[BCFSN] The 2014 Salt Spring Island Apple Festival - Apple Collection For Sale - over 300 apple varieties for sale.

Mon Sep 22 10:46:10 EDT 2014

I expect this will be making the rounds. Hot off the press

Pamela Zevit, R.P. Bio 
Adamah Consultants 

Coquitlam BC Canada

From: Celina Owen [mailto:Celina at refbc.com] 
Sent: September-17-14 11:01 AM
To: Celina Owen
Subject: New B.C. study shows strong public support for local farmland - for growing food & green
space

Good morning,

We are happy to send you the results of a new survey, funded by the Real Estate Foundation of BC and
Vancouver Foundation. While the focus is on agricultural land, results show that British Columbians
value this land for green space as well as food production.

Feel free to share the results. We have published a blog on our website
<http://www.refbc.com/news/bc-public-opinion-study-shows-strong-support-local-farmland#.VBms30vP7ok>
, which includes the survey report linked at the end of the article.

If you are sharing anything via Twitter, please use #ALR #bcfood

Kind regards,

Celina

--------

New B.C. study shows strong public support for local farmland

95% of respondents say the Agricultural Land Reserve should be preserved for green space and growing
food 

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014, Vancouver, B.C. - A public opinion study released today by the
<http://www.refbc.com> Real Estate Foundation of BC and  <http://vancouverfoundation.ca> Vancouver
Foundation found that four in five (82%) respondents believe farmland is a vital public asset, like
forests and water. 

Three-quarters (76%) of respondents either agree or strongly agree that the B.C. Agricultural Land
Reserve (ALR) is important, not only for protecting farms, but also for protecting valleys and green
space needed for wildlife habitat and recreational enjoyment.  

Meanwhile, 71% of respondents believe that laws protecting the ALR should be strengthened or
maintained. 

The online poll of 1,704 British Columbia residents was conducted in July 2014 to assess public
attitudes toward agriculture and food in the province. 

The two foundations commissioned the study to inform discussion and decisions on the future of the
ALR, a provincial land-use zone that protects farmland and land with potential to be farmed. The ALR
currently makes up 5% of B.C's land base.  

Among the survey's other findings:

*	When asked what priority uses for land in British Columbia were, respondents identified
"natural freshwater systems" (83%), closely followed by "farming and growing food" (81%).
*	80% of respondents are concerned about dependence on other countries for our food security.
*	73% of respondents say the ALR is a cornerstone of food security and the B.C. economy. 

"Local, sustainable food systems are a priority issue for the Foundation because of the link between
food security and community well-being," said Jack Wong, CEO of the Real Estate Foundation of BC.
"With challenges such as development pressure on agricultural land and changing weather patterns, it
is of vital importance to have forward-thinking policies that protect land for growing food, now and
for future generations." 

"This study demonstrates that British Columbians believe strongly in safeguarding our farms and
green spaces to ensure long-term health, well-being and resilience in our communities," said Kevin
McCort, CEO of Vancouver Foundation. "The Agricultural Land Reserve is a vital public asset
contributing to our ability to reliably produce fresh food, preserve local farmland and freshwater
supplies, and to support local B.C. farmers and ranchers." 

Both foundations have a province-wide mandate and support projects that promote strong, resilient
communities and natural environments. 

The poll was conducted by Vancouver-based McAllister Opinion Research. The survey is accurate to
within +/- 2.36%, 19 times out of 20.

<http://www.refbc.com/sites/default/files/BC-Poll-Agriculture-and-Food-Detailed-Topline-Report-Aug-2
014-PUBLIC.pdf> Link to full survey results. 

- 30 -

About the Real Estate Foundation of BC:

The Real Estate Foundation of BC is a philanthropic organization that helps advance sustainable land
use in British Columbia. It provides grants to non-profit organizations working to improve B.C.
communities and natural environments through responsible and informed land use, conservation and
real estate practices. Its funding programs support research, education, and law and policy reform.
Since 1988, the Foundation has approved more than $67 million in grants. Learn more at
<http://www.refbc.com> www.refbc.com. 

About Vancouver Foundation:

With over 1,600 funds and assets totaling $930 million, Vancouver Foundation is Canada's largest
community foundation. Each year, Vancouver Foundation and its donors make more than 5,300 grants,
totaling approximately $50 million to registered charities across Canada. Since it was founded in
1943, Vancouver Foundation, in partnership with its donors, has distributed more than $1 billion to
thousands of community projects and programs. Grant recipients range from social services to medical
research groups, to organizations devoted to arts and culture, the environment, education, children
and families, disability supports for employment, youth issues and animal welfare. To find out more
about Vancouver Foundation, please visit  <http://www.vancouverfoundation.ca>
www.vancouverfoundation.ca.

 Contact:

Celina Owen

Real Estate Foundation of BC

Direct - 604.343.2623  |  toll free 1.866.912.6800 ext. 103

 <mailto:celina at refbc.com> celina at refbc.com

--------

Celina Owen

Manager, Communications & Administration

Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia

660-355 Burrard Street, Vancouver BC, V6C 2G8

Tel 604.688.6800 | 1.866.912.6800 ext 103 | Direct 604.343.2623

Fax 604.688.3669 | www.refbc.com

 <https://twitter.com/REFBC> twitter long outlook   <http://www.facebook.com/RealEstateFoundationBC>
FB long 2

 <http://www.refbc.com/land-awards> 2014 Land Awards: October 17, 2014

Celebrating achievement in sustainable land use

Tickets are now on sale!

  _____  

No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2014.0.4765 / Virus Database: 4015/8229 - Release Date: 09/17/14

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