BC Salmon Farmers Highlight Industry Strengths

Contributing to this demand and to ongoing sustainability of the industry are public outreach and education activities by the association and its members.

Addressing AGM attendees, BCSFA Executive Director, Mary Ellen Walling, emphasizes these efforts are necessary ingredients for social license and adds that "it is for this reason that in the coming year the BCSFA intends to strengthen our communication channels with our key stakeholders: customers, business partners, industry employees, elected officials and government agencies, and other interested parties."

“many men and women who work in aquaculture in BC and act as our ambassadors providing positive role models for our industry within their families and communities. I know that with your continued support we will have a strong and productive year ahead and that it will be a year which sees us solidify our social license to operate a sustainable farming industry in BC."

In 2006, farmed salmon was BC’s largest agricultural export. According to a 2007 report by Price Waterhouse Coopers, salmon farming’s economic output was over $800 million and total employment is more than 6000. Production increased in 2006 to 82,000 metric tonnes, up 16 per cent over 70,600 tonnes produced in 2005. Most of the province’s salmon farms are located in coastal communities, creating jobs and economic development in areas of high unemployment.