New regulations under the Agricultural Land Commission Act will encourage farming and help B.C.'s agricultural community fill the growing demand for B.C. food, locally and around the world, Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick announced.

Family-owned and locally operated McClintock's Farm is receiving $5,000 through the B.C. government's Buy Local program to create new opportunities for the company and increase sales.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia have invested more than $4.3 million to support business development, innovation, food safety, and sustainability in B.C.'s agriculture sector.

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.