SUMMERLAND, B.C. — A buy local program designed to support British Columbia agriculture has been given an extra $2 million from the provincial government.
The program supports agriculture and food companies that produce products that are grown, harvested and processed in the province.
“With stable long-term funding for the Buy Local program, local agrifood companies can continue to thrive and grow and reach larger audiences all over the province, provincial Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick said in a news release.
The Buy Local program is expected to receive a total of $6 million over three years.
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Businesses and organizations that apply are required to contribute 50 percent of the project cost, after which the Buy Local program provides matching funds.
Businesses can apply for cost-shared funds up to a maximum of 30 percent of the company’s reported annual revenue.
To be eligible, projects must increase B.C. agriculture, food and seafood sectors and help build consumer demand and sales for B.C. agriculture and food products sold in the province.
The government said in a news release that since 2012, its funding has helped successfully develop 200 projects and leveraged $29 million in investments through matching funds.
