The British Columbia government is providing funding of up to $25,000 each for 10 communities, so they can work directly with their local residents to help them grow their own food. Grow Local BC, a pilot project, was introduced to Union of British Columbia Municipalities delegates today in Victoria.

The goal of Grow Local BC is to provide a deeper connection between B.C. food, B.C. communities and the people who live in them. By encouraging British Columbians to grow their own fresh fruit and vegetables, they will help strengthen local food-supply security.

Urban and semi-rural local government and community organizations are encouraged to apply. The funding can be used to build educational activities, including workshops, to encourage and support residents in growing food at home and in their local community.

The launch of Grow Local BC completes a commitment in the 2016 speech from the throne.

The Grow Local BC pilot project is managed through the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF). Application packages and details are at: www.iafbc.ca

The BC Agrifoods and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan identifies the next steps in the B.C. government’s goal to grow the B.C. agrifoods industry to a $15-billion-a-year sector by 2020. Grow Local BC will assist in maintaining food supply security, a challenge identified in the strategic growth plan.

Quote:

Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture –

“Grow Local BC will further strengthen the value of the local agricultural sector among British Columbians. This pilot project will create a better understanding of how food crops are produced in our province and assist people in learning how best to grow their own food.”