The B.C. government has struck a partnership with the Netherlands as both regions increase their efforts to support food security in the midst of widespread inflation.
Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon signed the agreement with his counterpart in the Netherlands, saying it will help develop agricultural technology in both countries.
Recent international unrest, like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and skyrocketing oil and gas prices, has emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to produce sustainable food sources, said Kahlon.
“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,” he said.
By partnering with the Netherlands, B.C. can make greater advancements in agri-tech and create jobs while coming up with innovative ways to strengthen and diversify the food chain, the government said.
The Netherlands has been put a long-term focus on “circular” agriculture, a type of food production that has minimal impacts on the environment and climate.
“As a renowned leader in agriculture 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, 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.”
In April, Canadians paid 9.7 per cent more for food from the grocery store compared to April 2021 — the largest increase since September 1981, according to Statistics Canada.
“You’re looking at the perfect playbook for a global food security crisis. I don’t think we’ll run out of food in Canada, it’s just going to get more expensive, that’s all,” Sylvain Charlebois from the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University told CHEK News last week.
Kahlon announced the partnership during the first leg of a trade mission to Europe.
CHEK News
