Vancouver Island - Overview

This 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:

• 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.

• Regional Guidebook – Islands and South Coast (PDF, 4.4 MB)