With the application deadline for a new round of Buy BC funding closing next week, many past recipients are giving thanks for the programâs support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Campbellâs Gold Honey Farm and Meadery in Abbotsford had to adapt quickly when the pandemic cancelled all workshops, tours and events on the farm. Through Buy BCâs e-commerce funding, the Campbell family developed and launched a new website.
The initiative supported a social media marketing campaign that helped drive online sales. The online purchasing option allowed Campbellâs Gold to maintain its agri-tourism business and long-term customer relationships despite public health restrictions.
Tyler McNaughton and Sacha Bentall of Cutter Ranch near Fort Steele also look forward to introducing the Buy BC program into marketing and packaging for their grass-fed meat.
âThere is tremendous value in this program. We have had a number of friends in ag and the wine sector tell us how valuable this program is,â says McNaughton. âWe are excited to get this program implemented.â
BC relaunched the Buy BC program in 2017 to raise the profile and sales of locally grown and processed food and beverages. The Buy BC logo is a product of origin symbol that confirms the authenticity of BC agri-food products.
The deadline for the next round of funding is 4:30 pm on April 7. Applications are handled by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC, which administers the program on behalf of the province.
Buy BC committed more than $1.7 million to 69 projects last year for marketing efforts that let consumers easily identify BC-made agri-food and seafood products. Applicants must be approved for a Buy BC logo licence prior to seeking funding.
Project funding covers up to 50% of project costs for producers, processors, cooperatives, agriculture fairs and farmers markets, and up to 30% for industry associations, boards, or councils.
Market restrictions lifted