Lower-income families, seniors and pregnant women will continue to have easier access to healthy, locally grown food, thanks to an additional $750,000 investment in a successful farmers' market coupon program.

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick and the B.C. delegation have returned home after completing a successful trade mission to China. The tour included several deals that could increase B.C.'s agrifood exports by about $100 million within a few years.

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review and Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, on behalf of Pat Pimm, Minister of Agriculture, announced improvements to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) that will protect farmland in British Columbia and maintain the ALC's independence.

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick and the Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, presented Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals to Richard Bullock, Reg Ens and Nico Human at the Pacific Agriculture Show Gala, in recognition of their significant achievements and distinguished service to their fellow citizens.

With the release of the new Vancouver Island Coast Regional Agriculture Framework for Action, producers now have a valuable tool to help them take advantage of the many opportunities presented by the growing trend of buying local food.

Agriculture Minister Don McRae presented Creston's Truscotts family with a Century Farm Award to honour the 100th anniversary of Truscott Farms and the family's contribution as pioneers in agriculture innovation, irrigation, and crop adaptation.