Nearly 300 farmers, chefs and food service professionals met to build business relationships around growing and serving the many agricultural and seafood products produced in B.C.
The Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef 2018 event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture. It connected B.C. chefs with farmers, ranchers and other producers from around the province to help educate the restaurant industry on the types of products being produced in different regions of B.C. and to establish direct sales routes from the farm to the restauarant.
“The connection between chefs and farmers is incredibly important for the continued success of B.C.’s agriculture sector,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “When chefs and farmers are able to connect like this, they’re better able to plan both their menus and their crops for the coming season. Chefs are often the greatest cheerleaders for B.C.’s farmers and ranchers, championing the local food system and showcasing B.C.’s amazing products in imaginative and delicious ways.”
The day-long event consisted of three panel sessions with renowned chefs like Lisa Ahier of Sobo and Ned Bell of Ocean Wise, as well as farmers and restaurateurs speaking to the successes they have experienced focusing on local products. In between panels, attendees were able to peruse the exhibitor stations showcasing a wide range of products from throughout B.C., such as hazelnuts, eggs, mushrooms, scallops, haskap berries, garlic, sea salt, beef, vegetables, apples, blueberries, pork, seaweed and vegan meat.