Three Nanaimo-based companies are set to receive provincial funding in an effort to encourage more people to buy local.
St. Jean's Cannery and Smokehouse, Taste of B.C. Fine Foods’ Little Cedar Falls Steelhead, and Foley Dog Treat Company will receive upwards of $46,000 in funding from the British Columbia government through its Buy Local Program. The money will be used to formulate advertising materials, kick start marketing campaigns and create contests that will encourage consumers to buy local."The support of the Buy Local Program is taking the B.C. agrifoods and seafood industry to new levels of success and gaining recognition worldwide. The local businesses that make up the community of Nanaimo are contributing to job creation, keeping hard-earned dollars in the local economy and providing locally sourced and produced products for families throughout the province," said Michelle Stilwell, Parksville-Qualicum MLA, in a press release.
Taste of B.C. Fine Foods’ Little Cedar Falls Steelhead is one of the first land-based recirculation aquaculture system salmon farms and produces approximately 1,000 kilograms of steelhead per year.St. Jean's Cannery and Smokehouse has been in business for more than 50 years and has become known for its locally sourced tuna and salmon, while the Foley Dog Treat Company produces dog treats and foods that are made from locally sourced ingredients.
Steve Atkinson, owner, Taste of B.C. Fine Foods, said in a press release that the government Buy Local program has helped his company reach more consumers within the province.
"The Buy Local funding is a resource that lets us reach more audiences in B.C. and share our sustainable freshwater aquaculture salmon farm model, so our customers can learn more about the fish they are eating," he said in a press release.
For more information, please visit http://iafbc.ca/funding-opportunities/buy-local/