Registration now open for the 2016 Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Cowichan Food & Drink Map

While the cool farm soils of the Cowichan rest under cover of mulch, the heat is being turned up on the 2016 production of Cowichan’s premiere farm, food and drink map making this the 7th edition of this valuable farm marketing resource in our region. REGISTER NOW!

Published annually in early spring, the map showcases our region’s abundance of local farms, food processors, and vineyards. It makes these hard-working producers more visible in the region, supports their growth into the market, and links consumers to local Cowichan-grown food. The map seeks to build relationships between all facets of the food chain for a stronger, more resilient local food economy. The map is available to the public for free.

Since 2010, we have printed 10,000 copies annually of the map which are distributed to both residents and tourists alike. Printed copies can be picked up at CGC’s office, via local farmers, farmers’ markets, and tourist centres throughout the Cowichan Region. The map is also available online here. The Buy Local! Buy Fresh Cowichan Food Map is also compatible with most mobile devices.

New for 2016

For the last six editions, the focus has been largely on farms and vineyards. For 2016, the map is growing to include local food processors, an integral part of our local food economy here in the Valley. From pasta makers to sauces, spreads, baked goods, fermented foods and more, the Cowichan is home to a diverse array of value-added products lovingly hand-made in small batches to showcase both flavour and regional terroir!

• NEW CATEGORIES! Due to the increasing number of food processors in our region selling locally made products such as sauces, spreads, pastas and more, we will be including a section of listings for these folks. If you are primarily a farm doing value-added products, you will still remain in our farm category! If you are a vineyard, you will be in our vineyard category.

• NEW REGISTRATION DEADLINE! We are pushing the print date up to April this year. As a result, the deadline for applications is February 1st so register now to secure your spot!

Evidence the map works!

As demand for local farm-fresh food, drinks and food products increases, listing in our guide is a cost-effective way for local farmers, food processors and drink-makers to reach this growing market. Our favourite anecdote from a 2015 map farmer: “I received several calls as a result of the map that resulted in sales. For example, a chef from one of the Valley’s local restaurants was interested in my grass-fed lamb and in that one call, I sold all of our legs of lamb. All the info he needed was on the map prior to the call. So, it really does work!” Nathan Harban, Local Forage Farm

Registration for the map takes place each year starting in December and closing February 1st. Click here to register online or download our registration form below and return with payment to 360 Duncan St.,V9L 3W4.

Spots are limited so register today. For any questions regarding listing on the map or other advertising opportunities, please contact Heather at heather@cowichangreencommunity.org or 250-748-8506.

BLBF-2016-Registration-Form