The British Columbia Vegetable Marketing Commission (BCVMC) continues to play a central role in supporting the province's greenhouse industry, ensuring orderly marketing, regulatory compliance, and strategic growth for growers. As the public sector organisation administering the Natural Products Marketing (BC) Act, the Commission stabilises markets and provides a framework for sustainable industry development.
Modernising regulatory frameworks
In 2025, the BCVMC advanced a comprehensive modernisation of its General Order, reviewing regulations and producing 27 recommendations to improve clarity, fairness, and operational efficiency. These were shared with growers and agencies through written submissions and regional town halls. The updated General Order is expected early this year, followed by consultations on organic sector engagement, food safety improvements for smaller producers, and guidelines for multi-agency marketing.
Licensing processes have been streamlined with pre-populated renewal forms, improving efficiency while maintaining agency oversight. Enhanced reporting of Net Grower Returns also strengthens transparency across the industry.
Supporting greenhouse production and exports
BCVMC monitors market conditions affecting greenhouse producers, including labour stability, trade dynamics, and currency fluctuations. While U.S. labour costs and H-2A program restrictions pose challenges, BC greenhouse growers continue to experience steady growth and reinvestment.
The Commission facilitates international market access. For example, participation in the CFIA Pepper (Fresh) Export Program is now fully digital, supporting greenhouse bell pepper exports to Japan and helping growers maintain competitiveness in global markets.
Supply management and agency oversight
BCVMC's regulatory framework ensures measured and consistent greenhouse expansion through a supply management system. Colin Chapdelaine, president of greenhouse operator BC Hothouse, previously shared, "Our supply management system has worked. You can't just show up in British Columbia and build acres of greenhouses just because the pepper-growing conditions are good. This has allowed growers to maintain a good bottom line and prevent frenzied marketing."
Designated agencies centralise marketing, maximise producer returns, and maintain orderly market access. Agencies manage storage, shipping, labelling, and market engagement. The Commission's recent review of OPV Marketing Ltd. demonstrates the careful process for new agency designation, striking a balance between operational capacity, regulatory compliance, and industry demand. Stakeholder consultations and opposition from existing agencies were thoroughly considered to preserve market stability and pricing.
Research, development, and collaboration
The BCVMC also supports the sector through Research and Industry Development (RID) funding, ensuring projects deliver measurable benefits for producers. Engagement with advisory committees facilitates sector-specific dialogue and collaboration, helping the industry address shared challenges and explore innovation opportunities.
For more information:
British Columbia Vegetable Marketing Commission
[email protected]
https://bcveg.com/
