The government of British Columbia has issued a proclamation declaring that Sept. 22-29, 2012, shall be known as "Organic Week".

Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick presented the proclamation today to the Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC) at the 7th Annual Organic Okanagan Festival in Kelowna.

The proclamation acknowledges the important contribution the organic food sector makes to the well-being of B.C. and the choices it provides B.C. consumers. The B.C. government is encouraging British Columbians to attend their local fall farmers' market or food retailer and celebrate the valuable contributions of the organic sector during Organic Week.

The B.C. organic sector is varied and includes field crops (grains and seeds), livestock, dairy, vegetables, fruit and berries, and spice and herb producers. Some of the speciality organic products being produced include baby food and ice cream.

Building the local market for B.C. foods, including the organic industry, is a key commitment of government's Agrifoods Strategy, a component of the BC Jobs Plan, to lead the agrifoods sector growth into a $14-billion-a-year industry by 2017.

Quotes:

Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick -

"Good and nutritious foods are essential for strong, healthy families, and the organic industry is an important part of our province's agrifoods sector. I want to congratulate COABC on their leadership, and I encourage everyone to get out and celebrate Organic Week in British Columbia."

Certified Organic Associations of BC president Mary Forstbauer -

"The COABC is proud to be a leader in the fastest growing agriculture sector in the world, and as we approach the third annual Organic Week, I am excited that our new Agriculture Minister, the honourable Norm Letnick, will be declaring Organic Week in B.C. We welcome Norm and look forward to working with him as we promote certified organic product in B.C."

Learn More:

Organic Week Proclamation

http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/2012%20Proclamations/default.htm

The BC Jobs Plan Agrifoods Strategy

http://www.gov.bc.ca/agri/agrifoodsstrategy.html

Certified Organic Associations of BC

http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/

Contact:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098
250 889-5945 (cell)