June 30, 2009
Celebrate Canada Day with the Best of BC Agriculture

LANGLEY – With the farmers’ market season in full swing, Langley MLA Mary Polak is encouraging British Columbians to take advantage of the opportunity to buy local.

“This Canada Day I encourage all British Columbians to buy local,” says Polak. “Not only is it good for our health and the environment, it is a great place to meet local farmers and support our economy.”

Farmers’ markets represent a value of more than $118 million each year to local economies, making them an important link in a viable agricultural sector. Log on to www.bcfarmersmarket.org to find a market in your community.

Summer is also a great time of year to visit local agricultural fairs, which are an important part of B.C.’s heritage. Visit the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions at www.bcfairs.ca for information about other events in your community and across the province.

B.C. grows and produces over 225 agricultural commodities and thousands of unique food products. Farmers’ markets and agricultural fairs not only benefit local economies, they also provide people the opportunity to interact with food producers, drawing communities closer and educating citizens on where their food comes from. For a map of farms that sell direct visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands website at www.al.gov.bc.ca/farmdirect/index.html

B.C.’s agriculture sector also produces juices, ciders and hundreds of award-winning table wines and ice wines. There are 710 vineyards (wineries and independent producers) across the province, producing over 60 varieties of grapes. The Vintner’s Quality Alliance (VQA) is a national symbol for quality wine, ensuring the wine is 100 per cent B.C. grown and produced to optimum standards. VQA wine sales average $155 million annually. For more information on the wines of B.C. visit the B.C. Wine Institute www.winebc.com

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