Buying locally grown and produced food doesn't just impact our farmers and producers, it impacts all of us. When you support Shuswap Grown products you're supporting our local economy, the rich culture of the Shuswap region, our agricultural heritage and most importantly, you're supporting our family, friends and neighbours.
Bringing together the farming and non-farming communities is central to the Shuswap Grown brand, and when that happens everyone wins. A 2012 market survey in nearby Kelowna and Kamloops showed that the twice weekly farmers market in each location contributes approximately $10 million and $5 million, respectively, to the local economies annually. According to Shuswap Tourism, there are eight such markets in the Shuswap region, and increasing the visibility and reach of these markets is important to the health of our agricultural industry.
Although agriculture is a central driver of our economy, it's also a central driver of our history. Agriculture has a special place in the Shuswap, keeping us connected to our past, while guiding us towards the future we want. Supporting our local farmers and producers will ensure we never lose sight of how we got here.