BC Association of Farmers' Markets Find markets in your area, upcoming events, and information on these markets for both buyers and vendors.
BC Co-operative Association: One of six autonomous regions affiliated wtih the Canadian Co-operative Association, the BCCA focuses on the promotion of co-operative enterprise and the provision of support services to members and the broader co-op sector in BC.
BC Food Protection Association: BCFPA was created in 1999 as a nonprofit association to promote food safety and to encourage the exchange of information in British Columbia. The BCFPA is the only food safety association in BC that represents the entire food industry.
BC Food Processing Association: The BCFPA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to representing all segments of the food, beverage and nutraceutical processing industry in British Columbia, and to coordinating common industry activities and resources under one umbrella. The Association represents micro, small, medium, and large processing companies and is a source of up-to-date information on the food processing industry in British Columbia.
Branding Canada. The Canada Brand strategy to raise the international profile of Canadian food and agriculture products is being implemented by the federal and provincial governments, in cooperation with the food and agriculture sector.
Certified Organic Associations of BC is the only government-approved body responsible for overseeing the BC Certified Organic Program and is designated to implement the program under the Food Choice and Quality Act. Its website is the "go to" place for everything organic.
FIOSA MIOSA The Safety Council provides health and safety resources for manufacturers in the food and beverage industry. The Safety Council is also the Certifying Partner for the Certificate of Recognition program for the food and beverage industry in the province of British Columbia.
Food Secure Canada is a pan-Canadian alliance of organizations and individuals working together to advance food security and food sovereignty through three inter-locking goals: zero hunger, healthy and safe food, and sustainable food systems.
Food Tech Canada The collective members who are FOODTECH Canada offer you a single door to the ultimate resource for food innovation and commercialization. FOODTECH combines expertise from twelve leading food & bio-product technology centres, linking state-of-the-art equipment and the most comprehensive facilities in all of Canada.
International Association for Food Protection: Founded in 1911, this is a non-profit association of food safety professionals. Comprised of a diverse membership of over 3,000 Members from 50 nations, the IAFP is dedicated to the education and service of its members as well as industry personnel.
Investment Agriculture Foundation: This foundation manages and distributes federal and provincial funds in support of innovative projects to benefit the agri-food industry in British Columbia. Funding is available to help the industry seize new opportunities and deal with emerging issues. [Also see the Guide to "Reformulate to Reduce or Eliminate Trans Fat" below.]
Kwantlen Polytechnic University Enterprise Budgets: Here you can find information on production costs and returns for 26 common vegetable and livestock enterprises in southwest British Columbia. ISFS’s enterprise budgets are specific for small-scale farm operation whose products are sold mainly through direct marketing channels, such as farmers’ markets and CSA box program.
Each budget is prepared in a pdf format with accompanying Excel spreadsheet. The user-friendly spreadsheets allow you to enter your own inputs. You can evaluate your farm operations in just minutes! A publication entitled “Enterprise Budget User Guide” explains in details the components of a budget and their calculations.
This project was generously funded by Vancity
Organic Consumers Association: Look for articles on genetically modified food and fair trade issues along with general information about organic food production. If you'd like regular updates from OCA through its "Biodemocracy News," contact biodemocracy@lists.organicconsumers.org .
Women's Enterprise Centre: The Centre helps women decide if business ownership is the right choice. It provides resources, tools, events, and training courses along with an "empowerment lending" program.
Community Futures North Cariboo: Community Futures North Cariboo is a grassroots, volunteer-driven economic development program and business resource centre that offers a variety of business advisory services, training, and access to financing designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow successful businesses.
Wildfire Business Transition Program: There are many programs established to support businesses impacted by the wildfires in the Cariboo regions. This link outlines all the programs currently available.
Small Business BC: Small Business BC helps British Columbia's entrepreneurs grow successful and sustainable businesses through expert business advisors, educational services, easy-to-use free resources and engaging community events.
Ministry of Agriculture Buy BC Program: The Buy BC Partnership Program provides cost-shared funding and a recognizable Buy BC logo to help B.C.’s agrifood and seafood sector market their products and increase sales within B.C.