Program Enables British Columbia Food Processors to Thrive
News Release
June 22, 2016 – Victoria, British Columbia – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
British Columbia (B.C.)'s entrepreneurs in the food processing sector have an exciting opportunity to receive tools and expertise enabling them to innovate and capitalize on emerging markets with the new BC FoodWorks Program, funded by Growing Forward 2 (GF2).
The BC FoodWorks Program is investing up to $400,000 into the province's agri-food industry. The program is designed to provide guidance to B.C.'s new and rapidly growing entrepreneurs seeking to commercialize innovative food and natural health products. These efforts will lead to the creation of new jobs, while strengthening agri-food business networks and promoting the growth of the B.C. food processing sector.
Entrepreneurs participating in the program will receive support through customized workshops as well as one-on-one coaching and mentoring from a network of seasoned professionals in the food processing industry who can assist in helping processing ventures and overcoming identified challenges. The program focuses on empowering new or early stage B.C. agri-food processing companies that have high-potential growth and are seeking to grow their market presence.
Quick facts
- The BC FoodWorks program provides food processors with business advisory services and structured training that can help businesses succeed in domestic, national and international markets.
- The program funding is provided under GF2 through the Provincially Significant Projects Program – Innovation Program. GF2 is a five-year agreement which was launched in 2013, that provides a $3 billion, federal-provincial-territorial government investment in innovation, competitiveness and market development.
Quotes
"With our goal of making the agri-food sector a leader in innovation and job creation, the Government of Canada is thrilled is to support start-up and up-and-coming agri-food businesses in British Columbia. By helping entrepreneurs produce and market their innovative food products, we are helping to ensure a prosperous future for all Canadians."
- Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"This program is supporting B.C.'s entrepreneurs in the food processing industry by offering them guidance and opportunities to succeed in a very competitive market. The future of agri-foods is bright and with BC FoodWorks, the industry here in B.C. can continue to thrive."
- Norm Letnick, B.C. Minister of Agriculture
Additional links
- BC Foodworks Program
- Growing Forward 2 programs in British Columbia
- Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Contacts
Jill Milne
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
778-676-4460
Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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