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British Columbia has one of the most diverse climates and geography of Canadian provinces and thus is able to sustain a wide variety of field crop, livestock, horticulture and speciality farms across the province. Here’s a general overview of agricultural regions in British Columbia to help you discover where you may find the ideal farming job.
Where is there farming in British Columbia?
- Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley: This southwestern, coastal region benefits from mild temperatures, plenty of precipitation and fertile soil, making it suitable for a wide range of crops including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, and greenhouse crops including tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Okanagan: Known for its hot desert-like climate and fertile soil, the Okanagan Valley is a major fruit-growing region. It produces a variety of fruits such as apples, cherries, peaches, pears, and grapes for wine production. Additionally, some vegetables like tomatoes and peppers are grown here.
- Vancouver Island: With its mild coastal climate, Vancouver Island is ideal for crops like berries, especially strawberries, as well as vegetables and grains. The island also has a significant dairy industry.
- Northern British Columbia – The Peace District: The colder climate and shorter growing season limit agricultural activities in this region. However, some areas support crops like hay, grains, and limited vegetable production. Livestock farming, particularly cattle ranching, is more common in the northern parts of the province.
What Field Crops are grown in BC?
The Peace River region of British Columbia, also known as the Peace District, is located in the northeastern part of the province bordering Alberta. This is where most field crops are grown. Wheat, barley, and oats are staple crops in the region. These grains are often grown for both human consumption and livestock feed.
Canola cultivation is significant in the Peace District, with this region being one of the primary agricultural regions in British Columbia where canola in grown.
Hay and other forage crops are essential crops successfully grown here to support the region’s livestock industry. Farmers grow alfalfa, clover, and various grasses to feed cattle and other livestock during the winter months.
Pulses such as peas and lentils are also cultivated in the Peace District.
While not as prevalent as in some other agricultural regions in British Columbia, potato cultivation is still practiced in parts of the Peace District as well as some speciality crops such as hemp.
Horticulture Farming in BC
Horticulture crops grown in British Columbia encompass a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants. Here’s an overview of the types of horticulture crops grown in B.C. and their respective regions:
Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries and Blackberries: Predominantly grown in the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and parts of Vancouver Island.
Apples, Peaches, Pears, Cherries, Apricots and Plums: The Okanagan Valley is renowned for its apple orchards, producing a wide variety of apple cultivars for both domestic and international markets. Parts of the Fraser Valley also contribute to tree fruit production
Wine Grapes: The Okanagan Valley is the heart of British Columbia’s wine industry, with numerous vineyards producing a diverse range of wine grape varieties.
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers and Mushrooms: Greenhouse-grown vegetables are common in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, where the climate is suitable for year-round production.
Lettuce, Spinach, Carrots, Onions: Field-grown vegetables are cultivated across various regions of BC, including the Fraser Valley, Okanagan Valley, and Vancouver Island.
Herbs: Basil, cilantro, parsley, and other herbs are commonly grown in greenhouses throughout BC, providing fresh herbs to local markets.
Microgreens: Increasingly popular, microgreens are cultivated in controlled environments such as greenhouses and indoor farms, serving both culinary and health-conscious markets.
Flowers, Shrubs, Trees: BC has a thriving nursery industry, with nurseries located in different regions of the province. These nurseries produce a wide variety of ornamental plants for landscaping, gardening, and decorative purposes.
Cannabis: Legal in Canada, Cannabis is grown recreationally in some areas of BC including the Kootenays. BC is also home to over 100 commercial farms primarily in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Specialty Crops: Throughout the province, there is also a growing trend towards specialty crops such as hazelnuts, hops for brewing, and various herbs. These crops are often cultivated in smaller-scale operations and cater to niche markets.
What Types of Livestock Farming are there in BC?
Livestock farming in B.C. includes various types of animals raised for meat, dairy, and other products. Here’s an overview of the types of livestock farming and regions in the province:
Cattle Ranching: Cattle ranching is prevalent in many regions of BC, including the Interior Plateau, Cariboo, and Peace River regions. These areas offer vast expanses of rangeland suitable for grazing cattle.
Dairy Farming:The Fraser Valley, particularly around Abbotsford and Chilliwack, is a major hub for dairy farming in BC.
Sheep Farming: both for meat and wool production, occurs in various parts of BC, including the Interior Plateau and some areas of Vancouver Island.
Poultry Farming: chicken, turkey, and egg farming is widespread across BC, with commercial operations located in different regions of the province. The Fraser Valley, in particular, is known for its poultry industry, producing chicken, turkey, and eggs for both local and export markets.
Pig Farming: While not as prominent as poultry or cattle farming, pig farming is still an important component of BC’s livestock industry. Pig farms are distributed throughout the province, with some concentration in the Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland.
Goats, Bison, and Other Specialty Livestock: In addition to conventional livestock farming, there are also operations in BC that specialize in raising goats for meat and dairy products, bison for meat, and other non-traditional livestock species.
Aquaculture: fish and shellfish farming takes place in BC’s coastal waters, particularly in fjords and sheltered bays. Salmon farming is the most significant sector of BC’s aquaculture industry, with farms located primarily on the west coast of Vancouver Island and in the Discovery Islands.
Common Agriculture Jobs Available in B.C.
- Berry Farm Worker
- Fruit Picker
- Dairy Farm Supervisor
- Livestock Herdsman/Herder
- Greenhouse Worker
- Tractor/Farm Machinery Operator
- Irrigation Technician
- Poultry Farm Worker
- Viticulturist
- Tasting Room Staff
- Winemaker
- Vineyard Worker/Hand
- Cellar Hand