Mission & Objectives

The BC Salmon Farmers Association was established in 1984, and its initial purpose was to coordinate the distribution of the very limited supply of salmon eggs that were available at the time. Since then, both the industry and the association have changed dramatically.

The volume of farmed salmon produced in BC has grown from only 100 tonnes in 1984, to 73,119 tonnes in 2002 (BC Production). There has been a strong industry consolidation trend - with a smaller number of larger, vertically integrated and more efficient companies now producing the bulk of BC's farmed salmon.

The BCSFA is a forum for communication and cooperation within the salmon farming sector, and the focal point for liaison between the industry and government. The association works to provide public information on salmon farming and to coordinate industry-wide activities such as the BCSFA Code of Practice, research activities, and various committees and community events.

The BCSFA mission statement:

To ensure the international competitiveness of the BC salmon farming industry through:

• Effective representation of industry issues
• Building a positive image of salmon farming
• Promoting the consumption of BC farmed salmon
• Provision of services to meet the needs of our members

The association works to advance a number of industry objectives:

• To maintain and protect BC's high-quality aquatic environment.
• To produce wholesome, superb BC salmon.
• To increase the demand for BC salmon, especially in the USA, at a price that will sustain a viable salmon farming industry.
• To enhance the consumer-friendly image for salmon and promote value-added product lines.
• To improve traditional seafood distribution systems and lower costs.
• To improve the efficiency and competitiveness of salmon production at all levels, including increased research into disease prevention and control, enhanced access to more and better varieties of salmonid species, improved production technology and practices, and better management tools.

Current BCSFA Committees include:

• Finance Committee
• Fish Health Committee
• Public Affairs Committee
• Technical Committee
• Research and Development Committee
• Code of Compliance Committee
• Nomination Committee/Membership Committee