As we head down an uncertain path with the United States, marked by potential tariffs and economic threats, it is more important than ever that we band together and support our local farmers, producers and businesses. Now is the time for a Team Canada approach, supporting products that are made in B.C. or Canada.

B.C. has so much to offer. If you head to the freezer aisle at your local grocery store, there are many frozen berry and fruit options that were grown right here at home.

B.C. apples are on shelves now, and greenhouse cucumbers are going to be hitting store shelves in a few weeks.

I am proud to champion our fabulous Buy B.C. program, which supports local farms and businesses, regional economies and the hard-working people in our communities who are providing for us.

With more than 10,000 food and beverage products bearing the Buy B.C. label, it has never been easier to identify and choose locally produced goods.

Though there is a lot of uncertainty out there right now, our government will continue to support local B.C. farmers, producers and businesses.

Our trade diversification strategy will help B.C. companies access new markets and build valuable global partnerships. B.C. agriculture, food and beverage products are already exported to more than 140 international markets, and we will continue to strengthen economic partnerships worldwide.

We never again want to find ourselves in this situation.

Our government will continue to bolster our food system through the Feed B.C. program, partnering with public institutions to prioritize local food.

This means more local food is being grown and served in hospitals, residential care homes and our public post-secondary institutions. In this way, we support local jobs, stimulate the local economy and build a resilient provincial food system.

It is all hands on deck to ensure we’re supporting our local farms, small businesses and food and beverage producers. Please continue to look for and choose domestic products.

Let’s work together to support one another and show what we can accomplish when we choose Canadian and Buy B.C.

Lana Popham

Minister of Agriculture and........

© Times Colonist