Provincial government will contribute $100,000 to the initiatives
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
The newly announced Powell River Sustainable Agriculture Training and Development Program (PRSATDP) will help develop sustainable, secure and local food sources for the Powell River, British Columbia community.
The Province will contribute $100,000 to the program. Another $25,000 is expected from local contributions.
“We really thank the BC Rural Dividend Program (which contributes to the economic strength of rural communities) for funding this project,” Mayor Dave Formosa said in a release. “(The project) will have a significant impact on the ability to increase food production in the region, as well as assure the success of existing farmers.”
A steering committee has been formed and will oversee the program. The committee will consist of local councillors, members of the Powell River Education Services Society, Vancouver Island University and the Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute.
"Our first step will be a facilitiated consultation session with farmers and food policy advocates to ensure this project will address the top priorities for improving and expanding the sector," Scott Randolph, manger of economic development for the City of Powell River, told Farms.com in an email.
Committee members say part of the program’s focus will be on issues facing current farmers, as well as on educating new producers.
“We are going to be building a training and development program that will provide solutions to obstacles being faced by existing farmers, as well as educating new farmers, to ensure the success of food production in the area,” Jay Yule, executive director of the Powell River Education Services Society, said in the release.