British Columbia's newest centre of excellence is dedicated to agriculture, with construction progressing at the University of the Fraser Valley on a brand-new barn and greenhouses after an investment of $1 million by government.

Producers, retailers, chefs and consumers will receive enhanced information on British Columbia meat products through two separate projects the BC Association of Abattoirs is running as a result of $63,250 in Buy Local Program funding.

The Governments of Canada and British Columbia are supporting B.C. agrifoods producers to export to international marketplaces through a new program under the Growing Forward 2 agreement.

The BC Greenhouse Growers' Association is receiving $100,000 in Buy Local program funding to help British Columbians identify local, greenhouse-grown cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce and eggplants and the benefits of supporting B.C. growers.

Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm is taking a moment to highlight the benefits of buying local and celebrating the contribution of B.C's agriculture sector.

The Government of British Columbia has issued a proclamation that Sept. 21-28, 2013, shall be known as "Organic Week".

B.C. Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm issued the following statement in advance of Farmers Appreciation Week, Sept. 8-15.