'Buy Local' Scheme Coming to British Columbia
CANADA - Government funding is now available to support local food producers in British Columbia (B.C) by encouraging shoppers to buy locally produced food.
27 November 2012
1 minute read
The Buy Local Programme will offer applicants matching funds from CAN$5,000 to $100,000 to launch or expand local food marketing campaigns. Eligible organizations include associations, co-operatives, marketing boards, Aboriginal groups, companies and non-profit organizations.
The campaigns can promote B.C. food, seafood, agricultural products, agritourism, and include in-store promotions, social media or web campaigns, traditional advertising and on-product labelling. All applicants must have a head office or be registered in B.C.
Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be reviewed by an Industry Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from farming, manufacturing, seafood, restaurant and the retail sectors.
"Since being appointed minister, I have been met with farmers and food processors in communities right across our province, and I have been hearing some great ideas on how we can promote our diverse British Columbian food products," said Norm Letnick, Minister for Agriculture in Brish Columbia.
Mr Letnick has urged farmers to respond to the scheme.
"Now is the time to turn those ideas into new dollars for local food producers. I encourage those eligible and interested in promoting local products to apply for the funding that is available."
Building the local market for B.C. foods is a key commitment of government's Agrifoods Strategy, a component of the B.C. Jobs Plan, to lead the agrifoods sector growth into a $14-billion-a-year industry by 2017.
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