The provincial government has announced the formation of a new task force to address food security concerns in the wake of recent U.S. tariffs.
The task force will be co-chaired by the Executive Director of the BC Agriculture Council and will consist of 15 industry leaders from various sectors of the food industry, including farmers, processors, retailers, and distributors.
It allows the government to collaborate closely with B.C.‘s agriculture and food sector to boost the growth and competitiveness of B.C. products.
“We must protect our food sources and our agricultural sector in the face of the threat of unfair and damaging tariffs,” said Premier David Eby.
The task force’s goal will be to ensure continued access to healthy and affordable food for the province, regardless of any challenges posed by U.S. policies. The group will also provide targeted recommendations to the government on matters related to the food economy.
“By including the voices of farmers, processors, retailers and distributors in this task force, we are including expertise from farm to table in building a resilient and sustainable food system that is competitive and strengthens B.C.’s economy and food supply,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food.
However, the initiative is facing opposition from Conservative agriculture critic and Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy.
In an interview with CJDC-TV, Kealy acknowledged that while the formation of a task force is a positive step, previous efforts have failed to meet the immediate needs of farmers.
“We need to embrace our farmers and our local infrastructure to help the farmers survive if the tariffs materialize,” said Kealy. Who argues that layers of bureaucracy and red-tape will not address pressing issues.
In an release, the ministry says that the committee will meet quarterly over the next 12 to 18 months.
“The biggest benefit out of everything we’re in now to help farmers would be to get rid of the carbon tax and to not give the increase in April,” said Kealy.
He also noted that it took threats from U.S. President Donald Trump for the government to finally follow through support measures for farmers.