| October 7, 2009 Time is Ripe for Picking the Best of B.C. Products WHITE ROCK – The fall harvest is underway and British Columbians are encouraged to take advantage of the bounty of fresh, local food as the time for holiday meals approaches. “Making healthy choices can start right here, in our community,” says Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordie Hogg. “Buying fresh, delicious produce from your local farmer or grocer is a great way to improve your health while investing in the local economy. It’s a win-win for people of Surrey-White Rock.” 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 Minister of Agriculture and Lands Steve Thomson. “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. 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. -30- | |
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