Some of the Province’s best will be on display for Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Mission Hill Family Estate Winery for the Taste of British Columbia event – showcasing B.C.’s agrifoods and seafood products.

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Guests will be treated to mouth-watering dishes made from local fresh ingredients by some of the province’s top celebrity chefs such as Cactus Club’s Rob Feenie and Ocean Wise executive chef Ned Bell. Cooking demonstrations during the event will profile the diverse and sustainable produce and seafood grown right in the backyards of British Columbians.

Taste of British Columbia is also highlighting the participation and enthusiasm of young people in contributing to the future of agrifoods and seafood production in the province. Programs such as 4-H B.C. and Chefs in the Classroom are giving B.C.’s youth an opportunity to experience the agriculture industry and develop the skills for a successful career, while shaping the future leaders of agriculture.

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The Mission Hill Family Estate Winery is located near the heart of B.C.’s pristine Okanagan Valley. The family-owned winery was established in 1981 by proprietor Anthony von Mandl, O.B.C., and is internationally known for its exemplary vineyard estates, award-winning wines, glorious cuisine and spectacular mountain lake and vineyard views.

Quotes:

Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture –

“B.C.’s agriculture industry is the main event at Taste of British Columbia and it is such an honour to showcase our products to so many people, including The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Our farmers, fishers, ranchers and producers all share the passion and dedication to making the agrifoods and seafood sector world-class, placing it at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness.” 

Stan Vander Waal, BC Agriculture Council chair –

“Agriculture flourishes where soil is healthy, water is clean and cravings for locally grown and raised are strong. Aptly named, this event is just a taste of British Columbia because our province is home to so many memorable agricultural experiences and flavours. It is an honour to be part of this special occasion and it is with great pride that B.C. farmers and ranchers welcome The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to British Columbia.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. farms produce almost 1.2-million tonnes of crops and meats a year, as well as 717 million litres of milk and 842 million eggs.
• British Columbian seafood producers harvest 254,000 tonnes of fish, shellfish and marine plants each year. In 2015, total sales were over $867 million.
• The mission of Chefs in the Classroom: Edible Education is to teach children how to grow and enjoy Okanagan fruits and vegetables by introducing them to agriculture practices through hands on and interactive real-life experiences.
• 4-H B.C. members range in age from six to 25 years old and are part of clubs in more than 50 B.C. communities. The program encourages young people to become productive, self-assured adults and promotes knowledge, leadership, citizenship and personal development. The 4-H philosophy is “Learn to do by doing”.

Learn More:

Check out what’s on the menu for Taste of BC: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Taste-of-BC.pdf

For more information on how youth can get involved in 4-H, visit: www.bc4h.bc.ca/home

Find out more about Chefs in the Classroom: Edible Education: www.okanaganchefs.com/in-the-classroom/

Learn more about Mission Hill Winery: www.missionhillwinery.com/

Catalogue to success: Building on record B.C. agrifood exports: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016AGRI0053-001669

2015 sets another record for B.C. agrifood revenues: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016AGRI0049-001545