Located between the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Rocky Mountains, British Columbia is truly a province that is blessed with diverse landscapes and a mild climate – these geographical features make BC the ideal region for agricultural pursuits. Looking to become a farmer? Below, we explore some of the rich variety of crops that thrive in our fertile soils and contribute to the agricultural prosperity of our province.
Berries
British Columbia is a berry lover’s paradise. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are cultivated throughout the province and thrive on our lands. With increasingly high demand for berries across Canada and around the world, BC has become a major supplier to both national and international markets. The Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island are particularly well-known for their berry production.
Tree Fruits
Some of the most iconic images associated with BC agriculture feature our vast orchards that carpet the valleys. Apples, cherries, peaches, and pears are abundant in regions like the Okanagan Valley and the Fraser Valley. Warm summers and cool winters create the perfect environment for tree fruit cultivation, which makes BC a leading producer of high-quality apples and cherries for Canada.
Hops
The craft beer movement has really fueled the cultivation of hops in BC. With a favorable climate in the Fraser Valley, the fertile soil provides an ideal setting for growing hops. Being a key ingredient in beer production, British Columbia’s hops industry has experienced significant growth, supporting the local craft beer industry and contributing to the province’s reputation in the global brewing community.
Vegetables
Diverse climate zones in the province allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables year-round. Ranging from greenhouses in Delta to open fields in the Fraser Valley, farmers grow from the likes of tomatoes and peppers to carrots and broccoli. With a commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, BC’s vegetable producers are a hallmark of our agricultural industry.
Grains
The expanses of fertile land in BC also support the cultivating of various grains. Barley, wheat, oats, and rye grow in abundance, contributing to a thriving provincial cereal industry. Farmers in the Peace River and Cariboo regions play a significant role in supplying grains on a national (and sometimes beyond!) scale.
Wine Grapes
British Columbia has received international acclamation for exceptional ice wines and varietals with the Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley, and Vancouver Island being renowned wine-producing regions. The combination of warm days and cool nights in these locations allows optimal cultivation conditions for high quality wine grapes.
Nuts
Hazelnuts and walnuts are thriving in our agricultural landscape too! Coastal regions and parts of the Fraser Valley provide suitable growing conditions for nut orchards. BC’s hazelnuts, in particular, are widely recognized for flavor and exceptional quality.
If you are considering becoming a farmer and joining BC’s agricultural community, check out our active listings! BC Farm & Ranch Realty is British Columbia’s first and only real estate office dedicated 100% to farms and acreages – we’re here to navigate you through every step of the process!