Which local government will be the first to receive the inaugural Leadership and Innovation in Agriculture award this September?

Local governments throughout the province can apply to be recognized for their work in promoting local agriculture businesses, products and awareness in their communities, by visiting: www.ubcm.ca

The award is a partnership between the B.C. government, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the B.C. Agriculture Council to recognize the role local governments in B.C. play in helping to develop a diverse economy as well as local options for fresh, healthy and great-tasting meals. The selected winner will be recognized as a leader in the development of policies or programs that support farming and food production, and that have made agriculture a top planning priority in their community. 

The award will look for local governments that have done things like:

• Developed an exceptional agricultural area plan and agricultural economic development strategy.
• Included farmers and ranchers in their planning process.  
• Increased the demand for local products.
• Attracted youth into agriculture.
• Supported the sharing of surplus local foods with food banks and shelters.

A full list of qualifying criteria is included in the UBCM Community Excellence Awards Submission Guide: http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/convention/Awards/15021/community-excellence-awards-application.html

Local governments have become more engaged in proactively supporting Agriculture Advisory Committees, Agriculture Area Plans and adoption of Minister’s Bylaw Standards in the last 15 years. All of these help support the Ministry of Agriculture’s Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan’s goal of the sector generating $15 billion in annual revenue by 2020.

Local governments can apply before June 17, 2016. The award will be presented at the UBCM convention in Victoria on Sept. 29, 2016. 

Quotes:

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick –

“B.C.’s agrifoods sector would not have achieved the record $12.3 billion in revenues and $3 billion in exports in 2014 without the support of local governments. This award will formally recognize the appreciation we have for local governments that prioritize agriculture in their communities, for the jobs, revenue and food supply security they create in their hometowns. By embracing agriculture in their communities, local governments help families enjoy fresh and local foods grown in their neighbourhoods, and build lifelong connections to where they live and where their food comes from.”

UBCM president Al Richmond –

“This new award recognizes the longstanding relationship between local government and the agricultural sector. I encourage all interested local governments to submit stories of excellence for consideration under this year’s program.”

B.C. Agriculture Council chair Stan Vander Waal –

“Agriculture continues to be one of British Columbia’s greatest success stories. Our farmers are producing an exceptional variety of agricultural products that are among the safest and highest quality worldwide. This award acknowledges the significant influence that local government policies can have on agriculture – everything from cultivating awareness of farming practices and providing space for farmers’ markets to ensuring that farmers have access to clean, affordable water and recycling services. By working together, we can all help B.C. farms continue to be a part of and support healthy, vibrant local communities.”

Quick Facts:

• There are 189 local governments in British Columbia, more than 140 farmers’ markets and 45 agricultural fairs and exhibitions.
• About 20,000 B.C. family farms utilize 2.6 million hectares to produce more than 200 agriculture and agrifood commodities.
• B.C. farms produce about 1.2 million tonnes of crops and meats a year as well as about 700 million litres of milk and more than 800 million eggs.
• B.C. also produces about 100 seafood commodities providing economic development opportunities for our coastal communities.
• In 2014, the wholesale value of B.C. seafood products grew to $1.44 billion. This is the second-highest level in the past 25 years. B.C. also exported 159,000 tonnes of seafood valued at $902 million.
• The B.C. government is building on the record $12.3 billion the sector generated in annual revenues in 2014.