Go West

Along with all the positives, however, are a few worries. Kay Mukai, export manager at Vancouver-based Kenwest Enterprises, Ltd., believes it’s possible that “only producers of niche products for a certain market may benefit, while producers of common commodities may suffer with too much competition from low-cost developing countries.” Another question is whether China will eventually join the ranks, and how much impact its inclusion will have on Canada and other countries.

There is also the ever-present question of food safety. “Each country has its own product quality, import inspection, phytosanitary, food safety, and sustainability practices,” comments Grant. “It will take a coordinated effort to achieve standardized trading practices for fresh produce, otherwise we could see TPP countries implement other nontariff trade barriers.”

TRENDS & TRENDING
In the past five to ten years, produce buyers and sellers in Western Canada have experienced myriad shifts, from new trade agreements and surging exports, to breakthroughs in plant breeding and greenhouse technology. Prominent to many growers is a vigorous pursuit of sustainable practices and social responsibility, in a region long lauded for its breathtaking beauty.

Like the United States and elsewhere, demand for locally-grown product continues to climb. Furi believes the success of buy-local programs, with more consumer interest in ‘know your farmer’ initiatives, is leading to “a larger amount of product produced locally—mostly root crops or items like cauliflower and lettuce that can be put in storage.” This emphasis, he notes, will also require “land change to reflect more vegetable crops.”

Greenhouses, Sustainability & Organics
British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, a significant producer, continues to grow highly sought after blueberries (second only to Quebec), cranberries, apples, cherries, grapes, and more. The province is also making strides with greenhouses (growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and lettuce), producing 11 percent of British Columbia’s agricultural output on just 1 percent of its land, according to the BC Greenhouse Growers’ Association.

“Canada has seen a significant increase in greenhouses,” Furi confirms, “and areas in Western Canada receive more sunlight than any other place in Canada. As energy develops, I see larger areas in Western Canada converted or greenhouses added so we can start to grow lettuce in winter in a -25°C environment.”

Alberta is also reaping the benefits of greenhouses, selling vegetables both commercially and direct to the public. Advances in plant breeding and integrated pest management, along with LED lights for growing have dramatically improved yields and efficiency.