NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010AL0027-000900 July 31, 2010

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

 

$75K FOR B.C. ASSOC. OF AGRICULTURE FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS

 

ABBOTSFORD – The Province is providing $75,000 to the B.C. Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions to help implement a five-year strategic plan, Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson announced.

 

“Many generations of young, urban British Columbians have learned about agriculture and food production at B.C.’s agricultural fairs and exhibitions,” said Thomson. “B.C. has many farms that have been in operation for over 100 years. Fairs and exhibitions celebrate this heritage and promote agriculture to a new generation of young farmers.”

 

This year the association will be celebrating its 100^th anniversary. The funding will be used to implement a five-year strategic plan to ensure the association continues to exist into the future. The strategic plan is designed to:

 

·         Educate the public about the important role B.C. Fairs play in promoting agriculture and local food production.

·         Improve the range and quality of member services offered.

·         Build further relationships with key organizations and commercial members.

·         Pursue long-term, sustainable funding and partnerships.

·         Continue to support the delivery of projects and programs.

 

“Agriculture fairs and exhibitions have been an important part of community life in B.C. since 1861, and today attract over 1.5 million visitors each year,” B.C. Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions president Leah North Hryko said. “This funding will help establish the future of our association and allow us to continue to support this vital economic and cultural institution.”

 

The announcement was made at the 100^th Abbotsford Agrifair, which was presented with a Century Farm Award. The Abbotsford Agrifair dates back to Sept. 20, 1911 when the Province and District of Matsqui sponsored the first exhibition of the Matsqui Agricultural and Horticultural Association. In 1983, the exhibition joined forces with others in Sumas, Gifford and Poplar to hold one annual event. Abbotsford Agrifair is celebrating its centennial fair from July 29 to Aug. 2.

 

“For 100 years, Agrifair’s mandate has been to promote agriculture,” said Agrifair president Harry De Jong. “Our five-day event bridges the gap between people living in urban and rural communities. This Century Farm Award recognizes our belief in community involvement and the importance of our community fair.”

 

Century Farm Awards honour pioneers whose farms or ranches have been in families for 100 years or more. The award also recognizes institutes and industry associations that have been active for the past 100 years or more. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in B.C.

 

Farm businesses, ranch businesses, organizations and institutions that may qualify for the Century Farm program can apply for an award on the Century Farm Award web site. For more information, visit: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/regional/CenturyFarmAwards/CenturyFarms.htm

 

For more information on agricultural fairs and exhibitions across B.C., visit: http://www.bcfairs.ca/

 

 

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Media Contacts:

Patrick Vert Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Agriculture and Lands 250 387-9147 250 213-2020 (cell)   Janine Saw Executive Director B.C. Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions 778 574-4082

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