and trade barriers and those barriers associated with the urban/agricultural divide;
• implement the Wines of Marked Quality Regulation, provincial quality standard for 100 per cent B.C. grape wine production, to support the continued growth of the wine industry;
• strengthen the competitive position of the greenhouse sector through research and extension to increase access to alternative fuel sources such as co-generation, bio-mass and bio-fuels, in an economical and environmentally sustainable manner;
• identify opportunities to increase private-sector participation in the remediation of contaminated sites and subsequent development; and
• develop a Crown Land Allocation Framework that will improve decision-making for pricing and allocating Crown land supporting economic growth.

Cross Ministry Initiatives

The Province has identified priorities that will require collaborative efforts across all of government. The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is involved in several of these initiatives. The government-wide initiatives and the ministry’s contribution are listed below.

Mountain Pine Beetle: Combat the Mountain Pine Beetle and its destructive effects on communities, and resource and environmental values.

Key Ministry Activities:

• identify and promote agriculture development opportunities in the Province’s management of the Mountain Pine Beetle.

2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games: Showcase the province on a global basis, celebrate provincial accomplishments and create lasting economic opportunities for B.C.

Key Ministry Activities:

• ensure the agriculture and food industries can take advantage of 2010 opportunities through the Industry Opportunities Fund at B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation;
• begin operation of the Britannia Mine Water Treatment Plant P3 project; and
• complete remediation of the Britannia Mine and continue environmental monitoring.

Asia-Pacific Strategy: A strengthened Asia-Pacific gateway that creates economic opportunities and improves economic performance.

Key Ministry Activities:

• as the designated lead ministry for international trade and investment for the agriculture, food and aquaculture sectors, ensure and support coordination of industry’s access to information across these sectors.

First Nations: A more inclusive and prosperous future for all British Columbians and a new relationship to deal with Aboriginal concerns based on openness, transparency and collaboration.

Key Ministry Activities:

• develop new approaches to First Nations consultation and accommodation activities on Crown land to enhance relationship building and increase economic development opportunities; and
• administer Crown land and aquaculture tenures in ways that more effectively address the interests of First Nations.

ActNow BC: Support British Columbians in making healthy food choices.

Key Ministry Activities:

• champion the School Fruit and Vegetable Snack Pilot Program which promotes healthy food choices at the elementary school level;
• support the Healthy Dining Program based on the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s “Health Check” program, designating healthy meals on restaurant menus;
• support the Agri-food Partners in Healthy Eating Alliance, which encourages the agri-food industry to promote healthy eating by increasing the quantity and availability of healthy foods throughout the Province, thereby making “the healthy choice the easy choice” for British Columbians;
• support the First Nations Community Food Systems for Healthy Living project which will introduce community gardens/kitchens in twelve First Nation communities;
• reinforce healthy eating in Aboriginal children and youth through the Healthy Aboriginal Food Literacy project; and
• support local branding.

Invasive Plant Management: Combat the increase in the invasive plant population on Crown land.

Key Ministry Activities:

• lead coordination of provincial priorities, initiatives and action plans to eradicate and contain invasive plants on Crown lands.

Performance Plan

Long-term competitiveness on the world stage is critical to prosperity in British Columbia’s agriculture and food sectors. Competitiveness and profitability are affected by many factors, including technology that can reduce costs or enhance quality, a complex regulatory environment, trade-related barriers and market preferences. In addition, economic policy, industry/company infrastructure and associated growth strategies can also influence competitiveness. The ministry acts strategically to positively influence these factors and create the conditions for prosperity in the agriculture and food sectors.

Performance Measure:

Dollar value of industry investment: This measure is an economic indicator of the previous year’s business climate and is used to track the value of new investment in labour and capital. It is used as a measure of competitiveness because it provides an overall measure of investor confidence in the sector and therefore incorporates other economic indicators and factors that influence competitiveness, such as growth in Gross Domestic Product, interest rates, inflation and consumer spending and confidence.

1	Does not include aquaculture (statistics not collected currently).
2	Source: BC Stats. Base value as at March 2005, 2005/06 base value available March 2006.

Long-term competitiveness in the agriculture and food sectors requires continued innovation across agriculture and food sector value chains. The ministry is committed to investing in activities that will enhance economic development and environmental sustainability in the agriculture and food industries.

Key Strategies:

• identify and promote agriculture development opportunities in the Province’s management of the Mountain Pine Beetle;
• develop new technology and facilitate research to support a sustainable finfish and shellfish aquaculture strategy;
• develop an Agriculture Plan by 2007 building on opportunities for innovation and investment vehicles, niche markets and value chains; and
• partner with industry, research institutions and other government agencies to develop a research innovation and extension system that addresses gaps across the agriculture and food supply chains.

Performance Measure:

Dollar value of ministry investment in R&D and in related scientific activities (RSA): This measure assesses direct and indirect (FTE time) investment in the development and transfer of new knowledge — as well as innovations in products and processes in the agriculture and food sector in B.C. — which act as stimulants to industry growth, competitiveness and profitability.

1	Source: Annual Report on Scientific Activities of the Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise, Sept. 2004.
2	2003/04 estimate.

Weather hazards, natural disasters, diseases, pests and market declines pose significant risks to producers of agricultural products. These risks can cause losses and may lead to income instability in specific commodities. The ministry aims to create a stable platform for sector development providing a comprehensive approach to managing risk for farmers. Farmers who are unable to achieve positive net farm income have access through the ministry to renewal programs, which focus on shifting existing farm production to other sectors.

Key Strategies:

• promote effective management of income risks through the utilization of national programs — Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program and Production Insurance — and other appropriate private-sector tools to manage income risks and facilitate industry planning and sustainability;
• continue wildlife damage compensation initiative to compensate land owners for impacts of wildlife;
• create partnerships with the private sector in the development and delivery of risk management programs; and
• continue to ensure program changes remain within fiscal capacity of Province.

Performance Measures:

Per cent of eligible crops insured under Production Insurance: The 70 per cent target represents the national standard for participation. This standard has been met and even exceeded in recent years. Participation is optional and each year farmers choose to participate or not. Production Insurance program structure has changed dramatically for 2006, grower costs for minimum coverage have increased by 80 per cent and the amount of coverage they receive in the minimum package has been reduced. This presents a significant challenge to maintain participation at the 70 per cent target. The performance measure tracks the percentage value of crops that are insured under Production Insurance. Production Insurance helps producers manage production-related risks by protecting them from losses related to the production of specific commodities or crops.

Per cent of B.C. farm cash receipts covered by CAIS Program (excluding supply-managed commodities): The performance measure tracks the percentage of farm cash receipts of B.C. participants in the CAIS Program. The CAIS Program provides protection for overall income losses not covered by Production Insurance, for example income losses related to factors such as increases in input costs or sudden price declines. The 85 per cent target represents the national standard for the minimum level of coverage to minimize risks of ad hoc demands.

1	Excludes forage.

The majority of B.C.’s agriculture and food sector products are destined for international markets that are highly competitive and where there are continued threats to market access, e.g., non-trade barriers. Access to markets and increased consumer demand for B.C. grown products are essential for growth. The ministry is working with the federal government to address trade-related issues and is working with industry to establish standards of quality that are internationally recognized.

Key Strategies:

• support the agriculture, food, seafood and aquaculture component of the Province’s Asia Pacific and International Trade and Investment to 2010 strategies;
• work with the federal government through collective national discussions to obtain real improvements in market access for all commodities in the World Trade Organization agriculture negotiations;
• develop systems for livestock traceability to include a mandatory age verification component by 2007; and
• facilitate industry development and adoption of food and agriculture quality programs, such as the Wines of Marked Quality Regulation, that enable B.C. to access domestic and global markets that recognize quality standards.

Performance Measure:

Dollar value of international exports in agriculture and food sectors: Performance is measured by monitoring the annual growth in the value of B.C.’s agriculture and food international exports.

1	Source: B.C. Stats, Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services.
2	Base value is 2004/05 out-of-country export ($), which is the most recent fiscal or calendar year data available (2005/06 available Feb. 2006).

Agricultural activity occurs within communities and depends on good relations with local government and community members. As populations grow, many B.C. cities and towns are encroaching upon areas that were once predominantly rural and agricultural in nature, placing greater pressure on agricultural operations and negatively impacting agricultural growth. These pressures can be reflected in local and provincial policies and regulations. The ministry aims to create a positive environment by working with local communities and governments, and other provincial agencies to address key issues of concern and build a greater awareness of the value and contributions that agriculture makes to the local economy.

Key Strategies:

• identify and act on opportunities to increase community awareness and acceptance of agriculture to bridge the urban/agriculture divide (e.g., Provincial Agricultural Fairs and 4-H);
• work with local government to enhance the contribution that agriculture makes to the community and the Province; and
• support the formation and operation of local agricultural advisory committees, and develop a working relationship with the Union of B.C. Municipalities to improve awareness of agriculture sector needs.

Performance Measure:

Number of agricultural advisory committees: With only 1.6 per cent of British Columbians living on farms, it has become increasingly important for local governments to find ways to keep in touch with their farm and ranch communities, and facilitate support for the agriculture sector. There are 49 regional districts and municipalities in British Columbia with significant agricultural lands. The measure provides an overall indicator of capacity of the farm community’s ability to address and influence issues that affect agriculture. Agricultural advisory committees (AAC) build agricultural awareness and contribute to a supportive environment for both industry and local communities. AAC’s lead development of the local Agricultural Area Plan, which includes the planning for farm and residential borders, environmental and other farm practices, and waste management. In addition, AAC’s support the development of agricultural economic strategies and agri-tourism policies.

1	Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.

British Columbians continue to demand that government ensure food production systems support public health and environmental goals. The Province also has a global responsibility in this regard. Increasingly market access, profitability and growth within the agriculture and food sectors depend on continued consumer confidence and environmental sustainability. British Columbia is committed to growing its reputation as a world leader and community partner by maintaining world class practices.

Responsible production and environmental protection are key to the Province’s food and agriculture sectors. They assist to maintain long-term sustainability as well as community and consumer confidence in food safety and quality.

Key Strategies:

• promote the development and use of environmental farm plans and best management practices;
• contribute to provincial environmental strategies such as clean air, water and invasive plants; and
• continue to update B.C.’s standards, policies and regulations to improve environmental performance of the agriculture and food industries through analysis of environmental quality, and evaluation of current practices as required.

Performance Measures:

Per cent compliance with best management practice plans on finfish farms: 100 per cent of finfish operators have completed and implemented the plan as regulated by the Fisheries Act for each of their marine finfish aquaculture facilities. The intent of the plan is to prevent finfish escapes and to provide better assurance that operators will meet environmental sustainability objectives. The measure provides an indication of the level of compliance between finfish operations and their plan.

Number of farms with Environmental Farm Plans: Farms and ranches are exempt from licencing under the Environmental Management Act, provided that they adopt and utilize best management practices. Environmental Farm Plans (EFP’s) are an indicator of the sector’s desire to employ best management practices. The plans are optional, but are a requirement for farmers to receive financial assistance to implement practices in support of best management practices. The targets have been adjusted to reflect the delay in program launch, and the impact of other events such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and Avian Influenza (AI). BSE and AI have had a major economic impact on the sectors, impairing their ability to finance the EFP’s and farming practice improvements in support of their plans. Progress towards this objective is measured by the rate of adoption of EFP’s by farm businesses.

1	Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Lands database.
2	There are approximately 9,000 farms in B.C. with sales greater than $10,000.
3	EFPs build on a farmer’s understanding of agriculturally related environmental regulations and farm management practices that enhance environmental values. It is a form of risk assessment and liability management that also enables farmers to access incentive-based program funding.
4	Adoption of EFPs can include both completion and implementation of a plan. An EFP is considered implemented when the farm has addressed all regulatory non-compliance issues identified in the plan. The plan is considered completed when both the risk assessment and the action plan have been completed, and it has been signed-off by a recognized planning advisor.
5	Source: BC Agriculture Council.
6	The current agreement with the federal government ends March 2008. Targets for 2008/09 assume that a subsequent agreement to continue with the EFP program will be signed.

The ministry is committed to minimizing the risks associated with B.C.’s food production systems, particularly as it relates to the early identification and response to diseases, pests and other environmental contaminants. Achieving this objective contributes to the broader public health and safety goal of government.

Key Strategies:

• improve the ministry’s capacity to respond to disease-causing agents and invasive weeds and pests affecting agriculture and food industries;
• enhance federal, provincial, First Nations and local cross-government integration to manage plant, fish, animal and human health risks;
• work with all levels of government and industry to apply lessons learned from response to foreign animal disease outbreaks (e.g., Avian influenza and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) to improve bio-security measures that will reduce future potential outbreaks and improve response in future;
• develop a strategy for partners in the eating healthy component of ActNow BC and provide direction for food policy; and
• facilitate the development of national tracking and traceability systems for food and agriculture.

Performance Measure:

Number of commodity groups implementing a national on-farm food safety and quality program: Performance in relation to this objective is measured by examining progress in the implementation of national on-farm food safety and quality programs. The Canada-British Columbia Agricultural Policy Framework provides funding to support on farm food and safety and continued improvement by risk analysis and mitigation in food production system practices through implementation of national food safety and quality programs. These programs will provide additional assurance that B.C.’s food production systems remain safe, and higher quality standards will increase access to markets.

1	Currently there are 19 national programs in various stages. Six programs have passed technical review and are ready for implementation, and 13 are under development. Of the six that have passed technical review, three are now in the implementation stages in B.C.
2	Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, and Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
3	Targets are cumulative.

Crown land, and the associated resources and values it holds, has played a key role in the development of British Columbia and remains vital to the economic and social fabric of this Province. The overarching aim of the ministry is to ensure a balanced approach to Crown land use so that British Columbians, now and in the future, can enjoy a sustainable flow of economic, environmental and social benefits.

Performance Measure:

An effective Crown Land Allocation Framework: The ministry has responsibility to review, develop and coordinate Crown land policy. The performance measure reflects the level of effort that will be required over the next three years to develop the framework, supporting operational policies and tools. Ultimately, the framework is intended to improve the quality of land allocation decisions in B.C. As it is implemented, the ministry will begin to monitor the effectiveness of this framework.

The ministry has lead responsibility for developing a Crown Land Allocation Framework to enhance coordination of Crown land allocation across the Province. Strategic policy and tools to support decision-making provide the overarching framework for Crown land allocation. Operational policy and support for Crown land adjudication and tenure administration is needed to ensure effective implementation of strategic policy within the framework. Partnerships with other agencies will help ensure the policy framework works well and improves the ability of the Province to balance interests in a way that leads to optimal use of Crown land and resources in support of the Government’s Five Great Goals.

Key Strategies:

• develop strategic policy, including a review of the current range of tenures and operational and pricing policies, and analysis tools that enable optimal use and allocation of Crown land;
• develop and implement a collaborative and effective partnership with ILMB and other ministries for coordinated administration of Crown land in British Columbia;
• lead coordination of natural resource agencies’ response on Crown lands in managing and controlling West Nile virus;
• revise consultation and accommodation guidelines to reflect the Province’s emerging new relationship with First Nations, and encourage greater economic opportunities for the Province from the use of Crown land; and
• integrate compliance and enforcement policy and operational audit procedures into the Crown land allocation framework.

Crown land disposition can be a catalyst for community and economic development for First Nations, communities across B.C. and the private sector. It is critical that decisions are balanced and consistent with the strategic Crown Land Allocation Framework, and within provincial interest.

Key Strategies:

• disposition of Crown land that is consistent with the Crown Land Allocation Framework; and
• identify opportunities to work effectively with other provincial ministries, communities, First Nations and the private sector to accommodate their interests through the disposition of Crown lands.

The ministry has lead responsibility for fostering a cross-government approach that coordinates the identification of contaminated sites and a priority-based approach to remediation of these sites. This approach is the first step in achieving a centre of excellence within the ministry, and enables agencies to collaborate on long-term initiatives relating to contaminated sites.

Remediation of contaminated sites ensures that environmental and public health goals are met, and also promotes continued economic development. The determination of priority sites is evidence-based and considers the level of risk to human health, the environment and potential benefits associated with the future use of a remediated site.

Key Strategies:

• inventory, prioritize, fund and manage known contaminated sites using a risk-based approach;
• coordinate funding requests and site remediation to address the Province’s highest priority sites;
• direct remediation of significant priority contaminated sites such as Britannia Mine and Pacific Place;
• identify opportunities to increase private-sector participation in the remediation and development of contaminated sites; and
• develop a strategy to address sites that represent broad liabilities (e.g., legal, financial, public safety) for the Province but are not necessarily contaminated.

Performance Measure:

Number of priority sites for which remediation is underway/completed: The Provincial Contaminated Sites Committee assesses contaminated sites and determines priorities based on anticipated risks to human health and the environment. The indicator provides a measure of progress in remediating these priority sites. Remediation includes both clean up of a contaminated site and the preceding investigative work. Site remediation can be a multi-year exercise, depending on the site size, complexity and regulatory requirements for clean-up.

1	Source: Ministry database.
2	Numbers are cumulative.

Ministry Performance Plan Summary