11 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca OKANAGAN Agriculture is a major contributor to Okanagan’s economy, including a mix of crops, livestock and processed products. Tourism and proximity of Kelowna, provides both local and export demand for added-value, high-value and organic products, and for cider, wine and beer. Fertile soils, hot summers and mild winters make for excellent growing conditions. THOMPSON-NICOLA Products include beef, forage, onions, potatoes, melons, herbs and highvalue medicinal plants like ginseng. The tree fruit and wine grape sectors are growing in this region, as is the dairy sector. The varied landscape has large tracts of high quality ranch lands, making beef production attractive. Agri-tourism is also a vibrant sector connecting producers with clients. VANCOUVER ISLAND This landscape contains distinct, isolated agricultural areas, including the Comox, Sayward and Cowichan valleys, Saanich Peninsula, Nanaimo lowlands, Alberni Valley and many Gulf Islands. Often, farms in this region are smaller and specialized, supplying local and tourism-oriented markets as well as those on the mainland. THE SOUTH COAST The South Coast is both a significant supplier and consumer of agricultural products, as half of B.C.’s population live within the area. Over 200 commodities are produced including cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, potatoes, dairy products, poultry and eggs. The region also hosts many of the greenhouse businesses in the province. SOME B.C. PLACES TO GROW SMALL-SCALE MEAT PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION The Small-Scale Meat Producers Association (SSMPA) represent British Columbia farmers and ranchers who are raising meat outside of the conventional, industrial system. Changes in meat inspection and licensing in B.C. has provided on-farm options for small producers who want to slaughter their own animals. Navigating production requirements, regulations and legislation in the small-scale sector can be challenging. The SSMPA have compiled numerous resources from food safety requirements to extreme weather preparedness to help to streamline the process. Members are encouraged to reach out to info@ smallscalemeat.ca with additional questions or for support. TEA CREEK Tea Creek is an award-winning, Indigenous- led, culturally safe, land-based Indigenous food sovereignty and trades training initiative located at Kitwanga B.C. Their Mission is to revitalize the culture of economic interdependence and food production that was a central part of life for Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas. TOP (L-R): RONNYBAS - ADOBE STOCK | SAL AUGRUSO/WIRESTOCK - ADOBE STOCK | KEVIN OKE PHOTOGRAPH - ADOBE STOCK | EDB3_16 - ADOBE STOCK | MIDDLE: SMALL-SCALE MEAT PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION | BOTTOM: TEA CREEK
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