STATEMENT
For immediate release.
ABBOTSFORD B.C | January 15th, 2025 – The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) has announced their partnership in the Sustainable Food Systems for Canada (SF4C) Platform, a national agrifood innovation and entrepreneurship program advancing agritech innovation in Canada. The program will receive $16.2 million in federal funding over the next five years through the Lab to Market grant. UFV’s Chilliwack campus will serve as the western hub for the program, offering courses, modules, and workshops to support agrifood entrepreneurs. This news marks a significant step forward for agritech innovation in the Fraser Valley and BC, with the initiative promising to unlock new opportunities for businesses and innovators while addressing some of the most pressing challenges in global food security.
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce has a long-standing history of championing the agricultural sector and its innovation in the Fraser Valley. In 2022, in partnership with UFV and the Abbotsford Community Foundation, the Chamber convened the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund (ADRF) Coalition to provide both immediate and long-term support to organizations, businesses, and farms affected by the 2021 floods. More recently, in 2024, the Chamber announced the successful passage of policy resolutions by the BC Chamber of Commerce, advocating for the strategic reallocation of low-quality agricultural land from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) to support agri-industrial use.
“The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes the vital role of our agriculture sector and celebrates the University of the Fraser Valley’s outstanding contributions to this essential industry. As the most productive agricultural region in Canada, Abbotsford generates an impressive $3.83 billion in economic activity annually,” said Craig Toews, Acting CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “This announcement of federal funding represents a significant achievement for UFV, and we are excited to see the opportunities for agripreneurs and businesses that will emerge from this national agrifood innovation and entrepreneurship program.”
The partnership between UFV and the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce aligns with the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, economic development, and technological advancement in agriculture. Previously, the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and UFV have collaborated on initiatives such as the 2022 report, “Canada’s Agricultural Hub – An Economic Impact Analysis of Agriculture in Abbotsford”, alongside additional programming that puts UFV at the forefront of agricultural development in BC.
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is proud to support this transformative partnership and looks forward to working alongside UFV and other community stakeholders to ensure the continued growth and success of the agricultural industry in British Columbia.
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About the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce:
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce has served the business community of Abbotsford with an attitude of vibrant engagement and proactive non-partisan advocacy for over 110 years. With over 700 members, it is the largest Chamber in the Fraser Valley, located in the 5th largest city in the province. The Abbotsford Chamber is nationally accredited to meet standards of business excellence and provide benefits to its member organizations.
Media contact:
Taylor Carlson
Marketing & PR Coordinator
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
marketing@abbotsfordchamber.com