B.C. partners with Netherlands to support food security

A major partnership agreement between British Columbia and the Netherlands has been signed to better support food security in the province.

The partnership will help develop agricultural technologies (agritech) opportunities in both B.C. and the Netherlands.

“The ongoing international unrest, and the ever-evolving changes to regional and global food systems, has shown us the importance of a more collaborative approach to develop new ways to produce healthy and sustainable food,” said Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, Ravi Kahlon, who co-signed the deal.

“This agreement will help create more sustainable jobs and opportunities for British Columbians and allow us to better position B.C. as a frontrunner in agritech, aligned with key missions in our StrongerBC Economic Plan.”

The new action plan will deliver initiatives and cross-cultural learning exchanges to support sustainable agriculture and agritech opportunities for people and businesses in B.C. and the Netherlands.

The province said it will encourage collaboration in agritech and agriculture to increase food security, create good jobs, and help feed the world by promoting and improving more productive, diverse and strong food supply chains.

“Creating resilient and sustainable food systems for B.C. is essential for our economy and food security,” said Lana Popham, B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture and Food and the other co-signer of the agreement for B.C.

“The Dutch are known for their innovative food practices, and we are excited to expand our work with the Netherlands, while showcasing our own prosperous farming communities. This agreement will allow for more strategic resource sharing and create new opportunities for agritech practices and existing traditional farms right here at home.”

Specific strategies to help with collaboration between the government, science, academia and companies in B.C. and the Netherlands are the primary focus of the action plan. This model is referred to as the Triple Helix in the Netherlands and has contributed to the country’s success as the second largest food exporter in the world.

The Netherlands also has a strategic vision focusing on circular agriculture that produces food with as little impacts on nature, environment and climate as possible, which the province said aligns with B.C.’s agritech goals in the StrongerBC Economic Plan.

“As a renowned leader in agriculture (and) in food, the Netherlands has a key role to play in the global shift towards sustainable agriculture, but we need to share knowledge and collaborate to drive innovation forward,” said Marianne Vaes, the Netherlands agricultural counselor to the United States and Canada.

“The continued collaboration between the two jurisdictions will aid in creating a more sustainable agriculture and help to improve the food systems in both B.C. and the Netherlands.”

B.C. is also home to more than 150 innovative companies in the areas of food processing, precision agriculture, bioproducts, food safety and traceability, and soil and crop technology. Through this agreement, these companies will be able to develop and use leading-edge technologies to enhance productivity, increase sustainability and improve food security.

The province said being partners in the agreement will benefit each jurisdiction’s economies to create stronger, more resilient food systems.