For Immediate Release
May 7, 2009
Abbotsford, BC – British Columbia’s dairy, egg and poultry industries account for over $5 billion of annual economic activity, while generating over 28,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to a new independent socio-economic report prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).
The report, prepared for British Columbia’s Dairy, Egg and Poultry Industries (BCDEPI), shows that supply-managed agriculture – dairy, table egg, hatching egg, chicken, and turkey – is a vital component of the province’s economy.
“Our industry is at the core of the economic and social fabric of communities throughout British Columbia,” said Rick Thiessen, spokesperson for BCDEPI. “We are in almost every region of the province, and the men and women who are part of the industry make a valuable contribution to the communities in which they live and work.”
“Given the current economic challenges facing our province, it is essential that all British Columbians, especially our elected decision makers, understand the significant contribution that BC’s supply-managed agriculture industries make to our province’s economy and quality of life,” said Wally Smith, speaking on behalf of BCDEPI.
The PWC report examined the social and economic impacts of British Columbia’s supply-managed agricultural industry and its associated value chain. The supply-managed chain includes the flow of production for milk, poultry and egg products from the farm gate to processors that result in food products ready for consumption at the wholesale or retail level.
“Not only are we a stable, successful part of the economy providing high-quality food products; we do so in the safest manner possible. Together our industries have among the highest food safety standards in the world, incorporating the latest in both bio-security and agricultural practices, ensuring BC consumers are provided with a safe, locally-produced and reasonably priced supply of food,” said Thiessen.
“Under supply management, there is fairness for farmers and benefits to processors, consumers, governments and the taxpayer. Farmers work together to produce what consumers need and want, without relying on taxpayers for subsidies. This process ensures that supply matches demand, allowing for a stable supply of food, which is for everyone’s long-term benefit,” added Smith.
BCDEPI is a partnership formed on behalf of the province’s five supply-managed agriculture industries: BC Milk Producers Association; BC Egg Marketing Board; BC Chicken Marketing Board; BC Turkey Marketing Board; and BC Broiler Hatching Egg Commission.
PWC is one of Canada’s leading management consulting firm, helping organizations large and small by providing industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build trust and create value.
Socio-economic impact of British Colmbia’s dairy, chicken, turkey, hatching egg and table egg industries – 3.6 MB PDF
Backgrounder – 400 KB PDF
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