Meat lovers from Prince Rupert to Prince George are learning more about the range of locally raised and produced meat products through two projects funded with $43,725 from the B.C. government's Buy Local program.

Little Valley Farms has been raising cattle for three generations in Vanderhoof with increased emphasis in recent years on selling their beef, sausages, jerky and pepperoni products locally. A $36,000-Buy Local Project will help them do more of that by promoting their products in retail outlets, restaurants and caterers between Vanderhoof and Prince Rupert.

The project is a partnership with Little Valley Farms, the Vanderhoof-based abattoir Country Locker and young ranchers, Levi and Jessica Walker. The promotion will include in-store sampling and displays as well as product labels identifying the meats as locally raised and processed. Other elements of the project include a new website, radio and newspaper advertising and updated highway signs.

Kawano Farms is Prince George's only fully licensed meat-packing and processing facility and sources the pork and beef they use to prepare chops, steaks, mince, sausages, bacon, hams and jerky from farms and ranches in the region. They also process specialty meats like bison, lamb and goat.

Through $7,625 in Buy Local funding, Kawano Farms is reaching out to British Columbians in the Fraser-Fort George area to experience and enjoy local meats. The company has developed a new website and brochure that summarizes the family-run abattoir's 30-plus years' experience in serving their customers, their commitment to high-quality products, and to safe and sustainable operating practices.

The Buy Local program offers successful applicants matching funds up to $100,000 to launch or expand local food marketing campaigns.

Building the local market for British Columbia foods 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:

Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm -

"The North produces grass-fed beef products that are great on the grill and the table year round, and this project lets people know local beef is available."

"Consumers who choose local beef and food products support businesses and their communities, and I encourage all meat lovers in the North to enjoy local beef."

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond -

"The Buy Local program promotes quality local agricultural products like the locally grown meat from Little Valley Farms and Kawano Farms, and will help these farms provide their products to the residents of Vanderhoof, Prince George and as far away as Prince Rupert."

"By choosing locally sourced food, not only do we enjoy fresh, healthy food, but we support our local farmers. Buy Local will help inform people about the local products that are available in their area."

Little Valley Farms owner Ken Fawcett -

"Little Valley Farms is excited to partner with Levi and Jessica Walker, as well as Dwain Funk from Country Locker, in a commitment to increase the awareness of the great beef that is raised in our area. We believe relationships established today will help shape the future of agriculture in the Nechako Valley."

"By purchasing our products, consumers are able to serve healthy and quality meals, as well as be recognized for supporting food production that contributes to our community and our province."

Kawano Farms co-owner Mike Noullett -

"The Noullett Family and all the staff at Kawano Farms are pleased to be a part of the Buy Local Program. We are excited about bringing high-quality local products to the people of B.C. It is programs like this that drive local economies and provide access to local producers and processors."

Learn More:

Kawano Farms: http://www.kawanofarms.ca/

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

Keep up to date on the latest in B.C. foods and beverages: https://www.facebook.com/FoodsBC

Contacts:

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

Denise Dowswell
Little Valley Farms
250 567-0918

Mike Noullett
Kawano Farms
250 963-7127
kawanofarms@telus.net