Seafood e-Bulletin
February 2026
The source of program information, engagement opportunities, important updates, and upcoming events for seafood producers and processors in British Columbia
New This Month
- Buy BC Partnership Program - Accepting Applications
Important Updates
- Seafood Inspection Program’s 2025 Annual Report
- Free Trade Negotiation Consultations
Events
- February 19: Develop an Effective Export Marketing Strategy for your Agrifood Business webinar series
- February 5, March 5, & April 9: Next Wave webinar series
Programs and Resources
- B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service Available
- 2024 Annual Fisheries Production Survey Data
- Industry Association Governance Training Program
Reminders
- Update Your Contact Information
Buy BC Partnership Program
The Buy BC Partnership Program provides up to $2 million annually to producers, processors, and associations to undertake marketing activities that increase consumer awareness and sales of local agriculture, food and beverage products.
The current intake is open from January 26 to February 20, 2026.
Funding is available in two streams:
- For producers, processors, and cooperatives, funding is available from a minimum of $5,000 per year up to:
•A maximum of $15,000 per year for Applicants with an annual gross revenue less than $250,000, and
•A maximum of $30,000 per year for Applicants with an annual gross revenue over $250,000. - For industry associations, boards, and councils, funding is available from a minimum of $5,000 per year up to a maximum of $75,000 per year.
Note: To be eligible, an applicant must be Buy BC Logo Licensed by February 13, 2026.
The Buy BC Partnership Program is funded through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and is administered by MNP LLP.
Seafood Inspection Program’s 2025 Annual Report
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food (AF) is responsible for administering and enforcing B.C.’s Fish and Seafood Act (FSA) and the Fish and Seafood Licensing Regulation (FSLR).
The primary objective of this regulatory framework is to ensure safe fish, seafood and aquatic plants for British Columbians’ consumption. The 2025 Seafood Inspection Program (SIP) Annual Report 2, produced by the AF, contains information on licensing, inspections, and other compliance and enforcement (C&E) activities related to the seafood handling and processing sector, for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Free Trade Negotiation Consultations
On January 27, 2026, Global Affairs Canada concluded public consultations on the following trade negotiations (see links for more information):
- Canada-India comprehensive economic partnership agreement
- Canada-United Arab Emirates comprehensive economic partnership agreement
- Canada-Thailand free trade agreement
- Canada-Mercosur free trade agreement
On November 5, 2025, the federal government tabled a Notice of Intent to launch free trade negotiations with the Philippines. Look here for Canada's objectives for negotiations for a Canada-Philippines free trade agreement. Negotiations are well underway to reach an ASEAN-Canada free trade agreement in 2026.
We welcome you to send your views to the B.C. government on these negotiations at trade.policy@gov.bc.ca. Your input, highlighting both opportunities and risks, is crucial for ensuring B.C. businesses remain competitive in international markets.
Develop an Effective Export Marketing Strategy for your Agrifood Business webinar series
Learn how to develop an effective export marketing strategy that can help your business grow and diversify into new markets in this upcoming webinar.
When: February 19, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:30 AM (PST)
Where: Online - Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees
Reaching new customers outside of B.C. requires more than great products. Agrifood businesses need a marketing strategy that accounts for new buyers, pricing expectations, a competitive landscape, and the cost of interprovincial or international promotions.
Join Export Navigator and guest speakers for a practical session on building a marketing strategy for markets beyond B.C. We’ll discuss how to approach interprovincial and international markets, including how to adapt your value proposition, set effective pricing, and choose promotion channels that make sense for your business stage. You’ll also learn about funding and advisory support available to help offset marketing and expansion costs.
Whether you’re planning your first expansion outside B.C. or refining your approach in new markets, this session will provide clear direction and resources on how you can develop an effective export marketing strategy.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand the components and considerations required for an export marketing strategy.
- Discuss pricing and promotion approaches when considering entering new markets.
- Learn about the Trade Accelerator Program as a hands-on avenue to develop an export strategy.
- Understand how to leverage provincial and federal programs offered by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
This session is part of a five-part series for B.C.’s agrifood businesses looking to grow and diversify into new markets. Visit exnav.co/education for more information.
Questions? Contact info@exportnavigator.ca or visit exportnavigator.ca
Next Wave webinar series
Aquaculture North America, Young Salmon Farmers of BC, YoungFish, and Young Aquaculture Society, on behalf of the Next Generation Seafood Alliance, are hosting a three-part series exploring the critical issues shaping the next generation of the seafood industry. From empowering young professionals and fostering leadership to building public trust in aquaculture, these sessions bring together experts and emerging voices to share insights, strategies, and opportunities for growth.
Part 1 – Feb. 5: Future Skills for a Changing Industry – How to attract, retain, and develop young talent in seafood.
Moderated by: Andrew Richardson, founder & president of Young Aquaculture Society
- Linda Sams, former Sustainable Development director at Cermaq Canada
- Sean Pennells, aquaculture technician of Sanford Ltd.
- Christina Zantioti, president and co-founder of NOWA Network of Women in Aquaculture
Part 2 – March 5: Social License: Can the Next Generation Drive Trust? – Tackling misinformation and building public confidence in aquaculture.
Moderated by: Michelle Franze, manager of Communications, Partnerships, and Community for the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA)
- Katelyn Harris, Community Outreach and Education coordinator for the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA)
- Brian Kingzett, executive director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA)
- Joanna Mendes, ESG & Communities Partner at Tassal Group
Part 3 – April 9: The Seafood Leaders of Tomorrow – Developing leadership skills early and creating pathways for bold, visionary leaders.
Moderated by: YoungFish
- Kaitlin Guitard, Fish Health and Food Safety lab manager at Mowi Canada West
- Isaiah Robinson, Deputy Chief Councillor of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation
Be part of the conversation that will define the future of seafood—through collaboration, innovation, and leadership.
B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service
The B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service is a single source for support and referral to help navigate the relevant information, tools and funding available to start or expand activities in Indigenous food systems, food sovereignty, food security and the agriculture and food sector.
Staff provide provincial wayfinding services and program referrals as required to connect people to current supports and other available opportunities including:
- Support for navigating existing programs, services and funding opportunities
- Support navigating government’s organizational structure
- Coaching through project development and planning
- Connections to sector organizations, potential industry partners, and other collaborators
To access this free service, email IndigenousFoodSystems@gov.bc.ca or call 236-426-5024 and a staff member will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
2024 Annual Fisheries Production Survey Data
The Ministry of Agriculture & Food conducts the Annual Fisheries Production Schedule (AFPS) each year, collecting seafood production data from all processors and receivers in B.C. This information supports economic analysis and helps assess the health of the province’s seafood processing sector.
Data is aggregated by species and environment (wild or farmed). 2024 data is now available for public release. Questions can be directed to ALSTATS@gov.bc.ca
Update Your Contact Information
Moving or changing your phone number? Be sure to update any contact information for your aquaculture files by emailing Aquaculture.Program@gov.bc.ca with your file number and any updated contact information.
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