FRASER VALLEY - Whether you call them 'taters, spuds or plain ol' potatoes, there's no question this nightshade plays a big role in B.C., both on the fields and in our kitchens. To help give B.C. taters a boost, BCfresh was a recent recipient of a $16,000 Buy Local grant to help promote the Warba potato variety.

BCfresh is a grower-owned distribution and marketing agency, representing over 50 family farms in B.C. They market and distribute local farmers' products to local retailers, wholesalers, restaurants and national chains.

The government of B.C. is investing $2 million to help B.C. producers and processors promote local foods. This funding helps local businesses and organizations launch or expand their marketing campaigns, and allows B.C.'s diverse food industry to use customized promotions specific to their market and needs.

Quotes:

Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm -

"The B.C. government is committed to promoting local foods, and when consumers buy local they are providing fresh and healthy food for their family while generating economic benefits for B.C. food producers and communities."

Brian Faulkner, vice-president of sales and marketing, BCfresh -

"Warba is a unique product - It's the first local potato of the year. We're one of the few companies, and perhaps the only company that we know of, to grow them commercially."

Peter Guichon, Felix Farms grower of Warba potatoes -

"Our family has grown Warba in B.C. as an early-variety potato for over 50 years. We love its flavour and can hardly wait for the early summer harvest, the first in Canada."

Quick Facts:

• Warba potatoes are an heirloom product from the 1920s, designed to be an early-producing crop.

• Warba potatoes are available from June to August.

Learn More:

Buy Local program: http://www.gov.bc.ca/agri/buylocal.html

BCfresh: http://bcfreshvegetables.com/

Media Contact:

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