New food hubs being developed in Victoria, Bowser and Cowichan Valley

Food and beverage producers will soon have more opportunities to grow their businesses while increasing food security with the development of three new food hubs in Bowser, Cowichan Valley and Victoria.

The BC government is investing up to $2 million to purchase food-processing equipment and other startup costs.

The hubs will help small- and medium-scale businesses access shared food and beverage processing space and equipment to increase their production and sales.

Each food hub is unique, working with the local business and agricultural community to support the equipment and support services they need.

The food hub in Bowser will focus on seafood processing, while Cowichan Valley and Victoria will focus on working with farmers and food processors to create more value-added products.

“BC food hubs create new opportunities for small- and medium-sized businesses and strengthen food security so British Columbians can rely on locally grown and processed food now and for generations to come,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.

“Our BC Food Hub Network is a wonderful example of innovation at a local level, creating jobs and supporting farming, skills training and community building in the regions they operate.”