North Island College in Courtenay will be joining B.C’s Food Hub Network.
A feasibility study and business plan are being developed at NIC to determine the potential and capacity to offer a food processing centre.
The goal of the hubs is to connect agriculture food producers and processors with shared technology, research and development, specialized equipment, expertise and services in a dynamic environment that benefits the local community.
Expanding the network could help provide local food producers and processors access to the expertise and equipment needed to grow their business at a regional food hub.
Other communities throughout B.C that are also taking part in the studies include:
-Kamloops Food Policy Council, Kamloops
-Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable, Victoria
-Upper Skeena Development Centre Society, Hazelton
-Vancouver Island University, Deep Bay/Nanaimo
Good to Grow Natural Products Coaching (partnering with the British Columbia Institute of Technology), North Vancouver
The studies are the next step in advancing the B.C. Food Hub Network.
They will enhance sustainable growth and innovation in the processing, packaging and marketing of B.C. food and beverage products, and showcase them to British Columbians and international markets.
