Local farmers are being put on the map.
An Okanagan Farm and Food Map (called Buy Local! Buy Fresh!) is currently in creation to highlight local food and where to find it.
“It’s especially attractive to smaller, independent businesses,” said Shane Wright, co-ordinator of the Buy Local BC initiative.
The map links consumers with local food by making food producers from Armstrong to Oliver more visible in the region.
“There’s been significant interest in Coldstream,” said Wright.
The District of Coldstream is purchasing a sponsorship ad (worth $500).
“You’re literally putting Coldstream on the map,” said Coun. Maria Besso.
Wright noted that other municipalities (Lake Country and West Kelowna) have donated their advertising space to local farmers markets.
“We think this is a great idea,” said Anita Fletcher, organizer of the Coldstream Winter Farmers Market.
But since losing space at the Women’s Institute, the market’s future is uncertain. Therefore Fletcher suggested a summer festival be promoted in Coldstream’s ad space.
For now, Coldstream is planning to use the space to display its crest and has suggested the wording: Coldstream supports local agriculture.
Coun. Richard Enns suggested promoting Coldstream apples.
“I think you get more bang for your buck if you attribute something Coldstream’s really good at. We’ve been growing apples here for 125 years.”
The map is going to print in June and a minimum of 5,000 copies are expected to be distributed throughout the Okanagan in time for summer.
Farm listings and ad space are available for purchase, but registration closes Monday. Wright says that deadline could be pushed slightly (considering it is a stat holiday).
For more information, contact Wright at (250) 869-7248 or coordinator@buylocalbc.org.
