More locally raised meat will be available for restaurants and retail outlets following provincial government efforts to establish a more resilient B.C. food system.

To help more lower-income British Columbians, people expecting children and seniors gain access to healthy, locally grown food, the Province has provided approximately $1.88 million in funding to the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

Due to high demand from B.C. farmers and food companies, additional funding has been added to support more of the Buy BC e-commerce applications that were received after the initial funding was committed.

Agriculture, seafood, and food processing businesses in British Columbia can begin to access consulting and planning services to help with COVID-19 response and recovery, through a program offered by the federal and provincial governments.

New Buy BC e-commerce funding is available to help the province’s farmers and food and beverage processors overcome some lost sales during the COVID-19 pandemic by moving their products online.

High-quality care for animals in B.C.’s shelters, BC SPCA facilities, zoos and aquariums will continue during the COVID-19 response, with funding available to help organizations cover the costs of food and medicine for their animals.

All temporary foreign workers (TFWs) arriving in British Columbia for seasonal farm work will be required to self-isolate in government-managed accommodations for 14 days prior to being transported to farms throughout B.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greenhouse operators can now apply for carbon tax relief grants for the 2020 production year, until May 1, 2020.

March 27, 2020