Agriculture in Kamloops:
An Industry Snapshot

The Thompson Rivers Basin area supports a wide range of crops including fruits and vegetables, and the large valleys with lakes and rivers, provide fertile soil and a readily available water supply. The diverse climate of the region supports major crops like alfalfa, hay, most vegetables, and hard fruit along with specialty crops such as herbs, berries, and specialty trees. Local crop production is consumed partly within the region, with about 50% of production shipped to the west coast of British Columbia.

Beef production continues to be the primary agricultural activity in the region. The beef industry, along with accompanying crops and a small dairy, account for 85-90% of total agricultural acres. Both the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association and the B.C. Livestock Producers Co-op Association are headquartered in Kamloops.

Agri-tourism has gained a strong presence in the region as many farms and ranches have diversified to provide tours and B&B services. Besides direct employment, a strong service industry including equipment, irrigation, and general supply firms, supports the agricultural sector.

Kamloops’ Competitive Advantages for the Agriculture Industry


Ideal Climate

Kamloops has an ideal climate to support the agriculture industry. The warm, dry summers are desirable for field, fruit, and vegetable crops as well as specialty crops such as herbs, berries and specialty trees.

Kamloops’ Location

One of Kamloops’ advantages is its geographic location in the province of British Columbia. As a transportation hub with trucking, rail and air cargo access, the ability to move products from Kamloops to other locations in a cost-efficient method is ideal.

Lifestyle

Kamloops has a vast landscape with plenty of room in which to play and engage in an array of recreational opportunities, all while enjoying over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Housing is affordable and the cost of doing business is competitive, plus the area boasts exceptional schooling options and healthcare services. Employee retention is high in Kamloops with employees citing an affordable, quality of life in the region as a major plus.

Incentives for the Agriculture Industry


Agri Food Canada

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada supports the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector through initiatives that promote innovation and competitiveness. More Information

Investment Agriculture Foundation

The Investment Agriculture Foundation strategically invests federal and provincial funds in support of innovative projects to benefit the agri-food industry in British Columbia. Funding is available to help the industry seize new opportunities and deal with emerging issues. More Information

Machinery and Equipment Investment

Purchase of eligible machinery and equipment is exempted from Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Eligible expenditures include machinery and equipment used in manufacturing, software development, mining and mineral exploration, petroleum and natural gas production and logging. More Information

Agriculture Resources


City of Kamloops Agriculture Plan

The City of Kamloops has compiled a list of resources to provide active and prospective farmers with information on the government agencies, legislation, policies, and bylaws pertaining to agricultural property and operations within City of Kamloops boundaries. Also included are other resources that may assist with starting new or managing existing agricultural operation. More Information

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Grassland Research

Grasslands Research is a highly developed department at TRU with many faculty members involved. The department offers expertise on the effects of global climate change on grasslands, trophic interactions in grassland food webs, and the impacts of cattle on grassland-associated wetlands.

The B.C. Regional Chair in Cattle Industry Sustainability is working with the beef industry in B.C. to utilize the province’s rangelands and forage resource to produce the healthiest beef in the world. TRU has been involved in a project under the University’s new Centre for Innovation in Ranching, Range and Meat Production, to facilitate research and development to help ranchers, producers and suppliers adopt new technologies that support sustainable ranching practices. More Information

Ministry of Agriculture

The Provincial Ministry provides B.C. industry sector support, partnership programs, investment agriculture foundation information, and contacts to federal and provincial agencies relating to agriculture. More Information

Agriculture Organizations


Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market Society (KRFMS)

The purpose of the Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market Society (KRFMS) is to encourage, support and provide an outlet for local produce. More Information

Agri Food Canada

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada supports the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector through initiatives that promote innovation and competitiveness. More Information

BC Agriculture Council (BCAC)

The BC Agriculture Council represents over 14,000 B.C. farmers and ranchers and close to 30 farm sector associations from all regions of the province with a mission to continually improve the social, economic and environmental sustainability of B.C. agriculture. More Information

BC Food Processors Association (BCF)

BC Food & Beverage a not-for-profit industry association representing food and beverage manufacturers in British Columbia, whose membership represents approximately $7 billion in industry revenues. More Information

Small Scale Food Processing Association

Small Scale Food Processing Association supports independent food processors and growers. SSFPA provides leadership, education, marketing, networking, and advocacy to foster success in a competitive global market. More Information

BC Seafood Alliance

The Seafood Alliance represents the united voice of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses that comprise B.C.’s seafood sector, providing effective leadership, advocacy and communication in pursuit of a profitable and sustainable seafood industry in British Columbia. More Information

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