October 7, 2009
Time is Ripe for Picking the Best of B.C. Products

BURNABY – The fall harvest is underway and British Columbians are encouraged to take advantage of the bounty of fresh B.C. food as the time for holiday meals approaches.

“We’re so fortunate in this province that we can produce so much of the food that we need,” says Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Harry Bloy. “This means we have a great deal of control over the freshness and quality of what we buy. I hope everyone will take advantage of this and support our agricultural sector.”

“If you want fresh and nutritious food, the best thing to do is to buy local,” says Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee. “It’s also a great way to connect with the hardworking men and women who grow and produce our food. Buying more local products can also lessen the cost of transportation and help reduce our carbon footprints.”

With over 225 agricultural commodities and countless more products available, B.C. has the most diverse agriculture sector in Canada. This diversity means people can source local foods and goods to meet their holiday entertaining needs.

“Knowing where your food comes from builds quality relationships between consumers and farmers,” says Steve Thomson, Minister of Agriculture and Lands. “As someone who grew up on a family farm, I know the value of this relationship to maintaining a thriving agricultural economy throughout the province.”

A visit to a local farm market allows consumers to choose fresh produce and find locally-made foods like jams, juices and sauces. It also means more of a family’s food dollars go to the people who work to produce the food, while directly benefitting the local economy.

This Thanksgiving, make a healthy and sustainable choice by buying local. Consumers are reminded to actively seek out their local producers, or look for labels at the supermarket indicating a product’s origins in B.C.

“We have a lot to be thankful for in this province, from award-winning wines and craft beers to a variety of produce and meats,” says Minister Thomson. “And don’t forget that in a few short months, we’ll have a chance to showcase it all to the world at the 2010 Olympics.”

To find your local farms, visit www.gov.bc.ca/al and click on the Farm Fresh B.C. Products button or visit www.bcfarmfresh.com.

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