By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Nov. 10, 2012
B.C. government funding is now available to support local food producers by encouraging British Columbians to shop for food produced in their own communities.
The Buy Local Program will offer applicants matching funds, from $5,000 to $100,000, to launch or expand local food marketing campaigns.
Eligible organizations include associations, co-operatives, marketing boards, Aboriginal groups, companies and non-profit organizations.
The campaigns can promote B.C. food, seafood, agricultural products, agritourism, and include in-store promotions, social media or web campaigns, traditional advertising and on-product labelling. All applicants must have a head office or be registered in B.C.
Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be reviewed by an Industry Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from farming, manufacturing, seafood, restaurant and the retail sectors.
- Any food, seafood or beverage product made with a minimum of 85 per cent of B.C. ingredients. In addition, all processing and packaging must be done in B.C.
- Products made with less than 85 per cent B.C. ingredients are also eligible for funding, provided the processing company partners with a local farm or producer. All processing and packaging must be done entirely in B.C. and use B.C. ingredients when available.
- Agriculture products such as pet food, floriculture and nursery products that are not consumed by people.
The complete application criteria and program information including application forms are available through: www.gov.bc.ca/agri/buylocal.html
Hugh Kerr says
Is this likely to bring about objections from say, Washington state, that it is not allowed under NAFTA ? And what if the proposed agreement with Europe is signed: will we still control our own markets ?