Investment Agriculture Foundation celebrates Farmers’ Appreciation Week

September 11, 2012, Victoria, B.C. – Supporting agriculture starts and ends with farmers. That is why the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. (IAF) is proud to join the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets in celebrating the third annual Farmer Appreciation Week, September 8-15, 2012.

Agriculture is a dynamic industry that balances environmental, social and economic factors in a highly competitive business environment. Farmers balance these demands every day in an effort to produce the high quality food and ingredients that BC consumers have come to expect. It’s a complex business where innovation and adaptability are essential to sustainability and success at all levels.

“The IAF helps BC farmers and ranchers capture new market opportunities and respond to emerging issues by partnering with the agri-food industry on projects and initiatives that move the entire industry forward,” says Peter Levelton, chair of the IAF.

“Many of our directors are farmers themselves, so we are keenly aware that what happens on the farm shapes innovation as much as the research and development projects influence farm and business practices across the industry,” he adds.

In the first quarter of 2012, IAF allocated $2,138,217 in federal and provincial funding toward 25 new projects to help the B.C. agri-food industry seize opportunities and explore innovative ideas. These projects will impact operations in all different sectors to improve safety, sustainability and competitiveness.

Farmers’ Appreciation Week was started by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets to provide British Columbians with an opportunity to show appreciation for the farmers who grow the food BC consumers enjoy and depend on. Celebrations will be held at farmers’ markets across the province.

IAF is an industry-led not-for-profit that strategically invests federal and provincial funds in support of innovative projects that benefit the agriculture and agri-food industry in B.C. For more information on IAF and the programs it delivers, visit www.iafbc.ca.

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