Agriculture is an important economic sector in the Vernon area. Quick facts on the North Okanagan Regional District from the 2016 Agriculture Census include:
For details on the types of crops, you can download the Regional District of North Okanagan Agricultural Brief.
The Vernon area has a diverse food-processing sector that has developed in partnership with the region’s agricultural base. There are an estimated 14 food-processing firms in the area. These companies supply local markets through farm gate sales and target export markets around the world.
Innovation continues to create new opportunities in the agriculture and food-processing sector. One example is the establishment of vineyards in the Vernon area with new grape varieties. Growth in Metro Vancouver is creating increased demand on agricultural land in the Lower Mainland making it desirable to relocate some farming and food-processing activities to areas where agricultural and industrial land is more affordable and readily available.
Notable food and beverage processors and agritourism companies in the Vernon area include: