British Columbia’s varied geography and climatic conditions allow for a broad range of agricultural activities. Grain crops are mainly grown in the prairie landscape of the Peace River region. Cow/calf operations are also found in the Peace River region and down through the foot hills of the southern interior. The Okanagan Valley’s hot dry climate is particularly well suited for the production of tree fruits and grapes, which form an important part of B.C.’s expanding wine industry. The fertile Fraser Valley is a major production area for vegetables, fresh milk, eggs, chicken, turkeys, pork and berries. On the coast, innovation and entrepreneurship have provided a steady supply of B.C. farmed salmon for domestic consumption and for international export. Other ocean products such as clams, oysters, and kelp are also farmed in B.C. coastal waters. The province is also known for its many small agricultural enterprises producing a multitude of specialty foods and non-food products, many of which can be seen at weekly outdoor markets and the many agricultural fairs.

Over a quarter million people work in the agri-food industry. There are at least 36,600 people engaged in primary agriculture and aquaculture activities. About 31,500 people work in the food processing industry and another 13,500 in wholesaling. Food retail and food service businesses are significant employers in the province, employing over 196,000 people annually.

In 2005, British Columbia led the nation in the production of finfish (aquaculture), blueberries, cranberries, grapes, sweet cherries, and raspberries, and ranked second to Ontario in the production of floriculture, nursery products, green house tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms, and apples. B.C. also ranked second to Nova Scotia in the production of aquaculture shellfish products. Among the provinces, 19 of British Columbia’s top commodities ranked in the top three in their contribution to national agriculture receipts.