Signs to Grow Agriculture

Thursday, June 08, 2006 07:15 AM

Signs like the one shown at left, will direct traffic to some of B.C.'s best farms where consumers can makea direct purchase of products.

It’s called “Agri-tourism” and its a project designed to link consumers with some of the best agricultural products available in B.C.

Together with the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Agriculture, the BC AgriTourism Alliance (BCATA)will have special signage developed to direct people to farms where consumers can make direct purchases.

Agricultural Minister Pat Bell says it’s a win-win idea that helps farmers increase their sales, increases tourism, raises awareness of B.C.’s products and links consumers with top quality goods “I know of a honey farm where the farmer gets just $1 a pound for the product when its sold to a wholesaler, but in direct sales, he is able to sell the same product for $15 dollars a pound.”

Not just any farm will qualify for the signage. Farms must pass an accreditation that includes an on-site inspection and proof they have liability insurance. The cost of the sign is shared evenly between the applicant and the Ministry of Transportation. Bell says the accreditation will ensure consumers have a positive experience when they visit the farm. “It is not unlike choosing a wine with a VQA designation” says Bell “when you see that mark, you know the product is of high quality and that is what the BCATA accreditation will represent.”

Right now, the signs may be more visible in the lower mainland with 60 venues already approved, but Bell says farms in the Prince George region are welcome to apply for the funding to have the signs direct traffic to their door as well “I can think of a potato farm in Mud River that would be perfect for this, and Kawana Farms on the Old Cariboo Highway would also be an excellent candidate."

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