Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham has issued the following statement in recognition of B.C.’s agriculture producers and the upcoming Thanksgiving long weekend:

“As the fall season advances, the leaves are changing colour, the days are getting shorter, and there is a crispness in the air. It is time to get inside, gather around a table with family and friends, and enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.

“This Thanksgiving, I invite British Columbians to #BuyBC agriculture products when planning their holiday meal and enjoy the province’s fall bounty.

“More than 17,500 B.C. farms produce more than 200 agriculture products. Each one of these family farms has a story and they deserve our support. They are your neighbours and a big part of your community. We know that for every dollar in farm receipts, two dollars are spent in local municipalities.

“We have it all in British Columbia. Fresh local fruits and veggies, including potatoes, corn, carrots, beans, squash, lettuce, cabbage, cranberries and brussels sprouts. Your main course could include B.C. turkey, salmon, chicken, ham or beef. The choices are endless.

“Appetizers? How about trying something from our B.C. seafood sector? Halibut, sablefish and shellfish are just a few ideas.

“As you raise your glass to give thanks, you can do so with award-winning B.C. wine, craft beer, cider, spirits, juice or pop.

“Cap off your meal with pies made from locally grown pumpkins and apples, as well as whipping cream, or some of our tasty artisan cheeses from local dairy farms.

“The B.C. government has big plans for our province’s agriculture sector and we want to ensure our Thanksgiving dinner plates will continue to be filled with B.C. products in the future.

“We’re going to do that with a three-pronged approach that will build opportunities and sales for B.C. farmers and processors through Grow BC, Feed BC and Buy BC.

This is an exciting time for the sector and I look forward to sharing the details of these programs in the coming months.

“On behalf of the Province, thank you B.C. agriculture for coming to dinner. Happy Thanksgiving!”

Learn More:

For an original pumpkin purée recipe from the kitchen of the minister, please click here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Minister_Popham's_Pumpkin_Puree_recipe.pdf