The B.C. government is investing $2 million to help B.C. farmers and food processors promote local foods, Agriculture Minister Don McRae announced August 30.
The funding will allow local businesses and organizations to launch or expand their own marketing campaigns, so different sectors of B.C.’s diverse food industry can use customized promotions specific to their market and needs. It is anticipated the funding will be particularly helpful to small-scale producers and businesses looking to promote their products.
Businesses and organizations will be able to apply for matching funding from the provincial government for projects that promote local foods. Projects could include in-store promotions, social media or web campaigns, smartphone apps, traditional advertising, on - product labelling and food-tourism maps. Producers, stores, farmers markets, restaurants, processors and industry associations all will be eligible to participate.
Building the local market for B.C. foods is a key commitment of government’s Agrifoods Strategy, a component of the B.C. Jobs Plan, to lead the agrifoods sector growth into a $14-billion-a-year industry by 2017.