Food security, agriculture in Indigenous communities grows

Victoria, British Columbia - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia (B.C.) will be able to begin or expand their farming and food businesses through funding available in the next intake of the B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program.

Eligible applicants can receive professional mentoring and project-specific advice from qualified business consultants with experience in building agriculture ventures to help them develop their businesses and support food security in B.C.

The program supports the planning of farming projects in Indigenous communities. It leads to economic activity, local employment and contributes to the province's food production and food security. To date, the program has supported 48 communities and entrepreneurs through $297,390 in funding.

For example, the program is helping the Tsawwassen First Nations (TFN) with agricultural education and training to grow community involvement in farming and increase food security. Once farming activity increases, the TFN is aiming to establish a sustainable community garden and a community-supported agriculture program, which will allow customers to subscribe to receive fresh produce throughout the growing season.

Indigenous entrepreneur, Julian Napoleon is planning a market garden to grow vegetables on one hectare (2.5 acres) in Moberly Lake that will eventually provide produce to local farmers' markets, food hub and the Saulteau Band office. His agricultural project would see the return of his family's gardens that supplied enough produce for the entire Saulteau First Nation community during the 1970s.

Applications are being accepted on a first-come first-serve basis until the funding is fully subscribed. To apply visit: B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program.