Invest RVR - Agri-Food

Agriculture Opportunities

There is a good inventory of available rural and agricultural land in north central British Columbia providing an opportunity for significant growth in this sector. Virgin land suitable for organic farming is plentiful and water is abundant. The Robson Valley is known for the amount of sunshine it receives during the long days of summer, and the fertile soil is ideal for short season crops. Currently, farmers are having great success with root vegetables, cabbage, kale, and garlic. Local growers sell garlic by the pound and produce enough to supply larger regional markets and large green houses are currently used in some farming operations. Opportunities for an agri-tourism venture are well worth considering.

Hay fields are abundant in the valley and there is an active range tenure program. There is community pasture land northwest of McBride. While current tenures are primarily for cattle, grazing has also been made available for sheep and horses. Lamb is sold locally, and a sheep farm is located along the Fraser River near Dunster.

Local Producers

Pasture lands currently support beef, goat and sheep farmers as well as dairies. Much of the livestock is sold on the commodity market but that is changing due to the presence of abattoirs and butchers in McBride and Prince George. Many producers raise chickens and sell eggs into the local market. Robson Valley honey is produced and sold in Dunster.

There is an abundance of arable land in the Robson Valley, and the fertile soil is ideal for short season crops such root vegetables, cabbage, kale, and garlic. Some local growers have established “box programs” to provide a regular supply of local vegetables to those living in the region.

If you are considering an agricultural venture in the Robson Valley existing producers are always glad to share their knowledge to help you along.

A producers group called the Three Valleys Community Development Cooperative was formed in the Robson Valley in 2002. This group is actively engaged in promoting local produce, sharing knowledge and machinery, and developing more markets for locally produced products.

One of the oldest Farmers Institutes in the province is still active in McBride, and the Robson Valley Cattlemen’s Association is another agriculturally related group important to the Valley. There is also the relatively new Robson Valley Growers Co-op and the Beyond the Market initiative from the Community Futures Development Corporation.

Community Markets

There are community markets in McBride, Dunster Valemount and Jasper throughout the growing season. These markets are the primary vehicle for selling horticultural products throughout the growing season. Residents of the Robson Valley know that fresh, local produce is environmentally friendly and a healthy choice for their families. Local markets are well attended and add to the success of the local economy.

The weekly Dunster summer market runs from July to mid September and boasts local pottery, organic beef, eggs, vegetables, crafts, garage sale items, and a popular hamburger barbeque made with local beef. The winter market sells a variety of soups, sandwiches, local baking and crafts. Both markets are an important part of the social fabric of the community, with residents enjoying a meal while children play.
Some product is destined for the larger communities of Jasper, Prince George and beyond. See a video of the market in Jasper.

Regional Connections

The following are links to help connect you to more Agriculture related information for the Robson Valley Region. We will continue to update and populate this with relevant information so please continue to check back.

Success Stories

There are many great stories of families and individuals who live and work in the Robson Valley. The “Agriculture” section of our website highlights individuals and families who are succeeding in the Robson Valley. We have captured a few of their stories to give you a taste on what life in the Robson Valley is all about.

Featured Success Story

C.E. Robson Organics

Chris and Elaine of C.E. Robson Organics share their inspiring success story of leaving their industrial jobs in Alberta, and making their dreams of having an organic vegetable farm in the forest on a mountain come to life right here in the Robson Valley Region!

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