A value chain is a business model based on collaboration. An agri-food value chain is a partnership between producers, processors and marketers created to improve quality, increase efficiencies or develop and market differentiated products to make all partners more profitable.

Value chains allows members to be more competitive by seeking market opportunities and linking production and processing requirements to meet consumer demand.

The BC Value Chain Initiative was launched by the Investment
Agriculture Foundation of BC with the aim of encouraging
and assisting BC’s agri-food industry to become more
competitive through value chain development.

From 2010-2011, IAF offered facilitated group sessions and coaching services at no charge for agri-food groups and individuals wishing to move from a price-sensitive commodity business model to a value-driven one. As a partner in the Canadian Value Chain Network, we also spent the past year working to raise awareness of the benefits of value chains and offered training.

Funding for the initiative was provided through the former federal-provincial safety nets framework.

The BC Food Value Chain Development Fund is currently offered through the BC Ministry of Agriculture to assist industry stakeholders in BC with the creation of a value chain development plan. For additional information, please contact:

Stephen Buchanan

BC Ministry of Agriculture

(250) 356-5861

stephen.buchanan@gov.bc.ca

Links and Resources

BC Food Value Chain Development Fund

Canadian Value Chain Network

Evolution of Agricultural Value Chains

Value Chain Assessment Checklist

How to Identify and Implement a Pricing Scheme that Works Best for My Value Chain: A Practical Guide

Value Chain Analysis of the US Beef and Dairy Industries

Pork Value Chain Study