VERNON – The Province’s Buy Local Program is providing funding to local agrifoods companies to help them take their business to the next level of success and competitiveness.
Two Vernon-based companies are receiving a combined total of up to $34,300 of funding to launch advertising campaigns and marketing strategies, such as website development and promotional materials.
The BX Press is a third-generation apple orchard and cidery named after the North Okanagan region, BX, and the press machine used to craft fresh apple juice into cider. Locally owned and operated by Missy and Dave Dobernigg, The BX Press makes all its products with 100% B.C. grown apples from its own orchard, giving consumers local flavours that BC is known for in every sip.
They received $21,805 to increase sales in Vancouver, at local farmers’ markets and at private liquor stores with in-store promotions and tastings, launch new online store and promote through social media and redesign farmers’ market booth.
The Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC) is a not-for-profit umbrella association representing organic certifying agencies in the province. Its mission is to promote and provide education on organic agriculture and organic food and ensure the quality of locally grown and processed organic foods.
The COABC is connecting farmers to consumers and supporting the organic sector’s development through production and marketing. They recevied $12,500 to increase sales by attending more farmers’ markets, developing marketing materials, website enhancements and news releases highlighting individual certified organic producers and processors.
The Buy Local program has received $8 million in BC government funding since 2012 to increase sales of locally grown and processed agrifood and seafood products within the province.