For Immediate Release
September 24, 2022
Every Chef Needs a Farmer Announces Two Events
B.C. food and beverage industry networking event returns
Victoria, B.C. - Members of the British Columbia food and beverage industry will come together at the Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmers Needs a Chef event in the fall and winter.
“This event is a great opportunity for chefs to meet the people in our agricultural and food industry, and learn more about the amazing ingredients and products available in B.C.,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “And for farmers, ranchers, shellfish growers and other producers, being able to showcase their best to the restaurant industry is helping bring more local flavours to tables around the province, and strengthening the provincial food system and food economy.”
The third Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef networking event is welcoming back farmers, chefs and food service professionals after a three-year hiatus. This season, the event is returning with two smaller regional half-day events: one in Victoria on Nov. 7, 2022; one in the Okanagan on Feb. 28, 2023.
"As chefs, it is our jobs to celebrate
putting food on the tables of B.C. and
highlighting the stories of the producers, farmers, fishers, makers, artisans and processors from across our great province,” said Ned Bell, Buy BC chef ambassador. “The two unique Every Chef Needs a Farmer events allows chefs, cooks and restaurateurs to come together to meet with the people and families responsible for providing food for our tables and build those essential relationships for buying from within our province to create delicious dishes that support our fellow British Columbians to grow and succeed.”
Exhibitors from B.C.’s agricultural industry, farmers, ranchers and producers, will be invited to showcase their products and share information about the variety of what is produced in different regions of the province. The event will also include speaker sessions with chefs, farmers and local food champions.
The Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef event is part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Buy BC marketing program. Buy BC helps farmers, ranchers and producers market their products as locally grown, raised, harvested or produced, making it easy for British Columbians to Buy BC.
Quick Facts:
- In 2019, nearly 500 farmers, chefs, food processors, and other members of the B.C. food and beverage industry attended the Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef event.
- Approximately 60 agrifood and seafood producers and processors exhibited their products such as eggs, mushrooms, scallops, haskap berries, garlic, sea salt, beef, vegetables, water buffalo cheese, apples, blueberries, pork, seaweed and vegan meat in the agriculture showcase at the event.
Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef success stories;
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Get information about Buy BC, including details on how to become a partner, at buybc.gov.bc.ca, and connect socially on Facebook and Instagram @eatdrinkbuybc.
Learn more about Chef Ned Bell at nedbell.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram @nedbell
About Ned Bell:
Ned Bell is a well-known Canadian culinary talent who has forged a path as a chef advocate, keynote speaker and educator. Currently an operating partner, GM and Executive Chef at the Okanagan’s Naramata Inn, Ned uses his voice, outgoing personality and indomitable spirit to stand up for the world’s lakes, oceans, rivers, and sustainable farming practices. In 2014, he founded Chefs for Oceans to raise awareness and advocate for responsible seafood choices and launched his commitment with an 8,700-kilometre bike ride across Canada. He continues to earn recognition for his ability to influence consumers, industry, media and government on this crucial environmental issue and is a sought-after speaker and change-maker. There’s nothing he loves more than uniting and collaborating with other chefs, fishermen, farmers and influencers across the globe. Learn more at nedbell.com.
About Buy BC:
B.C.’s food and beverage products are renowned for their diversity, freshness and exceptional quality. Buy BC was created to help British Columbians select fresh-tasting, high-quality products that are grown, raised, and processed locally in communities across the province. Buy BC promotes a wide range of food and beverage products. The Buy BC program, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, serves to promote B.C. food and beverages to ensure consumers can easily identify and enjoy local food products, while supporting farmers and businesses throughout B.C.
Media Contact:
Krista Lochhead
Hatch Comms
778.227.2396
dba Ned Bell Culinary
Buy BC:
Andrea Hoerger
Senior Manager, Market Development
(778) 698-2583
www.buybc.gov.bc.ca
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Dave Townsend
Media Relations
250 356-7098
250 889-5945 (mobile)