December 11, 2009
'Tis the Season to Buy Locally

COQUITLAM – The diversity of B.C.’s agricultural sector means that British Columbians can find everything they need for holiday entertaining and gift-giving close to home.

“Most farms in this province are run by families, so buying local means helping B.C. families,” says Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Iain Black. “I hope everyone buys local for the holidays and that it becomes a yearlong tradition.”

“I can’t think of a single ingredient for Christmas dinner that isn’t produced in B.C.,” says Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Douglas Horne. “It’s so easy to buy local and it does so much good for our agricultural sector.”

With over 225 commodities and countless products, B.C.’s agricultural sector is the most diverse in Canada. While many consumers are already seeking local whole foods for the holiday table, many other B.C. businesses such as small-scale processors, winemakers, and nurseries can provide all of the trimmings for holiday entertaining.

“B.C.’s food processors produce a tremendous variety of tempting choices for the holiday table,” said Robin Smith, president of the B.C. Food Processors Association. “Pâtés and cheeses for appetizers, local meats and poultry for meals, chocolate for gifts; whatever the occasion, budget or taste, B.C.’s food processors make it simple to feed your family and friends quality local foods.”

British Columbians are encouraged to seek out locally-made foods and products this holiday season and year round. With 98% of farms in B.C. run by families, buying products made in B.C. supports the community as well as the local economy.

For maps and directions to local farms, visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands’ Farm Fresh B.C. Products webpage at http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/farmdirect/index.html.  

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