A new on-line system will help new entrants achieve certified organic status, as B.C. farmers continue to meet the consumer demand for certified organic B.C. foods.

B.C. food businesses sold more products outside of Canada than ever before in 2015, with exports reaching a record $3.5 billion, and that number is anticipated to grow as the Governments of Canada and British Columbia continue efforts to promote high-quality B.C. food overseas.

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick has issued the following statement in advance of B.C. Farmers Appreciation Week, Sept. 12-18, 2016:

Sales of B.C. agrifood products topped $13 billion for the first time in 2015, growing by more than $700 million for the second consecutive year, and contributing to a $2.5 billion (24%) rise in revenues since 2010.

B.C. Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick issued the following statement regarding the Government of Canada taking further action on the recommendations of Justice Cohen’s 2012 final report from the Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River:

Buying local doesn’t get tastier than this. Vancouver Island cheese companies, Natural Pastures Cheese and The Happy Goat Cheese Company, are tapping in to the water buffalo and goat cheese markets to make local, fresh tasting cheese for British Columbians to enjoy.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia are helping B.C. food and beverage companies serve and sell their products to the world through a $500,000 program to help them gain the research, knowledge and strategies they need to succeed in new markets.

British Columbia’s entrepreneurs in the food-processing sector have an exciting opportunity to receive tools and expertise, enabling them to innovate and capitalize on emerging markets with the new BC FoodWorks Program, funded by Growing Forward 2 (GF2).

The Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism Society (CVEDS), together with its partners, are inviting British Columbians to attend the 10th annual BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival June 9-19, and take part in the BC Seafood on Your Plate campaign, to experience local fresh, sustainable British Columbia seafood.