Farmers, fishers, producers and processors in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland will have more opportunities to expand their product lines and market presence with the development of a new commercial food hub in Richmond, B.C.
“Richmond has a thriving agricultural and seafood sector, key strengths in manufacturing and processing, as well as a vibrant restaurant and culinary scene,” said Malcolm Brodie, mayor, Richmond. “This initiative will build on these existing strengths to provide more opportunities for innovation, support for entrepreneurs and to create new jobs.”
Commercial food hubs provide clients shared access to food and beverage processing space and equipment. It also supports innovation and business and product development, as well as educational training related to food safety and processing. It helps create more demand for ingredients from local farmers and increase the number of people employed by the food industry.
“Many local food companies are keen to take their businesses to the next level, and food hubs help by providing access to processing space, equipment and business development supports,” said Pam Alexis, B.C’s minister of agriculture and food. “A new food hub in Richmond will build important connections within the community while strengthening economic and food security in the region.”
Over the next 18 months, the City of Richmond will undertake feasibility and business planning to identify gaps and develop a model to move the city toward a strong, connected and innovative food system. This work is expected to result in the development of a Richmond food hub that will support commercial opportunities and access for the region’s diverse agriculture and seafood sectors.
The B.C. government is providing the City of Richmond with $1 million toward establishing the hub, which will be the 14th in the B.C. Food Hub Network.
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