WHEREAS the agricultural and food sector is an important employer and vital component of the BC economy; AND WHEREAS the agricultural and food sectors in other jurisdictions, that compete with farmers, ranchers and processors in BC, benefit from government investment in programs that promote and market locally grown and processed foods as well as support for agricultural extension services: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM call upon the Province to honour the commitment in the BC Agriculture Plan, Growing a Healthy Future for BC Families, to invest 2 million annually in an industry-led marketing program that will increase public awareness and branding of BC grown and processed food; and in addition increase support for agricultural extension services by 500,000 annually as promised in the same plan.
Ministry of Agriculture The Ministry of Agriculture Ministry recognizes the benefits of increased promotion and marketing of local production, both to producers and the public. The BC Agriculture Council BCAC and the Ministry have extended the current BuyBC licensing agreement to 2015. In addition, the trademarks associated with this program have also been re-registered for another 15 years. The BuyBC licensing program forms the foundation of the branding program and clearly demonstrates governments commitment to this initiative. Ministry staff are currently reviewing options to re-instate this program. While the Ministry has not been able to fund the branding program to the full extent anticipated in the Agriculture Plan, the Ministry has been able to provide funding for marketing and enhancement for certain sectors. In July 2010, the Ministry announced a 2 million investment, matched by a 3 million contribution from the Federal Government, for the development of new marketing opportunities and infrastructure, and to improve orchard pest management for the tree fruit industry. This funding will allow tree fruit growers to gain the innovative edge needed to promote British Columbian grown fruit. The BCAC has indicated that they are looking forward to working with the tree fruit sector to assist them in promoting and branding their products. The Ministry will strongly support marketing initiatives such as this and will work with BCAC to broaden and enhance current buy local marketing programs. The Ministry also supports and provides limited staff resources to industry associations that support local food including the BC Association of Farmers Markets, Farm Direct Marketing Associations and the Small Scale Food Processors Association.