Vancouver Island - Overview
Last updated on February 5, 2025This largely mountainous landscape contains distinct, isolated agricultural areas, including the Comox, Sayward and Cowichan valleys, Saanich Peninsula, Nanaimo lowlands, Alberni Valley, qathet lowlands and many Gulf Islands.
Often, farms in this region are smaller and specialized, supplying local and tourism-oriented markets as well as those on the mainland.
Growing conditions
Agriculture in this region benefits from a maritime climate of warm, dry summers, mild and wet winters and a long frost-free season. Soils vary greatly with the terrain.
Crops, livestock and food processing
Growing conditions suit a wide range of production, including field crops, berries, tree fruits, dairy products, hogs, sheep, poultry and eggs, floriculture and ornamental crops. A growing organic and high-value sector includes vegetables, meat, dairy and beverages, as well as agri-tourism operations, artisan processors and cottage farms.
Local Vancouver Island information
Find out more specific information about the Vancouver Island agricultural region:
- Vancouver Island drought special e-Bulletin - July 17, 2024
- Industry contacts
- Local planning
- Soil and nutrients
Regional agrologists
North Island - Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, Comox Valley Regional District, Strathcona Regional District, Mt Waddington Regional District, qathet Regional District
Thom O’Dell
Telephone: 778-225-0960
Email: Thom.Odell@gov.bc.ca
Central Island - Cowichan Valley Regional District, Regional District of Nanaimo, Salt Spring
Bejay Mills
Telephone: 250-856-0958
Email: Bejay.Mills@gov.bc.ca
South Capital - Capital Regional District: Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sooke, Metchosin, Victoria, Mayne Island, Valdes Island, Galiano Island, Pender Island, Saturna Island
Megan Halstead
Telephone: 250-978-9727
Email: Megan.Halstead@gov.bc.ca
Resources
The ministry has developed regional guides as a resource for producers, on-the ground researchers, and consultants to reflect on the climate issues challenging environmental sustainability and local farm businesses and food production.
The Vancouver Island region encompasses all of Vancouver Island as well as the Gulf Islands, and qathet Regional District
Learn about what’s happening on the Island! Sign up for the AgriService BC: Islands Edition e-bulletin!
Contact information
AgriService BC
Have a question? Call or email and a staff person will assist you.
Telephone: 1-888-221-7141
Email: AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca