Residents of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine will be growing more food in 2017 as the Regional District and the City of Terrace begin their “Grow Local Training and Engagement” project.

The project is a result of the City’s successful application to the B.C. government’s Grow Local Program for $18,000.

The “Grow Local Training and Engagement Initiative” includes workshops focused on backyard food production with the aim of attracting and developing new residential gardens and gardeners. The hands on workshops focus on topics that have been identified as areas of interest in the community through the 2013 Agricultural Area Plan, such as gardening techniques for extending the growing season.

The $250,000 Grow Local program is funding projects in 10 B.C. communities. The projects are designed to:

• involve residents in growing local fruit and vegetables;
• increase awareness and appreciation for supporting local food production; and
• strengthen local food supply security.

The 10 projects include the developing resources on how to grow local food, group education and awareness activities, such as workshops, mini-courses, and “how-to” demonstrations, and one-on-one consultation and advice. The application process was administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.

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-dollar-a-year sector by 2020. Grow Local BC will assist in maintaining food supply security, a challenge identified in the strategic growth plan.

Quotes:

Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture –

“The Grow Local program 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.”

Carol Leclerc, mayor, City of Terrace ­

“Terrace is fortunate to have a climate that provides opportunity to increase the amount of locally grown food. The City of Terrace looks forward to the chance to provide our residents with hands-on educational programs and workshops focused on backyard food production, which will result in increased food security, the opportunity to explore new dishes, and ultimately make for a healthier community.”

Philip Germuth, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine board chair –

“The regional district is pleased to receive the grant from the BC Government Grow Local Program. The City of Terrace and Regional District jointly developed an Agricultural Area Plan for the Terrace area and this grant will facilitate further work with the city and the Ministry of Agriculture to support residents of our communities in growing more fruit and vegetables locally.”

Learn More:

News release announcing Grow Local: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016AGRI0058-001860

Program background: http://iafbc.ca/funding-opportunities/grow-local/