Vernon is a community well known for its diverse range of locally grown and produced agrifoods in British Columbia.

It’s one of the many communities from all over the province that are producing some of the best tasting local, fresh products for British Columbians.

The Province’s Buy Local Program is providing funding to local agrifoods companies to help them take their business to the next level of success and competitiveness. Two Vernon-based companies are receiving a combined total of up to $34,300 of funding to launch advertising campaigns and marketing strategies, such as website development and promotional materials.

The BX Press is a third-generation apple orchard and cidery named after the North Okanagan region, BX, and the press machine used to craft fresh apple juice into cider. Locally owned and operated by Missy and Dave Dobernigg, The BX Press makes all its products with 100% B.C. grown apples from its own orchard, giving consumers local flavours that B.C. is known for in every sip.

The Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC) is a not-for-profit umbrella association representing organic certifying agencies in the province. Its mission is to promote and provide education on organic agriculture and organic food and ensure the quality of locally grown and processed organic foods. The COABC is connecting farmers to consumers and supporting the organic sector’s development through production and marketing.

The Buy Local program has received $8 million in B.C. government funding since 2012 to increase sales of locally grown and processed agrifood and seafood products within the province.

The B.C. government's Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan supports the building of domestic markets and maintaining a secure food supply. The plan is a component of the BC Jobs Plan, and the roadmap to leading the agrifoods sector to becoming a $15-billion-a-year industry by 2020.

The provincial government's Buy Local program is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia. Applications are available at: http://iafbc.ca/funding-opportunities/buy-local/

Quotes:

Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee –

“We have a long, rich agricultural history here in B.C., and a company like The BX Press is continuing those traditions, passed on from generation to generation. The Buy Local program is supporting B.C. companies and organizations by promoting their products through buy local initiatives to help them succeed in the industry’s competitive market.”

Missy Dobernigg, owner, The BX Press –

“The support we have received from the Buy Local Program has enabled us to promote our BX-Press ciders, showcasing them as very local as they are crafted on the same land the apples were grown. Buying locally produced products helps small businesses like ours keep the tradition for the craft alive, giving British Columbians a taste of our passion and hard work.”

Jen Gamble, executive director of operations, Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia –

“There are many reasons to choose local certified organic products, such as supporting local farmers and enjoying great tasting food. Whatever the reason, we encourage British Columbians to look for certified organic products when grocery shopping. And, thanks to the help of the Buy Local funding we received, we have been able to promote at markets and increase awareness about certified organics.”

Quick Facts:

• The following projects have received funding from the B.C. government’s Buy Local program.
  • The BX Press Inc.: $21,805 to increase sales in Vancouver, at local farmers’ markets and at private liquor stores with in-store promotions and tastings, launch new online store and promote through social media and redesign farmers’ market booth.
  • Certified Organic Association of British Columbia: $12,500 to increase sales by attending more farmers’ markets, developing marketing materials, website enhancements and news releases highlighting individual certified organic producers and processors.

Learn More:

Find out more about the BX Press ciders from Vernon: http://thebxpress.com/

Check out what COABC does in communities all over B.C.: http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/

B.C. Buy Local program: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/bc-buy-local-program