NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Ministry of Agriculture 2015AGRI0060-001533 Sept. 17, 2015 Organic Week Celebrations to include consultation results COMOX ʹOrganic Week celebrations have begun with the B.C. government issuing a proclamation that Sept. 19-27, 2015, will be known as ͞Organic Week͟in British Columbia, as well as indicating the results of recent consultation with B.C.͛s organic sector will be announced soon. From January to March 2015, the Ministry of Agriculture consulted with B.C. organic sector stakeholders on how to best strengthen the awareness and reputation of B.C.͛s organically produced agri-foods, locally, across Canada, and around the globe. The consultations involved regulating the use of the term ͞organic͕͟developing transitional strategies that support farmers to become certified, and supporting the creation of a brand to market B.C. organic foods. Organic Week promotes organic practices by raising the profile of the BC Certified Organic checkmark and informing consumers about the wide range of organic products available throughout British Columbia. On behalf of B.C. Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick, Comox Valley MLA Don McRae will present the proclamation to the Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC) co-president Carmen Wakeling this evening at the Comox Valley Farmers Market. The proclamation acknowledges the contribution COABC and the organic sector make to the economic and environmental well- being of British Columbia and celebrates the valuable contributions of the organic sector in providing a healthy, sustainable organic food system. Letnick will be attending the 10th annual Organic Okanagan Festival in Kelowna on Sunday, Sept. 27. A complete list of events organized throughout the province is available at: http://organicweek.ca/ Quotes: Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick ʹ ͞Organics Week is a great opportunity to support local growers and food producers, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in season, as well as the dairy, meats and value-added products available year round. This week is also going to be special for the sector, as the B.C. government prepares to announce new measures to support the sector͛s growth here at home and internationally.͟ Comox Valley MLA Don McRae ʹ ͞Comox Valley is home to an incredible range of organic foods, many of which are sold and enjoyed at our excellent Farmers Market. We͛re truly fortunate to have so many fresh and local foods available, as well as the economic and community strength they support.͟ COABC co-president Carmen Wakeling ʹ ͞From producers to consumers, B.C. is a leader in organics and National Organic Week is a great way to celebrate the achievements of the whole sector. COABC is pleased to join the government in recognizing the contributions of the B.C. organic community.͟ Learn More: Organic Week 2015: http://organicweek.ca/ Certified Organic Associations of BC: http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/ Media Contacts: Dave Townsend Jen Gamble Government Communications and Public Executive Director of Operations Engagement Certified Organic Associations of British Ministry of Agriculture Columbia 250 356-7098 250 260-4429 250 889-5945 (cell) Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect.