Hough Heritage Farm in Gibsons is the recipient of up to $99,999 in federal funding as part of an Emergency Processing Fund.
Up to $16.9 million of the $77.5 million federal fund is being delivered to 117 food processing companies in B.C., according to a March 5 statement from West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler’s office.
“Today’s announcement is an important step to support our agricultural sector and farms like Gibsons’ own Hough Heritage Farm that are delivering products of the highest quality by employing the most ethical and humane standards,” said Weiler. “This investment will promote food security, support small-scale farming and help ensure our communities have access to nutritious food.”
The release says the money is being used by recipients to fund safety measures including adjusting operations to allow for social distancing, buying personal protective equipment, increasing cleaning and improving air circulation, and training employees.
“I am humbled and grateful for the support of our MP Patrick Weiler,” Raquel Kolof, owner of Hough Heritage Farms and president of the Sunshine Coast Farmers’ Institute, told Coast Reporter.
She said Weiler became “keenly aware of the need to support local farmers and help make farming financially viable,” after meeting with members from the institute. “This generous grant will allow for more sorely needed farm infrastructure on the coast,” she said.
