A new grant from the government of BC is set to help Okanagan food and beverage producers grow their businesses.
The $500,000 in funding is going towards the development of a new food hub in Salmon Arm, which will help businesses access shared food and beverage processing space and equipment to increase sales.
“The province’s processing sector is seeing success all over BC, and we are supporting farmers and food and beverage producers who want to take their products to the next level,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture.
“A new food hub will offer entrepreneurs in the Okanagan a place where they can create and package new products, receive business support and engage in training opportunities to help develop new innovative products that will strengthen food security, create good jobs and help the local economy thrive.”
The hub is scheduled to open next year, and there is reportedly strong interest from potential clients who make products from local fruit, vegetable and livestock/poultry farms, as well as support from area businesses and social organizations.
According to the government, BC’s food and beverage processors produce over $10 billion worth of value-added products each year.
