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

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

“Our farmers work hard to put food on our tables and it is important to support them,” said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “What better time than Thanksgiving to seek out locally grown products to share and enjoy with our families. It is also a great way to benefit our local economy.”

“British Columbia has so much to offer and a thriving agriculture industry is certainly an important part of our province’s economy,” says Prince George North MLA Pat Bell. “As we prepare our holiday celebrations and enjoy a healthy meal with our families, we need to reflect on how important it is to support our local agricultural producers.”

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 provide for their holiday family feasts.

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.

“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.”

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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