From soil, sunshine and scenic vineyards to local small town brews, B.C. wineries and breweries are giving British Columbians a diverse sensory experience that is as extraordinary as the province itself.

The provincial government’s Buy Local program is providing 15 B.C.-based wineries and breweries with a combined total of up to $456,193 in funding to promote their local products through buy local projects, such as advertising campaigns and developing promotional materials.

Pacific Western Brewing Company is receiving up to $30,844 of Buy Local funding. As B.C.’s largest independent, locally owned brewery, the company has crafted a beer made solely with ingredients from B.C. called Cariboo Springs Lager. The funding will help launch marketing campaigns and create promotional materials for the new brew.

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The creation of Cariboo Springs Lager from local ingredients is supporting B.C.’s farmers and families that help make Pacific Western Brewing’s craft possible, while bringing a passion for local agrifoods and great tasting beer together.

Pacific Western Brewing was established in 1957 on a fresh water spring in Prince George. Over the past 60 years, the company has achieved many milestones. The brewery is bringing B.C. flavours to beer lovers all around the globe.

The Buy Local program has committed almost $1.6 million in funding to B.C.’s beer and wine industry since 2012 to support food security in B.C. and help local businesses grow and thrive in the competitive market.

The B.C. government has committed $14 million to the Buy Local Program since 2012, including $6 million over the next three years announced in Balanced Budget 2017. Approximately 200 B.C. agrifood and seafood companies have expanded their reach and sales in communities throughout B.C. since the program began. To date, $8 million of funding has been accessed, resulting in $29 million in investments through matching funds.

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 on behalf of the Province of B.C. Applications are available at: http://iafbc.ca/funding-opportunities/buy-local/

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Quotes:

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount –

“The Buy Local program is providing funding to wineries and breweries all over the province, helping put British Columbia on the forefront of innovation, competitiveness and market development in the industry. We are proud to support the hard work and dedication of the individuals who have the passion and skill to produce some popular products like those from Pacific Western Brewing in our own community.”

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie –

“Support for B.C. companies is keeping jobs local, growing the local economy and producing great tasting quality products to enjoy. The Buy Local program is connecting local producers and processors with British Columbians, so they can share their stories and strengthen the bond between the consumer and product.”

Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo-North and Minister of Small Business, and Red tape Reduction, and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch –

“The Buy Local program is helping small businesses invest in their future by promoting their products locally. B.C.’s wine and craft beer industries are growing fast, making significant economic contributions to the province, attracting high volumes of tourists, creating over 16,000 jobs combined and it is important that they continue to thrive.”

Kazuko Komatsu, president and CEO, Pacific Western Brewing Co. –

“Pacific Western Brewing has always represented the strong history of BC brewing around the world. Now, we are taking a stand with our agricultural neighbours.”

Learn More:

BC Tree Fruits Cider Company: http://bctreefruitscider.com/   

BC Wine Studio: http://bcwinestudio.ca/

British Columbia Wine Institute Society: http://www.winebc.com/

Ex Nihilo Vineyards: http://exnihilovineyards.com/

Fernie Brewing Company: https://www.ferniebrewing.com/

House of Rose Winery: http://www.houseofrose.ca/

Howling Bluff Estate Winery: http://www.howlingbluff.ca/

Kamloops Wineries Association: http://kamloopswinetrail.com/partnership_program.php

Laughing Stock Vineyards: http://www.laughingstock.ca/

Meyer Family Vineyards: http://www.mfvwines.com/

Pacific Western Brewing Company Ltd.: http://www.pwbrewing.net/

Ripples Winery: http://www.rippleswinery.com/

Robin Ridge Winery: http://www.robinridgewinery.com/

The View Winery Inc.: https://www.theviewwinery.com/

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards: http://www.tinhorn.com/

Buy Local program: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/market-development-and-trade/bc-buy-local-program