B.C. farmers, chefs come together at ECNF event

The second annual Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef event welcomed about 500 farmers, chefs and food service professionals to the Pacific National Exhibition Forum in Vancouver.

The event consisted of a keynote presentation from renowned Executive Chef Ned Bell of Oceanwise and three interactive panel sessions where more than 20 speakers shared stories and tips to position more B.C. food on plates across the province; perspectives and opportunities for storage and distribution of local food; and best practices learned from 2018 success stories.

The panel sessions included chefs, farmers and local food champions from all regions of the province, including Shira Blustein of The Acorn + The Arbor, Chef Brad Holmes of OLO Restaurant, Kevin Hooge of Fraser Valley Hazelnuts Ltd., Abdul Majid of BC Garlic Growers Inc., Elizabeth & Matthew L’Heureux of Aurora View Farms, Chef Regina Lee of Gaia Kitchen, Amanda Swinimer of Dakini Tidal Wilds, Jennifer Gidora of Finest At Sea, Chef Andrew George of Nicola Valley Institute, Miles Smart of Cherry Lane Farms, Marleen Morris of University of Northern B.C.’s Community Development Institute, Lisa Powel of University of Fraser Valley, Andrea Harris of BC Cooperative Association, Bobby Lax of Tofino-Ucluelet Culinary Guild, Amy Quarry of Long Table Grocery, Rob Smith of Berrymobile Fruit Distribution Inc., Srinjoy Chakraborty of Coastline Market, and Christel Hagn of Kootenay Soulfood.

In between panels, guests were invited to visit over 55 exhibits showcasing some of B.C.’s best products, from poultry and beef to hazelnuts and honey.