Local residents who use food banks and school lunch programs will now have greater access to local food that has been donated by their neighbours, thanks to the new farmers’ food donation tax credit.
“The North Okanagan is renowned for its agricultural products and this program will put even more of those healthful food items onto the plates of people who need them,” said Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster.
“The tax credit connects local growers with local registered charities, and we all benefit as a result.”
The tax credit, worth 25 per cent of the fair market value, is available to individuals and corporations that carry on the business of a farming and donate a qualifying agricultural product to a registered charity.
The agricultural product may include meat products, eggs or dairy products, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, herbs, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms, nuts or other produce that has been grown, raised or harvested on a farm in B.C.
“The bright, industrious people who grow food in the Shuswap and North Okanagan give back to our communities in so many ways,” said Greg Kyllo, Shuswap MLA.
“Everyone in our region benefits because this program puts even more of our great products on more tables, and recognizes the generosity of our farming community.”