The Kootenay and Boundary Food Producers Co-op is excited about its first year pilot and wants to share its success story on Oct. 17.
“This is the kind of help farmers everywhere can use,” said John Abenante of Earthy Organics in Fruitvale and founding member of the co-op. “We are really pleased with the pilot distribution project currently underway ”
Regional secondary processors are also connecting with suppliers through the co-op to source their ingredients locally.
The KBFPC is truly a service for locals by locals. The member owned cooperative is fostering collaboration and services for local growers and in so doing is keeping money in our community. The farmer members are proud to embrace the vision of integrity, thoroughness and commitment to promoting local food consumption using sustainable and humane practices in our local food sources.
The official launch on Oct. 17, will be at the newly renovated Taghum Hall, located nine kilometres west of Nelson just past the Taghum Bridge. It begins with a community potluck dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a presentation and discussion at 7. Local producers and processors will be providing a “Taste of the Kootenays” with samples of their products during the evening.
Then at 8:00 the party starts — live music will feature Ronnie Hayward on standup bass, guitar and vocals. Other musicians are welcome to join him for a little local jam making.
Event sponsors include Otter Books, the Kootenay Country Craft Distillery and the Nelson Star. All are welcome.
The KBFPC members come from Grand Forks to Creston, from the border north to Naksup and Argenta. Interested food producers can email regionalproducerscoop@gmail.com for information or to arrange to showcase their products at the launch, or visit www.kbfpc.ca.
—KOOTENAY AND BOUNDARY FOOD PRODUCERS CO-OP