Image: File / Vedder Farm and Artisan Market via Facebook

By Garry Begg, MLA for Surrey-Guildford

OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Putting B.C. food and beverages on the map

Aug 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM

All year, British Columbians have been supporting local food and beverage products. Whether it’s at the farmers market, their local grocery store, or online, there are opportunities for everyone to “buy B.C.”

Food and beverages produced here at home don’t only feed and quench the thirst of British Columbians, they are also exported all over Canada and the world. B.C. products have a global reputation of excellence and the more we can support these amazing local businesses, the more we contribute to our own food security, to good well-paying jobs for British Columbians and to a diverse and resilient economy.

That’s why, in partnership with the Federal government, we’re helping support a strong food economy in B.C., with applications now open for a fourth round of the B.C. Agriculture and Food Export Program. The fund helps support eligible B.C. food and beverage suppliers increase opportunities in international markets.

The fund is estimated to give grants to up to 20 projects led by local food and beverage suppliers, and applicants can apply to three export-focused funding streams that will help with everything from advertising to participation in events and trade shows.

In the first two intakes of the program, we were able to help 49 companies complete 64 projects that helped with export market initiatives in over 20 countries, supporting local businesses to increase their export sales and continue to put B.C. products on the map.

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One local business our government was able to assist with this program is Vancouver-based Padmashri Naturals Inc., who produce B.C.-made Ayurvedic wellness supplements. The producer was able to participate in tradeshows, develop digital campaigns and increase brand awareness to target new markets in Singapore and Thailand.

This year, we’ve already committed over $1.5 million to 54 additional projects that are set to be completed in March of 2026, supporting even more British Columbians in expanding their businesses and contributing to a strong economy in B.C.

Applications for support through the B.C. Agriculture and Food Export Program are open until September 5th, 2025. For more information on how to apply, visit bcagricultureandfoodexportprogram.ca or contact your local MLA office for more information.

Building a strong, diverse economy is a top priority for our government, and we’ll continue to invest in B.C.’s excellent food and beverage producers, and the people who pour their hearts into these businesses. It is great that there are so many opportunities for British Columbians, visitors, and people around the world to “buy B.C.”

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.