Tourism Kelowna is seeking to pair area farmers with local restaurants using Buy Local funding from the B.C. government.

The B.C. government's Buy Local program will encourage diners and shoppers to connect the B.C. seafood they are about to enjoy with the place and people who harvested it, through $69,794 in funding to promote Ecotrust Canada's 'ThisFish' program.

As part of the British Columbia government's Buy Local program, the B.C. Certified Seed Potato Growers Association is receiving $5,000 to develop promotional materials that will help raise awareness about the value of buying B.C. certified seed potatoes.

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.

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick made the following statement at the British Columbia Fruit Growers' Association Annual General Meeting in Penticton today:

B.C. government funding is now available to support local food producers by encouraging British Columbians to shop for food produced in their own communities.

The government of B.C. would like the people of British Columbia to be on the lookout for the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) that will attack tree fruits, berries, grapes, vegetables, corn and ornamental plants.