The Government of British Columbia has issued a proclamation that Sept. 20-28, 2014, shall be known as “Organic Week”, Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick announced today.

Organic Week promotes organic practices by raising the profile of the BC Certified Organic checkmark and informing consumers about the wide range of organic products available throughout British Columbia.

On behalf of Letnick, Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo presented the proclamation to the Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC) executive director of operations Jen Gamble today at the Sorrento Village Farmers Market. The proclamation acknowledges the contribution COABC and the organic sector make to the economic and environmental well-being of British Columbia and celebrates the valuable contributions of the organic sector in providing a healthy, sustainable organic food system.

The Sorrento Village Farmer’s Market received the 2014 BC Association of Farmers’ Market award in the small market category. The Organic Week event in Sorrento is one of several planned over the next seven days. Letnick will be attending the 9th annual Okanagan Organic Festival in Kelowna on Sept. 28. A complete list of events organized throughout the province is available on the Organic Week website.

Quotes:

Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick -

“The B.C. organic industry is strong and well represented and when we support them, we are standing up for family-owned businesses that provide us with local and nutritious foods. I want to congratulate the Certified Organic Associations of B.C. on their leadership in raising the profile of British Columbia’s certified organic products. Happy Organic Week!”

Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo -

“It is a pleasure to present the Organic Week proclamation to the COABC at Shuswap’s Saturday morning gathering place, the Sorrento Village Farmers Market. The location is perfect, with a great mix of people including both locals and tourists, all coming together to support our local farmers and artisans.”

COABC co-president Mary Forstbauer -

“COABC is proud to be a leader in B.C.’s growing organic community. I encourage British Columbians to take part in Organic Week celebrations and learn more about our sector’s commitment in providing healthy and sustainable food.”

Learn More:

Organic Week 2014: http://organicweek.ca/

Certified Organic Associations of BC: http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/

Media Contacts:

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

Jen Gamble
Executive Director of Operations
Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia
250 260-4429