A Conversation with Minister Popham: Cannabis and the Evolution of Agricultural Policy in BC

British Columbia’s decision to bring cannabis under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food marks a pivotal shift in how the province supports and regulates this growing sector. In this keynote fireside chat, Honourable Lana Popham joins Orville Bovenschen, President of Village Farms Canadian Cannabis, for a forward-looking conversation on the evolving relationship between cannabis and B.C.’s agricultural sector — exploring how it unlocks new opportunities for producers, drives competitiveness, and strengthens the province’s leadership in sustainable innovation. This dialogue will highlight how B.C. is working in partnership with all levels of government, industry, and communities to build a stable, inclusive, and competitive cannabis sector that contributes to rural development, economic diversification, and B.C.’s global reputation for quality products.