B.C.鈥檚 Minister of Agriculture, 91大黄鸭-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick, has announced 20 successful Buy Local partnerships totaling more than $770,000 in a cities around the province, including two in 91大黄鸭.

The Buy Local program has received $8 million in funding since 2012 from the B.C. government to increase sales of locally grown and processed agrifood and seafood products within the province and is set to receive an additional $2 million a year over the next three years.

Locally, Little Creek Dressing is receiving $17,325 to increase sales and bring its products to a wider audience and differentiate it as a local, high-quality dressing by sampling products, print advertising, in-store displays, promotional hand-outs and upgrading the website.

Sun-Rype Products Ltd. is receiving $70,000 to increase sales and brand awareness for its Rider Cider hard cider with tribute ads, to develop packaging, create point-of-sale materials for the company鈥檚 70th anniversary campaign and for Rider Cider promotions.

鈥淭he buy local program plays a significant role in encouraging British Colombians to purchase local B.C. agriculture products which helps strengthen our provinces food security鈥� said Letnick.

The government鈥檚 Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan is aimed at supporting the building of domestic markets and maintaining a secure food supply, says the government.

The plan is a part of the B.C. Jobs Plan, and a key component in building the provincial agrifoods markets into a $15-billion-a-year industry by 2020.